By Jim Amato
I see that Arturo Gatti is going to defend his W.B.C. Super Lightweight crown January 29th in Atlantic City against Jesse James Leija.
I see this as a safe match for Gatti against recognizable and respectable opponent. Leija once held a portion of the junior lightweight title.
Leija bounced back into contention with a thrilling, come from behind upset win over Francisco Bojado. I once thought that Bojado was a can't miss prospect. He's a brutal puncher who is very strong and has a good chin. He lacks focus and determination though. He can be outboxed and his defense is has many holes in it. Leija gutted it out in the early rounds and then came back to expose Bojado's weaknesses.
Gatti is a whole different animal for Leija. Although Arturo does not pack Bojado's punch. He is a much better boxer. He can also slug in trenches when he needs to. Leija is a gamer and he'll hang tough early.
I look for Gatti to take over around the fifth round and coast to a decision win or a late round stoppage.
A Gatti win could set up possible match with the winner of Tzsyu-Mitchell or Floyd Mayweather Jr. Now there is something to look forward to in 2005 !
