At 31:00 Johny gets in the ring to wish his pal Barrera good luck before his fight with Hamed. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIZxEHgA-z4[/ame] Barrera must have taken these news badly.
"Johnny Tapia is a fighter that has been, and will always be respected in every barrio, jail, and boxing gym. The struggle Tapia went through as a child growing up in Albuquerque New Mexico is heart wrenching. This is the kind of pain that either drives a kid into becoming a ruthless criminal or a very tough boxer. In Johnny's case, the hell he went through turned him into the quality individual and boxing legend he is today. Boxing is a difficult sport and it takes a strong person to endure the rigorous training that comes with it. Thats why I've always respected boxers, because it takes alot of heart to be able to handle everything from lung ripping rounds on the punching bag, to heart exploding jump rope sessions. Johnny Tapia has endured boxing his whole life and he will certainly be remembered as one of boxings greater fighters. Tapias Professional Career Tapias professional career began on March 28, 1988, when he knocked out Efren Chavez in round four. He won eight fights that year, five by knockout. He won seven more fights in 1989, beating Abner Barajas and John Micheal Johnson. In 1990, he won some more, beating Jesus Chong, Roland Gomez and Luigi Camputaro. Tapia was, by the end of the year, a known fighter, his name often appearing on the news and boxing magazines. His career took a blow when cops claim they found him in possession of cocaine. He was suspended for 3 years and was finally able to box again in 1994. Back in the ring, he knocked out Jaime Olvera and then faced Oscar Aguilar and won. Same for his eleven round victory knockout of Henry Martinez and second round knockout of Rolando Bohol. Johnny Tapia became WBO World Junior Bantamweight champion by defeating Jose Rafeal Sosa on February 18th 1995. He retained the title by knockingout Ricardo Vargas and a decision in twelve against former amateur nemesis Arthur Johnson. After two more wins, he gave Willy Salazar a title shot, knocking him out in nine rounds. He fought seven more times, guarding his spotless record. Some heated rivalty was brewing up between him and hometown rival, IBF world champ Danny Romero. In 1997 Tapia had to fend off a challenge from Marco Antonio Barrera's brother Jorge Barrera. After Tapias victory , a Las Vegas fight with Danny Romero was set. Tapia prooved to be the stronger warrior and won by unanimous decision. Tapia now had a IBF world title to match his own WBO belt. In his next fight, he defended the belt in Florida against Puerto Rico's Andy Agosto.In 1998 Tapia defended his belt against former world champion Colombian Rodolfo Blanco, then vacated his World Junior Bantamweight crown, going up in weight to win the WBA World Bantamweight title. He beat Nana Konadu and became a two division world champ. Tapia experienced his first loss in 1999 against Fort Worth Texas rough neck Paulie Ayala. Handling that defeat was tough, but Tapia came back fast won the WBO world title belt by beating Jorge Eliecer Julio. After defending his belt with a twelve round decision over Javier Torres, a rematch to unify the belt between Ayala and him was set up. In what became another candidate for fight of the year, Ayala edged out another close, split decision win; Tapia then went back home to prepare for his upcoming bouts in 2001, when he went up in weight and beat Famosito Gomez by a knockout in six, and former World Featherweight champion Cesar Soto by a knockout in three. Tapia traveled across the world to London and gave the English a show by knocking out Eduardo Enrique Alvarez in the first round.Tapia was blessed with more victory and went on to beat Manuel Medina and joined that exclusive group of fighters who have won world titles in 3 different divisions. He left the title vacant so he could face Marco Antonio Barrera. Barrera defeated Tapia in twelve rounds. But as usual, Tapia came back fast and in October 2003, beat Carlos Contreras. Tapia is now a born again Christian and holds the impressive record of 53 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, with 28 wins by knockout. Tapia has accomplished alot in his boxing career aswell as write an autobiography called "Mi Vida Loca" (My Crazy Life)." A little summary of his life and career(This was written before his death).
He may have started his life with a loss, but he ended his boxing career with a win. He may have struggled with drug addiction, but Johnny Tapia was a winner. He had some weaknesses outside the ring, but in the ring he had almost none.
A warrior--noble and intrepid in every respect! Rest from all the craziness of this life, Champ, you've conquered it and left us an eternal memorial.. May the gracious Lord and Savior strengthen those whom you loved and left behind.
Attaboy.Good thread.:good I had Johnny on my mind a lot just a couple months ago.It was because of his last arrest so when I was at Barrera dinner,when the audience got to ask questions,I asked how Johnny was,and did Marco think he would come out of the dark place. Barrera said that he had been in touch,and things weren't as bad as the NM press were making out.When I went up to MAB at the end for another autograph and handshake,his translator told me that He really appreciated the question,and it was good to hear someone in the UK asking about him. Sadly,the great man was wrong.:verysad I feel terrible about Johnny but I can't help but think the pain is over for him.He's had more tragedy than some small countries have had. I want to believe there's somewhere for him to go,and his mama and all his other lost loved ones are waiting to welcome him to a world without pain. So long Champ,always undisputed. Thanks for the memories.:respect:bowdown
I remember when I first looked up on him after being immediately attracted to his crazy tats and wanted to know more, I didn't yet know just how much more there was to learn. The first thing that came up on search was his life outside of the ring, I was already made a fan but because of this for some reason I had no low expectations of him as a fighter, but man was he actually good His death has urged me to buy his book which seems very highly recommended, still so much more to learn and fights to watch for me and I look forward to it.
I had the book for nearly two years before I read it recently mate. I have to admit,it's not the greatest book,not enough boxing but if anyone deserves a pass,it's Johnny.