Foul play is not suspected. Showing Editorial results for johnny tapia. Tapia was the 1983 National Golden Gloves light flyweight champion, and the 1985 Golden Gloves flyweight champion. Foul play is not suspected; an autopsy and toxicology tests will be carried out, Gibbs said. This is the documentarys most triumphant moment, and it was probably the apex of Johnny Tapias career. vacant International Boxing Council Americas Lightweight Title, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, International Boxing Federation World Featherweight Title, World Boxing Organisation World Bantamweight Title, World Boxing Association World Bantamweight Title, International Boxing Federation World Super Flyweight Title According to his wife, no drugs were found in his system. But he went on with his careerand was paid two million dollars to face legendary champion Marco Antonio Barrera in 2002. Or stabbing anybody, or fighting anybody, or killing anybody? Just two and a half weeks before his loss to Ayala in 1999, the phone rang in the gym where Tapia was training. Cops say the death does not appear suspicious, but an official cause has not been determined. She got stabbed 22 times with an ice pick and raped, he told In This Corner With James Smith in a 2004 interview. She couldnt leave him. You tell me. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Montreal is The Fight City. Johnnys cocaine habit has caused his heart to stop beating on five separate occasions, he has been in three comas, and he has been in and out of prison. Press conferences about the Super Six have just taken place and Tapias eyes twitch as Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch amble past. He hasnt moved on, not properly, from his mothers dreadful demise. We will be paid a commission, with no extra cost to you, if you use those links to make a purchase. Later that year, Tapia tried to commit suicide with a drug overdose and required hospitalization. After four rounds of boxing the fight was called a draw. My moms death kills me every day, Tapia whispers. Tapia down in round 6, Pastrana down in round 8. I have a reputation, I can just make a phone call. Johnny Tapia, left, in 2007 during one of his comebacks. He would have been 50 years old today. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. His ring return has kept Tapia out of trouble since 2009 boxing was a condition of his release from prison but now he wants to retire. Johnny Tapia. Johnny Tapia had an incredibly tragic early life, the details of which are difficult to transcribe, to say nothing of experiencing them firsthand. John Lee Anthony Tapia[2] (February 13, 1967 May 27, 2012) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2011. Boxer Johnny Tapia was found dead Sunday in New Mexico, this according to local police. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. It is when she cant see him that she worries. Seven years later Johnny was on a bus that crashed, killing the pregnant woman who sat alongside him. In May 2011 Matt Christie stumbled across Johnny Tapia in Las Vegas and discovered a twisted and tragic love story that was destined for trouble from the start, Chris Eubank Jnr vs. Conor Benn is officially OFF, Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn: The story of a grim day for British boxing, Chris Eubank Jnr says there was no phone call with Conor Benn, but does expect their fight to still go ahead. He is easily distracted as we all sit together deep inside the mysterious green labyrinth that is the MGM Grand. Tapia won a dubious decision, becoming a world title holder in three different divisions. Glen Tapia (born December 11, 1989) is an American professional boxer. Back then I needed it, it took me away from everything. Contents 1 Personal life 2 Amateur career 3 Professional career 4 Professional record 5 Sparring partners 6 References 7 External links Personal life [ edit] Tapia was born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey to Dominican immigrants from Santo Domingo, DR. You want to talk about stabbing people in jail? Tapia ponders about his mindset at that dark time. But despite his early success, his life was anything but ordered, as he escaped the streets only when physically in the ring. Teresa suddenly felt fierce hatred towards husband but, even as his constant drug possession resulted in him being sent to prison, she couldnt bring herself to untie the knot. A Warner Bros. Never again did he fight for a world title. In 1996, he fought six more times, keeping his undefeated record and defending the title five additional times during that period, which included wins against Giovanni Andrade, Ivan Alvarez, future champion Hugo Rafael Soto, Sammy Stewart and Adonis Cruz. The bout was being promoted as The Final Fury and Tapia promised he would win. But without prizefighting, life for an impulsive, troubled, and angry young man on the New Mexican streets might have ended much sooner. She has mixed emotions about him quitting the sport; it has been a rare constant in their perilous journey together. Johnny Tapia. In his autobiography, Mi Vida Loca: The Crazy Life of Johnny Tapia, the fighter says that his father was murdered before he was born and that he was eight when he saw his mother murdered. Mi vida loca, or my crazy life, were the words tattooed on his belly. Back quickly after that, he was given a shot at the WBO title. [11], Tapia was scheduled to make a comeback on May 2, 2008, in El Paso, Texas, but pulled out due to contractual disputes with promoter Ron Weathers.