Johnny Tapia KOed!

On a sleepy Friday night, at the Avalon Ballroom in Chicago, a momentous occasion took place in the boxing world. Unheralded Featherweight Sandro Marcos (25-13-2, 21 KO's) stopped former world champion Johnny (55-5-2, 28 KO's) Tapia, with a thunderous left hook to the liver in Round Two. The punch left the former champ on all fours gasping for air and grimacing in pain. Before the count was even over, Johnny asked the referee to take his mouthpiece out. He was counted out for the first time in his career at 2:59 of the second round.

As one of boxing’s most exciting fighters of his era, Johnny (Mi Vida Loca) Tapia, is a four time World Champion, having won the WBO and the IBF Super Flyweight World Championships, and the WBA and WBO Bantamweight World Championships.

But his personal story is tumultuous saga that has earned him the tag line, “Mi Vida Loca” (my crazy life) that he carries emblazoned on his trunks. Despite his battle with drugs, three overdoses that left him clinically dead, jail time, being banned from the sport of boxing for three years, severe depression and a suicide attempt, boxing fans continue to love and support Johnny.

The reason fans love Johnny Tapia is because he always gives 100% in the ring. Despite the tumult in his life, Johnny Tapia is one of the most honest fighters in the business. “Honest” meaning Johnny gives himself completely in his effort to win. A controlled furry that is both courteous to his opponents, and fair-minded.

At the ripe age of 38, and a second round stoppage to an unheralded opponent, this may be the end of Johnny Tapia’s Hall of Fame career.

--The Mighty Moe