[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ``JESSE'' JAMES LEIJA

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2005

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a San 
Antonio hometown hero.
  The ``sweet science,'' as the sport of boxing has been called, has 
provided an arena for epic battles that have produced larger than life 
prize-fight champions who have, throughout the sport's history, 
captivated the national attention.
  Marciano, Ali, Leonard, De La Hoya--all of them are synonymous with 
boxing and all are well-known champions. However, for every prize-
fighter who captured a title and the national spotlight, there is one 
whose career has not received the attention and accolades it truly 
deserves.
  ``Jesse'' James Leija of San Antonio is one of those champions, and 
his career and commitment to succeeding deserves to be commemorated.
  Best known to fans of the sport. ``Jesse'' James'' intense talent in 
the ring resulted in some of the best boxing matches in recent history. 
And in a sport that has seen it's share of controversial personas, 
``Jesse'' James always maintained a dignity and respect for his 
opponent, the sport and the fans.
  While many boxing careers last only a few years, ``Jesse'' James' 
recently announced that he is retiring after an astonishing seventeen 
years in the ring.
  The sport will undoubtedly miss him.
  ``Jesse'' James had a truly impressive career. Having faced and 
overcome seemingly insurmountable odds on his way to achieving great 
success, the story of ``Jesse'' James Leija is one that can inspire 
anyone, in or out of the ring.
  Born and raised on the South Side of San Antonio, James is a proud 
graduate of Harlandale High School where being told he was too small to 
play football drove him in the direction of an even more challenging 
sport--boxing.
  His parents, including his former pro-fighter father, would not allow 
him to box until he graduated from high school. So compared to most 
aspiring boxers, James got a late start first entering the ring at the 
age of 22. He quickly won his first fifteen fights and ultimately 
compiled an impressive 23 win and 5 loss amateur record. He won a San 
Antonio Golden Gloves title, won the 1988 Western Olympic Trials and 
competed in the 1988 Olympic Trials.
  In 1994, Leija became only the third San Antono boxer to win a world 
title when he defeated the legendary Ghana warrior and Hall of Famer, 
Azumah Nelson, for the WBC World Super Featherweight Championship.
  ``Jesse'' James ultimately fought in nine world championship fights 
winning the IBA World Lightweight Championship, the NABF Featherweight 
Championship, and on two separate occasions, the NABF Lightweight 
Championship.
  After 17 years, Leija ended his professional career of 57 matches 
with a record of 47 wins, including 19 by knock-out, 7 losses, 2 draws, 
and 1 no-contest.
  All this despite having been told early on that he was too small and 
not strong enough to be a success in the ring.
  As impressive and admirable as his career was, James' dedication to 
his community is even more so. He founded the ``Jesse'' James Leija 
Youth Foundation, and has long supported the Boys' and Girls' Club of 
San Antonio and the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Boxing Program. He 
has also supported numerous education programs, including a child 
daycare center to allow teenage mothers to complete their education.
  Beyond being a great boxer, ``Jesse'' James Leija has been a truly 
great citizen, and we in San Antonio are lucky to have him.
  To the people of San Antonio ``Jesse'' James Leija is always a winner 
and he will forever be their Champion.

                          ____________________