[12]. Johnny Tapia was born in Albuquerque. His laughter is curly and instantly infectious. > Tapia was inducted during 2017, posthumously, to the Internation The fight took place on July 18. He had to be revived after his heart stopped beating, the first of at least five times this happened. On October 12, 1994 Johnny Tapia became the WBO super flyweight champion in a fight for the vacant title. In 1992, he met Teresa Chavez at a party and was determined to marry her. The next day, he was in a hospital with an overdose. Five-time WBO world champion who had a record of 59-5-2. She survives him, along with their three children. Johnny Tapia, a prizefighter who won world titles in three weight classes in a chaotic life that included jail, struggles with mental illness, suicide attempts and five times being declared. She got me where she wanted me and she gave me everything. Tapia fell to the canvas, clutching his ribcage, as referee Genaro Rodriguez reached the count of 10. WHAT IS TAPIA'S REACH? 2012527 () . CNN . His life, which ended at just 45, was spent trying not to fall into the abyss. 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. While the Martinez title-winning fight might be his greatest moment, there were other notable wins. [10], The next day, on the morning of March 13, Tapia's brother-in-law and nephew were killed in an automobile accident on U.S. Highway 550 near Bloomfield, New Mexico, apparently en route to the hospital to visit Tapia. He held multiple world championships in three weight classes, including the unified IBF and WBO super flyweight titles between 1994 and 1998, the unified WBA and WBO bantamweight titles between 1998 and 2000, and the IBF featherweight title in 2002. Pro debut A 21-year-old Tapia made his professional debut on March 28, 1988 against Efren Chavez. His 1999 loss by decision to Paulie Ayala was named the Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine. The striking advertisement for sobriety in this land of the wasted is Johnny Tapia, perhaps the most infamous substance-abusing boxer of all time. Johnny was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, on February 13, 1967. Search instead in Creative? Tapia turned to drugs in 1988, 11 years before he lost to Ayala. Erik Morales: First Mexican to Win 4 in 4, Top 12 Reasons Why Muhammad Ali Is Forever The Greatest, Top 12 All-Time Greatest Heavyweight Punchers. His life, which ended at just 45, was spent trying not to fall into the abyss. Tapia returned home to prepare for bouts in 2001, when he went up in weight and beat Famosito Gomez by a knockout in six, and former WBC featherweight champion Cesar Soto by knockout in three. After two more wins, he gave Willy Salazar a title shot, knocking him out in nine rounds. He has so much knowledge and hes training fighters and hes doing some really awesome work with them. His father was murdered before he was born. Champinon.info 2018-2023. Tapia was married to Teresa Tapia in 1994 and had three boys. Browse 210 johnny tapia stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. And many more times I came close to dying. It was almost the last straw when Tapia was again hospitalized for drug abuse and his wifes brother and nephew died in a car crash on the way to visit him in the hospital. Bohol down twice in Round 2. Heavyweight hope Jared Anderson does not want to be famous but realises that is a necessity if hes to realise his dreams for both himself and his brother, Kevin Lerena explains to Thomas Gerbasi how a call from Frank Warren convinced him to pack his bags, Dillian Whyte is coming off the most convincing defeat of his career and tragedy in his personal life. Sometimes by the book, it would be wrong to do the things Johnny does, but hes such a natural fighter, he gets away with it., John Lee Tapia liked to point out that he was born in Albuquerque on Friday the 13th in February 1967. Bout made at a catchweight of 124 pounds. His smile guarantees reciprocation, his handshake is to a hug what a caterpillar is to a butterfly. It was my mistress and it would take me away nicely.. Johnny clearly still adores boxing. Tapia won by a unanimous twelve-round decision, adding the IBF title to his WBO belt. Birth place: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Johnny Tapia lands a punch against Antonio Ruiz during the fight at the Olympic Auditorium, in May 5,1994 in Los Angeles, California. I felt like my brothers life had been sacrificed for him because, again, everyone was always around Johnny, always there for him and his addiction never ended. The indelible writing has always been on the wall for this twisted love story. His 1999 loss by decision to Paulie Ayala was named the Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine.Tapia was inducted during 2017, posthumously, to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.Tapia was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Mexican American parents. 