WBC junior lightweight champion Arturo "Thunder" Gatti retained his title with an impressive showing against rugged veteran James Leija in front of a sold out crowd at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The first four rounds were fought at a measured pace. Leija landed several clean right hands, but Gatti was in clear control as he dictated the pace with a beautiful jab. In the fifth round a straight right hand sent Leija to the canvas. Leija made it to his feet at the count of nine and a brief slugfest broke out before another Gatti barrage sent Leija down for the count. Official time 1:48 of round five.