Not much on here about Tapia. Has anyone read his book? What are some thoughts and oppinions on this man.
I read it. He seems the kind of guy who just rolled with the punches, so to speak, and got swept up in the chaos surrounding him rather than seeking it out. That said, he certainly didn't shun self-destructive influences (external or internal). Rough life. Sad story. Terrific fighter. Fast, gutsy, and hard as nails. Could be a bit of a showman too. Immensely difficult not to like.
I have read his book it was very sad! that guy has been through so much, he was a true all time great his fights with romero and ayala are classics. For me one of the best fights of the last ten years not to happen was naseem hamed against tapia, it was close to happening in 2001, but the deal fell through. I cant make my mind up who would of won?
One of the toughest men in recent boxing history.Balls of ****ing steel.Would have to practically kill him to beat him.Would do anything to win.
I don't think he would have MAB'ed him, but I still pick MVL. Other than Marco, Naseem never faced anybody that tough, skilled and determined.
interesting thread! im reading the book right now. johnny tapia seems like he may not have always done the right thing, but remembered his mother's gift to love unconditionally and that is a joy that helps you to understand the crazyness of his life, himself as a result of his life and horrible things that happened to his wife by result of himself in result of his life. i am proud of his unselfish words in saying how much his family (despite their tough tough love) and his wife ment to him and this book is a very commemerative piece to his wife for all that they have been through. he was inconsistant... even in winning, but i think johnny tapia at his very best, focused, with eddie futch, freddie roach or jessie reid could have beaten hamed and smaller less experieced pac, marales and barrera when they where super bantamweights. i think he was that good when it all came together. he was a incredable force of will that exemplifies pure determination.
Tapia-Hamed...I think Tapia would have been inspired for this one, and would have put on quite a show in outfighting and outpointing the arrogant Hamed in a more macho, emotional, less classically disciplined type of war than the alltime classic Barrera-Hamed fight (which I'll always be a fan of MAB for). I think Tapia's self preservation switch would have been on throughout, but he would have pulled out all the stops in out fighting and outscrapping Hamed for a 12 round decision, something akin to his victory over Romero.
Tapia, were it possible to go back in time, would have been an excellent 50's, 60's and 70's type warrior..a fixture on live tv.
Great fighter, great personality as well. I remember him sitting in his corner against Ayala I think it was, talking to the camera instead of listening to his corner. Remember he done this move where he thrust his hips out towards Ayala I think it was, then threw a punch. Ill have to get hold of his book ive heard its good. Didnt Tapia do that guns for tickets thing as well?
What do you mean? As in, hand in your guns and you get fight tickets? That sounds great. His fight with Danny Romero will be remembered very well. Great chess match in which the greater of the two won.
Yeah Im sure he done that, he was the first fighter ive heard of doing anything like that before anyway.