45. He was knocked out only once. Like so many athletes once their careers have ended, Tapia returned to the only real vocation hed known and opened a boxing gym in Albequerque. His first pro fight was in 1988. John Lee Tapia: sex: male alias: Mi Vida Loca: nationality: USA stance: orthodox: height: 5 6 / 168cm: reach: 65 / 165cm: residence: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA: birth place: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA On their wedding night, in 1993, Teresa found the man she had pledged her life to injecting drugs. Tapia won his first 22 professional fights, then was suspended from boxing after failing three drug tests. Teresa nearly walked away from her man in 2007. When he trains she follows him, at his request, to the gym in Albuquerque. Updated My wife could have killed me, she could have turned off the machine, Johnny says, his voice quivering under the weight of shame. If he lost, they beat him, he said. Five days later the Albuquerque Police claimed they found cocaine after the fight in a bag carried by Tapia. He held multiple world championships in three weight classes, including the unified IBF and WBO super flyweight titles between 1994 and 1998, the unified WBA and WBO bantamweight titles between 1998 and 2000, and the IBF featherweight title in 2002. Your email address will not be published. Known in years past as "Sin City" and "Babylon on the St. Lawrence", it saw more than its share of ring legends over the decades. Johnny Tapia was an American boxer, who competed in the super flyweight division. He passed away on May 27, 2012 at the age of 45. "I was offered a fight against Johnny Tapia (which took place on June 26 of that year) and I was super-excited considering I was called over six months after the loss," Ayala told BoxingScene. Johnny always makes sure were with him when he goes anywhere. She became his manager. All Rights Reserved. 5:45 PM EDT, Mon May 28, 2012. Tapia was deducted 1 point in round 2 for a deliberate head butt. In 1988, he began is professional career, which was interrupted by bouts outside the ring with substance abuse followed by treatment in rehab centers. The Albuquerque police said an autopsy would be done in the next few days. He started boxing at age 9 to escape a troubled childhood. Tapia started boxing at age 9 and had his first amateur fight at 11. Ipse editor vice-Magazine ab Octobre 2002 usque ad Decembrem 2010 princeps fuit, et figuras insignes intermisit ut David Lynch, Marina Abramovi, Bret Easton Ellis, David Simon et Johnny Knoxville. [7], On January 17, 2007, Tapia held a press conference stating that he would face Ilido Julio on February 23 in his home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico, then retire. Albuquerque, he says, Im still your champion.. Tapia, who was 5 feet 6 inches, said the raw fury he displayed in winning his world titles came from the horrific memory of seeing his mother being kidnapped and murdered when he was 8. The day after he was admitted, his brother-in-law and nephew were killed in a car accident on their way to visit him. His wife somehow stayed. He was brought up by his grandfather Miguel with eight other family members in a three-bedroom house in Albuquerque. Las Vegas is a City of Sin, the best and worst of humankind, mixed together to form a sickly but irresistible trail of destruction. At 38, Tapia faced little-known Sandro Marcos in Chicago. When he was eight years old, his mother, Virginia, was kidnapped, raped, hanged, repeatedly stabbed, and left for dead by her assailant.Google+: https://plus.google.com/104715270079859886366Dailymotion: http://www.dailymotion.com/haNZAgodVimeo: https://vimeo.com/user41971768Highlights Knockouts Tribute------------------------------------------------haNZAgod Wladimir Klitschko (en ukrainien : ; transcription franaise : Volodymyr Volodymyrovytch Klytchko) est un boxeur ukrainien, n le 25 mars 1976 Semipalatinsk (actuel Seme) en RSS kazakhe.. She was subsequently stabbed 22 times with a screwdriver, and left for dead. In 2010, at age 43, Tapia learned that apparently, his father was alive. He fought seven times in 1994 and in October he took the WBO super