Best fights of Jesse James Leija
Over 16 years as a professional, Jesse James Leija has compiled a 47-7-2 (19) record, including 13 title fights across four weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Jesse James Leija defeats Azumah Nelson in their 2nd fight
On May 7, 1994 Jesse James Leija fought Azumah Nelson for the WBC super featherweight title. It was their second meeting. Leija was 27 years old with a record of 27-0-2, and Nelson was 35 with a record of 36-2-2. Leija was coming off a win. Leija won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new super featherweight champion.
2. Jesse James Leija draws with Azumah Nelson
On September 10, 1993 Jesse James Leija fought Azumah Nelson for the WBC super featherweight title. Leija was 27 years old with a record of 26-0-1, and Nelson was 35 with a record of 36-2-1. Leija was on an undefeated 11-fight winning streak and Nelson was on a 3-fight winning streak. The fight ended in a split decision.
3. Jesse James Leija defeats Ivan Robinson
On November 11, 2000 Jesse James Leija faced Ivan Robinson in a lightweight bout. Leija was 34 years old with a record of 40-5-2, and Robinson was 29 with a record of 29-4-1. Leija was coming off a loss. Leija won via unanimous decision.
4. Jesse James Leija defeats Azumah Nelson in their 4th fight
On July 11, 1998 Jesse James Leija fought Azumah Nelson for the vacant IBA lightweight title. It was their fourth meeting. Leija was 32 years old with a record of 36-3-2, and Nelson was 39 with a record of 38-4-2. Leija was on a 6-fight winning streak, while Nelson was coming off a loss. Leija won via unanimous decision. Won the vacant title.
5. Jesse James Leija loses to Kostya Tszyu via KO
On January 19, 2003 Jesse James Leija fought Kostya Tszyu for the undisputed super lightweight title. Leija was 36 years old with a record of 43-5-2, and Tszyu was 33 with a record of 29-1. Leija was coming off a win and Tszyu was on a 11-fight winning streak. Tszyu stopped Leija via retirement in the 6th round. Failed to capture the title.
6. Jesse James Leija loses to Shane Mosley via KO
On November 14, 1998 Jesse James Leija fought Shane Mosley for the IBF lightweight title. Leija was 32 years old with a record of 37-3-2, and Mosley was 27 with a record of 29-0. Leija was on a 7-fight winning streak and Mosley was on an undefeated 29-fight winning streak. Mosley stopped Leija via retirement in the 9th round. Failed to capture the title. Lasted into the 9th round.
7. Jesse James Leija KOs Fred Ladd
On January 7, 2001 Jesse James Leija faced Fred Ladd. Leija was 34 years old with a record of 41-5-2, and Ladd was 0 with a record of 0-0. Leija was coming off a win. Leija stopped Fred Ladd via TKO in the 3rd round.
8. Jesse James Leija defeats Jeff Mayweather
On May 2, 1995 Jesse James Leija faced Jeff Mayweather in a super featherweight bout. Leija was 28 years old with a record of 28-1-2, and Mayweather was 30 with a record of 29-6-4. Leija was coming off a loss. Leija won via unanimous decision.
9. Jesse James Leija loses to Gabriel Ruelas via unanimous decision
On September 17, 1994 Jesse James Leija defended his WBC super featherweight title against Gabriel Ruelas. Leija was 28 years old with a record of 28-0-2, and Ruelas was 24 with a record of 38-2. Leija was on an undefeated 2-fight winning streak and Ruelas was on a 5-fight winning streak. Leija lost via unanimous decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Ruelas.
10. Jesse James Leija KOs Fernando Mena
On November 15, 2003 Jesse James Leija faced Fernando Mena. Leija was 37 years old with a record of 44-6-2, and Mena was 0 with a record of 0-0. Leija was coming off a win. Leija stopped Fernando Mena via TKO in the 2nd round.