All of Albuquerque loved Johnny Tapia. You'd always hear people say 'i met him, hes so cool and nice etc.' My dad met him several times. The last time was when Johnnys brotherinlaw and nephew were killed in a car accident, my dad worked in the cemetary where they were buried and went to speak with Mr.Tapia who was by himself. My dad said he was a jerk lol. Man...how times have changed around here....
A lot of people will see this as "another boxer dying young", but Tapia's life was really a massive triumph. Without boxing, there's no way he makes it to 45 after what he went through as a child. He always fought like he had nothing to lose, because he really didn't have anything to lose. Characters like Tapia don't exist in other sports, and that's what makes boxing great. R.I.P. Johnny Tapia
I know exactly what you're saying,and boxing probably prolonged Johnny's life,but I don't think he was ever truly happy. And how could he be?
Man, between this and the Williams accident it's a terrible day for Boxing. RIP Champ. We'll never forget you.
RIP Champ, I met Jonny Tapia at the Mares vs Morel fight really humble guy was there talking to me and my homeboy and taking pictures
[url]http://sports.yahoo.com/news/boxing--death-finally-catches-up-to-the-elusive-former-world-champ-johnny-tapia-20120528.html[/url] The article explains what we almost all knew. Great champion. Thunder in both hands. A warrior from bell to bell. A very personable fighter who would greet fans like they was family in some cases. Sad that the dark side of life just doesn't ever fade to light when success shoudl inevitably overcome it.:verysad For all his biggest fans.....IB......My deepest condolences. For his haters.....suck a dick.:nono