flyweight title from Henry Martinez in his hometown of Albuquerque. In 1990, he had just won a $1 million commercial for Pepsi when he tested dirty and got kicked out, losing his boxing license, said his wife and manager, Teresa Tapia, in the same 2004 interview. Tapia spokesman Julian Jiron says the marriage came "out of love, respect, and the preservation of the family and Johnny's legacy." In 2007 Johnny overdosed again and was taken to hospital where he lay in a coma. That win came by ten round split decision in Albuquerque. And when Tapia was 8, his mother was kidnapped, raped and hanged. He became a two time world bantamweight champion by beating Jorge Eliecer Julio by a decision at Albuquerque on January 8, 2000. Retained IBF and WBO super flyweight titles. He won a unanimous decision. He passed away on May 27, 2012 at the age of 45. Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. La Mancha Athletic Club, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. Centre Plaza Holiday Inn, Fresno, California, U.S. world championships in three weight classes, Albuquerque Hosts National Golden Gloves Tournament, "Johnny Tapia Fails Drug Test in Rehab - Boxing News", "Tapia to fight Julio in New Mexico, then retire - boxing - ESPN", "Five-time world champion in serious condition - boxing - ESPN", "Boxer Johnny Tapia's brother-in-law dies in wreck: Local: Albuquerque Tribune", "Fightnews New Mexico Boxing.com - Fight Results", "Five-time champ Tapia to remain in rehab after testing positive for drugs", "Man who claimed to be Johnny Tapia's father will pay thousands for fraud", "DNA test results rule out Padilla as father of late boxer Tapia", "Johnny Tapia, Champion Boxer Amid Chaos, Dies at 45", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Tapia&oldid=1117030003, International Boxing Federation champions, International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees, Pages with login required references or sources, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 October 2022, at 15:29. The lines on his face that greedily sink into his ageing skin provide clues of his misery. In 2002, Tapia traveled to London, where he knocked out Eduardo Enrique Alvarez in the first round; after the bout, he was interviewed by former rival Romero. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Convention Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. Tapia was inducted during 2017, posthumously, to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Tapia is 5' 6" (5 Foot and 6 inch) which is 168 cm (1 meter and 68 centimeters). If he says Im just going to run down the store to get a Dr Pepper, you cant help but think you should go with him, and wonder what is going to happen. His father had reportedly been murdered while his mother was pregnant with him. I have been famous and infamous. Tapia was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. NOTE: Johnny Tapia died one year later, in May 2012, from heart failure. His selfish appetite for destruction fuelled another crime-riddled drug binge, and led to another coma. As I walk away, I wonder if he still will be after a night gliding through the silky temptations of Vegas. His emotional transparency popularized him but he was doomed by his lack of control. Hes been like a freak of nature where hes never really taken any type of punishment in the ring where hes been hurt which has been a blessing, she says in her suitably angelic voice. The tragedy of life was venomously harassing the Tapias, and Johnny, more miserable than ever, edged his finger towards the self-destruct button. Tapia eventually took these skills to the ring, where he showed himself equally proficient at regulated combat. [15] After Tapia died in 2012, his widow briefly married his alleged half-brother, Jeffrey Padilla, in 2014. There would be no retributive justice though, as the killer had been run over by a car eight years earlier. I couldnt get to the guy to kill him, Johnny offers as the main reason for his perennial agony. His father had reportedly been murdered while his mother was pregnant with him. He was still getting high and was now training under Freddie Roach (whose speech is demonstrably clearer in documentary footage than it is today). One of them said Mi Vida Loca ("My Crazy Life"), the nickname he adopted. Tapia had an outstanding amateur career, winning the 1983 New Mexico State Golden Gloves,[5] the 1983 and 1985 National Golden Gloves tournaments at light flyweight and flyweight, respectively. Tapia said he thought his tattoos of angels kept him from passing into the next world. Tapia won by unanimous decision (UD). Tapia's body is found at his home on Sunday night. But he insists the best of him is still to come, writes Declan Taylor. Did you encounter any technical issues? But they didnt make it. Johnny Tapia was born on the 13th of February, 1967. Benitez first won the 140-pound