Former champ Johnny Tapia, who battled assorted demons throughout his turbulent life, was found dead at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death.
Tapia won five titles in three weight classes despite cocaine addiction, alcohol abuse, bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, depression and seemingly non-stop legal issues. He was a fan favorite for his all-action fighting style as well as for his ability to overcome adversity.
Tapia last fought on June, when he outpointed washed up former champ Mauricio Pastrana in an eight-rounder. He finished with a 59-5-2 (30 KOs) record, including wins over Danny Romero, Jorge Julio, Cesar Soto and Manuel Medina, as well as losses to Paulie Ayala (twice) and Marco Antonio Barrera.
Comments
The premature death of Johnny Tapia was in some way was not unexpected, but this “expectation” does not diminish the shock or tragedy of his too short life. A talented boxer, who always fought with such a determination as if by will alone he could defeat the world that had tried to defeat him through his entire troubled life, Tapia was an icon in New Mexico. New Mexico is a very patient and understanding place, and always understood the sadness of Johnny Tapia. The story of his life and survival has been often told, but not many of us can appreciate the battles he faced, from outside and from inside, or the emotional pain that he must have suffered. He captured the spirit of New Mexico with the epic contest, epic locally at least, with another New Mexico boxing icon, Danny Romero. That battle reigns supreme in New Mexico boxing history because of the determination of both men to excel.
One can only wish it had been different for Johnny Tapia, and that he could have lived out his life with some peace, but such does not seem to have been the case. One can only hope he has found some peace now.
Very well said Mr. Wohlberg. Your letter was insightful and touching. If you are not a professional you should be. This was the more intresting piece on the sight. Tapia in his prime was well woth watching. He came to fight. He combined speed with a controlled verocity that made him effectively unique. A true tough guy in the Diego Corralles old, another tremendous fighter like Paul Williams and possibly one of the greatest fighters in history in the all too premature death of Edwin Valerio 29-0 (29 KOs) who dealt with as many if not more demons than Tapia, who died by his own hand in a jail cell. Sad stories indeed. But they all enjoyed greatest & basked glory to the adoring adulation of the masses like few men experience in life,
The story of the life of Johnny Tapia is tragic enough to make one want to cry. The internal demons, too many to carry.
I hope he finally found the peace that eluded him during his short life.
Johnny Tapia will forever be remembered as one of the truly greats. He fought as though he could cast out the demons that plagued him, and seemed only content relying on himself in the self examining brutality of combat. Sadly as his career wound down, the demons proved to strong and what many had feared would happen was realised. R.I.P. A true warrior and champion.