James Melvin Hughes (born 1965-10-20, Mobile, AL and died 1995-07-25) was professional boxer in the welterweight division.

Known as "Jesse James" and "The Outlaw", Hughes turned professional in 1987 and is perhaps best known for his appearances on the USA Tuesday Night Fights series. During his career he suffered defeats to Maurice Blocker, Vincent Pettway, and James McGirt among others. In 1994 and 1995 he went on a win streak and captured the USBA welterweight championship belt and he appeared headed towards a big payday, but his final bout was to be against Nick Rupa in late 1995.

Hughes body was found, with bullet holes, face down in a swamp near his home shortly after his fight with Rupa.