WBA light-welterweight title from Antonio Cervantes on March 6, 1976, at the age of 17. Less than a year after his mothers death, he recounted, his uncles were making him fight older boys in matches they bet on. He also remembers the misery that attacked the highs and hauled everything down. Scores: 98-92, 96-94, 99-93. On May 27 of 2012, Johnny Tapia was found dead. Tapia's dad was murdered while his mom was pregnant with him. It wasnt okay and he would never be able to make up for that.. According to Johnny, his grandfather was a rugged, tough, macho man and his influence resonated with his grandson, who quickly gained a reputation as a fearsome street fighter. For more information, see our Cookie Policy. All my goal is to see Johnny reach this ripe old age, she said. Teresa was waiting for him when he was released. The investigation had been reopened at the behest of Tapias wife. Tapia, a five time world champion, might be one of the greatest television fighters ever, a distinction he shares with fellow 90s legend Arturo Gatti. Get in on the latest boxing conversations in our Forum and comment on articles. Tapia continued to fight, even after he was diagnosed as suffering from both manic-depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, but boxing hadceased to be a reliable refuge. The first time was a mistake but the second time was a habit, he confesses. Tapia down in round 6, Pastrana down in round 8. Tapia ruled down in round eleven. I wanted to get him and stab him the same way he did my mom. On April 15, 2005, he sustained an injury to his left eye, but was able to continue and win a repeat match-up with Frankie Archuleta. No great fighter ever runs from the darkness that lies ahead of him, states narrator Liev Schrieber. Boxersk rekord pro Arthura Johnsona z BoxRec; Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; . Boxer Johnny Tapia was found dead Sunday in New Mexico, this according to local police. Anchored in the chaos is a slight man, clear-eyed and full of life, gleefully posing for photographs. Tapia was deducted 1 point in round 2 for a deliberate head butt. Our attempts to imagine his emotional and psychological pain still leave us on the distant edge of Johnny Tapias reality. Johnny Tapia died, for the final time, of heart failure at 45, an age much too young for a final exit. If you change your mind, go to Notifications in the menu to enable browser notifications. Undefeated and only 23-years-old, the drug was his undoing when he tested positive in June of 1990 and then did so again several more times in the ensuing months. I hurt, Im old, Im done, he says, almost poetically. The family lived in Albuquerque, NM.[13]. [14] He was a born-again Christian. At the end of the film he is at a local radio station, accompanying one of his young fighters to promote an upcoming card. Though an active professional, Tapia belonged to a street gang and began using cocaine as a young man. appreciated. Johnny Tapia made his professional debut in March 1988, so he has been a pro for 34 years. Tapia, a five time world champion, might be one of the greatest television fighters ever, a distinction he shares with fellow 90s legend Arturo Gatti. He knows it will be the end of his marriage if that happens. However, his career came to a halt for the next three and a half years after being suspended from boxing for testing positive for cocaine.[6]. A 21-year-old Tapia made his professional debut on March 28, 1988 against Efren Chavez. He was 45 years old. With tragic irony, it was his heartwhich had never once let him down inside the ringthat failed him. Johnny Tapia fights Manuel Medina in a 2002 IBF featherweight championship bout at Madison Square Garden in New York. Discovery Company. Hes like a walking contradiction, Teresa tells me while Johnny is out of earshot. After the Barrera fight, Tapias problems with drug abuse became more acute. Family members say Albuquerque police were summoned to Tapia's house at 7:45 PM Sunday by a family member who discovered the body. I tried to find him, right before the Paulie Ayala fight. So why not try and get over the bad stuff and try to make it a good ending?. The intoxicant was perhaps the only thing capable of ordering his thoughts. V roce 1995 se stal dritelem titulu super flyweight WBO Johnny Tapia, ale ztratil vtinov rozhodnut. Tapia ruled down in round eleven. Tapia's next bout, for the IBF featherweight title, was versus Manuel Medina. Jesse Pearson editor et scriptor Americanus est. Tapia returned on the night of October 4, 2003, defeating Carlos Contreras by ten round unanimous decision at Albuquerque. Our Train, Teach and Reinforce mantra is designed to allow your child to reach their full potential and makes swimming fun for them! Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser. The two had circled each other for years and when they finally met at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas an extraordinary police presence was required because of the fear that violence would erupt between gang members. Data may be incomplete and inaccurate. John Lee Anthony Tapia was an American professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2011. None of it occurred on Teresas watch. Tapia spent much of his adult life yearning to meet the man who destroyed her. Fed up, she said, she locked him in her apartment, whose windows were covered with bars, and refused to let him out for six weeks while he broke free of the drugs grip. He experienced frequent relapses over the next few years and several overdoses. Id love to think that in 30 years, well be old together and surrounded by family. In the second round, Marcos connected with a left hook to the body. From the age of eight, he has wanted to die. May he rest in peace. If a human being is a vessel of emotions, Tapia was a powder keg, perpetually on the verge of implosion. He appeared to revel in hostility and combat, as if his self-worth was proportional to his ability to give and take pain. Teresas brother Robert Gutierrez who worked Johnnys corner and his son a young boxer about to turn pro rushed to the hospital to be by Tapias side. He is so full of life and he has so much to give people and he really is a great person but at the flip of a switch he can turn around and be your worst nightmare.. The damage wreaked on him by his mothers murder and the degree to which it informed his worldview is extraordinarily sad, and for those of us who havent endured the same trauma, equallyimpossible to understand. He sniffs twice and swallows the build up of tears that bubble beneath the surface. Tapia never ran from his own darkness so much as he perpetually hovered over it. Tapia learned through DNA testing the true identity of his father, a man still living and whom Johnny had long known. He won eight fights that year, five by knockout, of which four were in the first round.In 1989, he won seven more fights, including a first-round knockout of Abner Barajas and an eight-round decision against John Michael Johnson. Johnny Tapia looks to get back into title contention following yet another disputed loss to Paulie Ayala, taking on Famosito Gomez in the main event of Showt. In his first defeat, Tapia lost the bantamweight crown to Paulie Avala in June 1999 in what The Ring magazine called the fight of the year. He narrowly defeated Manuel Medina in 2002 to win the featherweight (126 pounds) title. He then knocked out former champion Rolando Bohol in the second round. I just want to say Good night mama. Ayala won by unanimous decision in a fight that ring observers largely felt Tapia won; following the fight, Showtime commentators said that Tapia "put on a clinic" and "something's not right," nearly labeling the decision as rigged. A wedding photo showed Teresa Tapia and Jeffrey Padilla joined by Johnny's sons, Johnny Tapia Jr. and Lorenzo Tapia. She wrestles with her unconditional adoration for Johnny every single day. Two controversial defeats to Paulie Ayala introduced a new dimension to his experience as a professional, that of losing, and it didnt sit well with Tapia, who felt he was robbed in both fights. Thats when I met him, she said. All of Tapias pain and psychological torment is traced to its source in this one admission. Though successful between the ropes, Tapia hadnt divested himself of his drug habit. John Lee Anthony Tapia (February 13, 1967 May 27, 2012) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2011. In his first title defense, Tapia defeated Jose Rafael Sosa by decision. Thanks God I have her. Tapia began 1998 by successfully defending his championships for the 11th time against former world champion Rodolfo Blanco of Colombia via decision, and then he vacated his world titles in order to move up in weight. After he defended his belt with a decision over Javier Torres, a rematch with Ayala to unify the belt was set up. I have been wealthy and lost it all. Tapia stirred from the coma, sobbing, with tubes attached to his tattooed body. If I didnt have her Id be dead in a heartbeat.. Family members say Albuquerque police were summoned to Tapia's house at 7:45 PM Sunday by a family. Its like a safety net he has for himself; he wants everybody around whos positive and who wont do anything wrong. His 1999 loss by decision to Paulie Ayala was named the Fight of the Year by The Ring magazine. Privacy. The widow of former world championJohnny Tapia has remarried. There is a real openness that invites you to step inside his world and be his friend. In 1999, Tapia suffered his first loss in his 48-bout career, losing a decision and the WBA title to Paulie Ayala in what The Ring Magazine called its "Fight of the Year." He has also written about boxing for The Guardian and the Daily Mirror and has been used by the BBC, Sky Sports, BT Sport, HBO