25 years ago

Date: 14th November 1998

Title: IBF World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Cedrick Kushner Productions

Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing

Shane Mosley
( 29 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 135 lbs

Jesse James Leija
( 37 - 3 - 2 )
Weight: 135 lbs

On Saturday 14th November 1998, the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut, was the venue for the Shane Mosley vs Jesse James Leija fight. Promoted by Cedric Kushner Productions, the event was aired on HBO World Championship Boxing and was for the IBF World Lightweight Title, which was the 6th defence of the title for Mosley who had a record of 29-0-0, weighed in at 135 lbs, the same as his opponent Leija, whose record was 34-3-2.

From the outset, Mosley showed his dominance, landing a series of fast and accurate jabs that had Leija struggling to keep up. Despite his best efforts, Leija was unable to mount a significant counter-attack and found himself being pushed back by Mosley's aggressive style. In the 6th round, Mosley landed a powerful left hook that sent Leija crashing to the canvas for the first time in the fight.

Although Leija managed to get back on his feet, Mosley continued to dominate, landing a series of punches that had Leija visibly shaken. In the 8th round, Mosley once again sent Leija to the canvas, this time with a series of devastating body blows. Despite managing to get up once again, Leija was clearly struggling and was soon knocked down for the third time in the 9th round.

At this point, Leija's corner threw in the towel, and the referee, Eddie Cotton, called an end to the fight, awarding Mosley the victory by retirement as Leija was unable to answer the bell for round 10, and Mosley was declared the winner, retaining his IBF World Lightweight Title.