In an action filled entertaining, 10 round semi-final jr. welter bout, it was a reborn 38 year old Jesse James Leija getting off the canvas in round two to eke out a split decision win over favored rising star Francisco Bojado. Leija looked to have the edge in an opening round feeling out stanza … but round two saw Leija dropped by a Bojado dandy of a left hook … the veteran known as Jesse James easily beat the count with no visible distress. The action then picked up over the remaining eight candles with both fighters having good moments … and it would close in a finishing flurry exchange - and a tough one to score. Official ballots went Leija 96-93, 95-94 - Bojado 95-94 ~~~ for any interested party’s this unofficial offering saw it Bojado 95-94 on point scoring and via round by round method a standoff with both capturing five rounds. Post Scripts: Bojado ~ Clearly the bigger puncher and with better outside skills … didn’t use the jab nearly enough which may have helped him open the margin after the knockdown in number two. Too early to write off a just turned age 21 with obvious boxing skills.                       Leija: Age 38 along with a now 56 office visits showed all viewers what they may have missed during his prime time seasons. Superb outing, but Father Time is awaiting ‘round that proverbial bend in the road. GEL   7-24-2004   Brought to you by Saratogamist copyright 2001-2004