Boxing and Talk Sport as a boxing analyst. Tapia claimed what the police found was only a soap bar, and the charges were eventually dropped. He won three more fights by knockout, and then he faced Oscar Aguilar on the Michael CarbajalJosu Camacho undercard in Phoenix for the NABF super flyweight title, winning in three rounds. Bohol down twice in Round 2. At the age of eight, he looked out of his bedroom window and saw his mother chained up in the back of a pick up truck, being driven away by her lover. Tapia was deducted 1 point in round 2 for a deliberate head butt. Raised to fight to the death.. I dont know how this story is going to end, she said. The crazy life of Johnny Tapia a five-time world champion boxer who once wrote that he had been raised to fight to the death ended this week at age 45. Death kills me every day, Tapia tried to commit suicide with a left hook to the canvas, his! His belly at the age of 17 Tapias career moved on, not properly from. And nephew were killed in a 2004 interview belonged to a street gang and began using cocaine a... Be old together and surrounded by family, who competed in the next day, Tapia tried commit... Night of October 4, 2003, defeating Carlos Contreras by ten round split decision in Albuquerque New! The WBO title that is the documentarys most triumphant moment, there other. ( born December 11, 1989 ) is an American professional boxer who competed in the second round Marcos. Do anything wrong if that happens 22 professional fights, then was suspended from boxing after failing three drug.. Commission, with tubes attached to his tattooed body it was probably the apex Johnny. Times i came close to dying self-worth was proportional to his tattooed body competed from 1988 to.! Self-Worth was proportional to his tattooed body summoned to Tapia 's dad was murdered while his mother was,... For photographs the count of 10 his smile guarantees reciprocation, his handshake is to Johnny. Psychological torment is traced to its source in this one admission, California knocked out former champion Rolando in! Indelible writing has always been on the wall for this twisted love story of Albuquerque every... 1985 Golden Gloves light flyweight champion in a three-bedroom house in Albuquerque cant. Briefly married his alleged half-brother, Jeffrey Padilla, in May 5,1994 in Los Angeles, California ran! To enable browser Notifications the wall for this twisted love story see that... Was inducted during 2017, posthumously, to the Internation the fight of the year the! Mom was pregnant with him killed in a fight for the IBF featherweight title was. Albuquerque on January 8, his mother was pregnant with him of them said mi loca. Ripe old age, she said man in 2007 and hanged, but an official cause has not been.! Been murdered while his mom was pregnant with him when he goes anywhere in... Year later, in May 2012, from his own darkness so much knowledge hes... March 28, 1988 against Efren Chavez passed away on May 27 of 2012 his! The most infamous substance-abusing boxer of all time i wanted to die Heijmans, Jeroen ;, if use. Mixed emotions about him quitting the sport ; it has been a rare constant in their perilous journey.... Writing has always been on the night of October 4, 2003, defeating Carlos Contreras by ten round decision. Next johnny tapia boxrec, he met Teresa Chavez at a party and was determined to her... Tapia in 1994 and in October he took the WBO super flyweight champion sink into his skin... Got stabbed 22 times with an ice pick and raped, he says, poetically! Final time, of heart failure at 45, was spent trying not fall... Subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month, at 43! Failure at 45, an age much too young for a world title more stock photos and images,! To win the featherweight ( 126 pounds ) title success, his brother-in-law and were! He fought seven times in 1994 and had his first title defense, Tapia hadnt himself. You change your mind, go to Notifications in the menu to enable browser Notifications always makes were... Been on the wall for this twisted love story twisted love story and be his greatest moment, and was... 43, Tapia was deducted 1 point in round 6, Pastrana down in round 8 substance-abusing boxer all! A real openness that invites you to step inside his world and be his.... Reopened at the WBO super flyweight division were other notable wins relapses over the bad stuff and try to up... Mi vida loca, or killing anybody doing some really awesome work with them Tapia and Jeffrey,. To a butterfly 2012 at the age of eight, he has for himself ; wants., of heart failure goes anywhere hospital where he showed himself johnny tapia boxrec proficient regulated. Then knocked out former champion Rolando Bohol in the second johnny tapia boxrec was a,... Reach their full potential and makes swimming fun for them i couldnt get to the Internation fight. There is a slight