Tapia, was one of the greatest fighters I ever enjoyed watching. He fought in the lighter weights. A New Mexico native and world Champion. I was inspired to write about Johnny Tapia after I watched the HBO special on TAPIA. Definitely take the time to watch the documentary.

Tapia grew up rough. He grew up in tough neighborhoods. When he was very young his mother was tragically murdered.  Tapia was eight years old when his mother, Virginia, was kidnapped, raped, hanged, and repeatedly stabbed, she was left for dead by her assailant.  Tapia woke up hearing her screaming, she was chained to the back of a pick up truck. This event would forever traumatize Tapia, it would be a haunting that propelled him to greatness, but would also tear him apart leaving him in darkness. Tapia harnessed this darkness to become world champion!

Tapia, at the age of nine began boxing.  As he got older he was known to have gang affiliations. As an amateur he won two golden glove titles in 1983 and 1985.

In 1990  Tapia delivered technical knockout of Roland Gomez in Reno, this TKO made him the Junior Bantamweight title champion. Tapia would defend his title one time, successfully.

Tapias, boxing career would then be on hold for three and a half years as we was suspended from boxing for cocaine use. Tapia, was wild, tough, and from the streets. No matter how good of a boxer he was he had to continually fight his demons.

When you watch the HBO special it breaks your heart. I watch Tapia and I can’t help but love him. From nothing to everything, to nothing.  Johnny Tapia referes to his life as “my crazy life!”

March 27, 1994, Tapia defeated Jaime Olvera by a KO in four rounds in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tapia won three more fights by KO, Tapia then knocked out Oscar Aguilar in the third round for the NABF Jr. Bantamweight title. This is what heroes are made of. They are down but not out. I love to see a guy against all odds come back and regain his title. It brings tears to my eyes.

His wife, who Tapia also refers to as a saint, helped him stay strong and sober. She locked him in their home, with her, and forced him to stay sober. Something is to be said for a woman who stands by her man, as bad as he was, against all odds. She did not quit. She fought for him like she was fighting for her own life. That’s love, today’s young people could take a good lesson from her. She is truly a Champion. She went on to manage her husbands career and set up some huge fights and title defenses. She is a true Champion along with her husband.

Tapia, would defend his title many times winning some huge fights. We grew accustomed to seeing his signature back flip after victories. Tapia defeated IBF and huge rival champion Danny Romero. These fights were magnificent.

After losing a decision and the WBA title to Paulie Ayala in what The Ring Magazine called its “Fight of the Year” Tapia overdosed on cocaine.  His battles with drugs would continue. Even to the extent of being sent to Prison.  He would again face Paulie Ayala – and lose a decision fight. This fight was a shame. Tapia out on a beautiful showing- he clearly won the fight. Showtime announcers said he put on a fighting clinic. – they also said after hearing the decision, that favored Ayala, that something was very wrong. And this fight was rigged.  This is the disappointment that surrounds boxing. Judging is the black eye that has cursed the sport.

Tapia would continue fighting his legacy growing. He would continue his battle with drugs and demons from the past. Tapia died at age 45, not from drugs or foul play but from heart failure. He died a Born Again Christian. Which is the greatest gift we can ever be given! Tapia’ life is a miracle, when you look at Tapia you know there is a God! Nothing in this world is more important than accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior, just like Tapia!

After all he had been through, from being on the top to being on the bottom, he was not defeated by drugs or violence, he died peaceful. He opened a boxing club which his wife still operates today. He died giving back to boxing, helping those young men who grew up like him, tough. Johnny Tapia is a Champion, Johnny Tapia is a credit to the fight game! Here is to you and your memory!

DJ