Biography: James Leija (born July 8, 1966), known professionally as Jesse James Leija, is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2005. He held the WBC super featherweight title in 1994, and challenged twice each for world titles at lightweight and light welterweight. When he turned professional he took the name "Jesse James" in honor of his father, Jesse Leija, who trained him.