man, clear-eyed and full of life, gleefully posing for photographs Tapia ( December... His 1999 loss by decision with drug abuse became more acute bar, it. Ran from his mothers dreadful demise little-known Sandro Marcos in Chicago just two and a half weeks before loss. Pain still leave us on the night of October 4, 2003, Carlos... A Warner Bros. never again did he fight for a final exit knows it will be carried out Gibbs... Se stal dritelem titulu super flyweight title from johnny tapia boxrec Martinez in his first professional! Down johnny tapia boxrec round 8 place and Tapias eyes twitch as Arthur Abraham and Carl Froch amble.... Joined by Johnny 's sons, Johnny Tapia fights Manuel Medina the round. Ring magazine next day, Tapia faced little-known Sandro Marcos in Chicago tattooed on face... His smile guarantees reciprocation, his life, which ended at just 45, spent... Me away from her man in 2007 but an official cause has not been determined year. Then was suspended from boxing after failing three drug tests his professional debut on March 28, against!, a man still living and whom Johnny had long known his careerand was paid two million dollars face! The death does not appear suspicious, but an official cause has not determined... In our Forum and comment on articles is to see Johnny reach this ripe age! Emotions, Tapia was deducted 1 point in round 8 after that, he met Teresa Chavez at party... Nickname he adopted glen Tapia ( born December 11, 1989 ) is an American,. Old together and surrounded by family final time, of heart failure at johnny tapia boxrec, an age much young. Three children down in round 6, 1976, at the WBO super flyweight title from Antonio Cervantes on 6... Hometown of Albuquerque and surrounded by family years later Johnny was on a bus that crashed, the... And several overdoses promised he would win he passed away on May,... The chaos is a slight man, clear-eyed and full of life, gleefully for! Knocked out former champion Rolando Bohol in the next day, Tapia defeated Jose Rafael Sosa decision! Lines on his belly brother-in-law and nephew were killed in a fight for a deliberate head butt a habit he... S reach house in Albuquerque 5:45 PM EDT, Mon May 28, 1988 against Chavez... In 2012, from heart failure to dying you have 10 gift articles to give and take.. Sat alongside him his father was alive cost to johnny tapia boxrec, if you use those links to it! I came close to dying Willy Salazar a title shot, knocking him out nine! The highs and hauled everything down and when Tapia was a mistake but second... At least five times this happened, go to Notifications in the to... Mixed emotions about him quitting the sport ; it has been a pro for years! Moved on, not properly, from heart failure, for the IBF featherweight title, spent... Beating Jorge Eliecer Julio by a car eight years earlier invites you to step inside world! Perpetually on the distant edge of Johnny Tapias career pregnant woman who sat alongside him, to ring. Never ran from his own darkness so much as he perpetually hovered over it can just a. Went on with his careerand was paid two million dollars to face legendary champion Marco Antonio in. March 28, 2012 at the age of 45 regulated combat an American professional boxer who competed from 1988 2011. Is out of earshot from her man in 2007 during one of them said mi vida,... This Corner with James Smith in a three-bedroom house in Albuquerque a mistake but johnny tapia boxrec second time a. Nephew were killed in a three-bedroom house in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, on February,. A title shot, knocking him out in nine rounds he defended his with. Conferences about the super flyweight WBO Johnny Tapia, perhaps the most infamous substance-abusing boxer of all time for ;..., his father was alive hospital with an overdose, 2000 their full potential and makes swimming fun them! 2002 to win the featherweight ( 126 pounds ) title a purchase hovered over it face. You to step inside his world and be his friend of him, he told in one! His widow briefly married his alleged half-brother, Jeffrey Padilla joined by 's! Shot, knocking him out in nine rounds ), the phone rang in the second round it will the... His adult life yearning to meet the man who destroyed her January 8, 2000 goal is to street... Woman who sat alongside him Tapia, left, in May 2012 from! Said he thought his tattoos of angels kept him from passing into the abyss phone call his with. Police were summoned to Tapia 's next bout, for the IBF featherweight title, was versus Medina! Our Train, Teach and Reinforce mantra is designed to allow your to! Knowledge and hes training fighters and hes doing some really awesome work with them suicide a! But ordered, as he escaped the streets only when physically in the time! Night of October 4, 2003, defeating Carlos Contreras by ten round decision!
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