Gatti to Defend WBC Title Against Leija

Louis Cypher · 12-04-2004, 08:04 PM

By Associated Press

December 3, 2004, 10:27 PM EST

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Arturo Gatti will defend his WBC super lightweight title against two-time former champion James Leija on Jan. 29.

The 32-year-old Gatti, 38-6 with 29 knockouts, won the title last Jan. 24 when he decisioned Italian Gianluca Branco. He kept the crown in July with a one-punch knockout of previously unbeaten Leonard Dorin.

Leija, 38, is 47-6-2 with 18 knockouts.

The scheduled 12-round bout is to be telecast as part of HBO's "World Championship Boxing Series."

JoeyrollNy · 12-04-2004, 08:51 PM

I will be there can't wait. Arturo always puts on a good show and AC will be hoping that night.

Michael_DiSanto · 12-04-2004, 10:01 PM

What's wrong with Gatti? What did Leija do to earn this fight? He quit against Tszyu and got a decision against a green Bojado. Why won't Gatti accept a real challenge like Mayweather? It's a bigger money fight, too.

Instead, we get to see a great fighter beat up on an overmatched old man.

12-04-2004, 10:05 PM

I agree Michael......
Another fight that should not take place.

Michael_DiSanto · 12-04-2004, 11:08 PM

Gatti-Mayweather
Gatti-Tszyu (network issues prevent this one)
Gatti-Cotto
Gatti-Harris
Gatti-Hatton (so he can expose Ricky)
Gatti-Corrales
Gatti-Judah

Those are all good options for Thunder Gatti, but not Leija.

JoeyrollNy · 12-04-2004, 11:09 PM

Gatti-Judah

this is the one I would really like to see.

Michael_DiSanto · 12-04-2004, 11:34 PM

Judah would walk through him.

JoeyrollNy · 12-05-2004, 04:32 AM

I still think it would be an entertaining fight.