Johnny Tapia To Return To Canastota Hall of Fame Weekend June 7-10th

CANASTOTA, NY – JANUARY 25, 2012 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today five-time world champion Johnny “Mi Vida Loca” Tapia will attend festivities planned for the 23rd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 7-10th.

“During his championship career, Johnny Tapia always thrilled fans with his exciting style,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We’re looking forward to welcoming him back to the Hall of Fame and we know fans will be happy to see him in Canastota.”

Fighting out of Albuquerque, NM, Tapia compiled an impressive 150-12 amateur record. As a professional, he captured five world titles in three separate weight divisions. He reigned as WBO junior bantamweight champion (1994-1998), IBF junior bantamweight champion (1997-1998), WBA bantamweight champion (1998-1999), WBO bantamweight champion (2000) and IBF featherweight king (2002). Known for his passionate fighting style, the fan-friendly Tapia posted a pro record of 59-5-2 (30 KOs) that includes wins over Danny Romero, Arthur Johnson, Nana Konadu, Jorge Julio, Cesar Soto, Manuel Medina and Mauricio Pastrana.

Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a heavyweight bash, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2012. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 10th are multi-division champion Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, two-division champion Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” ring announcer Michael Buffer, trainer Freddie Roach, broadcaster Al Bernstein and journalist Michael Katz. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.

An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 23rd Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.