The Night I Fought: Jesse James Leija

[mikeeod]

Your best boxing insights come with your cut and paste skills Master. Keep them up.

True story. My first trip to Vegas I asked Leija to take a photo of me by the Lewis Tua ring display in mandalay Bay reception. Just thought he was hanging round like me. I had no idea who he was by sight but knew him by name. When I saw him fight later that night on undercard I realised. Forget who his opponent was but he won a decision I think...

It was Ivan Robinson which is a good win on paper but Robinson's best wins were past him by then.

I am glad Jesse James Leija has respect for Azumah Nelson since he fought him 4 times and Gabriel Ruelas was a top draw fighter.

I thought both Ruelas brothers were going to be p4p guys, but then Raf pissed off Oscar and Gabe killed Jimmy Garcia. Of the two, I think Gabe was the better fighter. Leija doesn’t really say much about it in that article, but Gabe fought like a man possessed that night. Jesse always gave a solid effort, glad to see he isn’t bitter.