John Lee Tapia was born on a Friday, February 13, 1967. Sadly, he passed away last Sunday, May 27, 2012.  He aged 45 years.  By his own accounts he never thought he'd make it past the age of 32; which was his mother's age when she was murdered.  A murder Johnny witnessed.  Haunted by his demons, Johnny inflicted that same terror on his opponents in the ring.  Johnny Tapia's un-taming tenacity embodied his "Mi Vida Loca" persona.  A brutal honest fighter with heart.  As fierce as he was in the ring he was just as kind when he met a fan or admirer.  He would bear hug little kids and strangers asking for a photograph.  Johnny Tapia was a good hearted human being that suffered and survived many tragedies.  Every story is candidly told in his auto-biography fittingly titled after his nickname "Mi Vida Loca"

The man who put Albuquerque on the map was one of my favorite fighters.  I loved his reckless style.  It was a choatic experience when Johnny fought.  You always had a feeling something big was going to happen.  Whether walking across the ring and pushing Paulie Ayala as he's getting introduced, or swinging repeatedly after a bell, referee's having to restrain him, or even having to move a fight's location because of security concerns; it was as if this was a normal day for Johnny and we were just allowed in his crazy world for the time being.  

I finally had the pleasure of meeting and talking to him on three separate occasions within the last year.  He was every bit as graceful as he was a beast in the ring.  He lived up to every expectation and hope a kid has when they finally meet one of their heroes.  He will be missed!  R.I.P. Johnny

Enjoy the tribute...