By Gerardo Granados: Back in November 30th of 1996 at the Tingley Coliseum, Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA); the undefeated WBO super flyweight Champion Johnny “Mi vida loca” Tapia (W39(23)-L0-D2) defended by UD12 his World Title against contender Adonis Cruz (W25(14)-L2-D1).
A prime Tapia was fighting at his home town and didn’t disappoint the attendance; Johnny´s boxing style was a pleasure for fight fans around the world, brave and ferocious was one of the meanest sons of boxing in his era. The boxing purist can say all they want about him, but they just will never be able to argue that Johnny Tapia was a boring fighter.
The late Tapia left early at age of 45 but he still is present in the memory of many fight fans. Maybe the young fight fans can’t recall many of his fights but at the internet you all can get a glimpse of a genuine fighter who lived life as intense as he fought. The life story of Tapia is an example of struggle and to never give up and to never surrender.
He is a former three division champion: IBF – WBO super fly, WBA – WBO bantam and IBF featherweight. Ended his boxing career with a total record of W59(30)-L5-D2 ; has a title fight record of W17(6)-L1-D1. His notables’ victories came against: John Johnson, Rolando Bohol, Jesus Chong, Hugo Soto, Rodolfo Blanco Nana Konadu, Danny Romero, Julio Eliecer, Cesar Soto, Manuel Mantecas Medina and Mauricio Pastrana. Lost to Paulie Ayala (Ring Magazine Fight of the Year) and Marco Antonio Barrera (if you haven’t seen the Ayala and Barrera fights then search and enjoy).
Undoubtedly Johnny Tapia is a serious candidate for the hall of fame, maybe next year he will be eligible and perhaps he will get in sooner or later. To be able to watch the brave lion king was a real pleasure and I do really miss to see him inside the ring.
I don’t think many fight fans remember the Johnny Tapia vs Adonis Cruz fight; but do the readers remember “Mi Vida Loca”?
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