Sep 30, 2000

Ayalo-Tapia Deliver Spectacular Fight

Johnny Tapia and Paulie Ayala battle for title.

Boxing fans have had their share of complaints with boxing promoters, judges and matchmakers. That is, until recently, when former 4-time World Boxing Champion Johnny Tapia (48-1-2, 25 KO's) attempted to regain the WBA Bantamweight title from Paulie Ayala (30-1, 12 KO's). The fight, held at the MGM Grand Garden October 7th, was attended by many Tapia fans, packed with an attendance of 6,681.


Ayala on the defensive.

This was one fight where both fighters battled each other for all 12 rounds. Johnny Tapia looked to be in his best form, throwing many power punches to Ayala's kidneys and midsection. Ayala, on the other hand, scored a lot of points against Tapia, but not necessarily with power. Tapia cleverly made Ayala miss many punches. According to Judge Chuck Giampa rounds 1, 2, 6, 7 and 12 were in favor of Tapia. His final score was 115 for Ayala to 113 for Tapia. Judge Keith Macdonald had Tapia losing rounds 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 scoring 116 to 112 in favor of Ayala. Judge Jerry Roth had Tapia losing rounds 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 and 11 with a final score of 115 to 113 in favor of Ayala resulting in a unanimous decision.\

      Tapia has fought an uphill battle starting out from the barrio to having a father who was murdered before he was born, and later his mother. Nevertheless, he won two National Golden Glove titles by the time he was 21 gathering an amateur record of 101-21 with 65 KO's. In 1988 he turned pro and 21 straight wins later, won the USBA Junior Bantamweight title. At that time he got addicted to cocaine and lost his chance at a world title when he tested positive three times in 1990 and 1991. So it was three years that Tapia was away from the ring and nearly died from drug overdoses.

      With the help of Teresa Chavez, however, Johnny was able to kick the habit and return to boxing in 1994, capturing the NABF title after winning five straight wins. His 3rd round TKO over Oscar Aguilar paved the way for a shot at his first world title. Three months later in his hometown of Albuquerque, Tapia became the WBO Junior Bantamweight champion after an 11th round TKO over Henry Martinez. During the three years he defended his title, Tapia also added the IBF Junior Bantamweight title to his collection when he fought against hometown rival Danny Romero in 1997. Then both belts were given up in 1998 when he moved up in weight by fighting for and winning the WBA Bantamweight title against Nana Konuda. He held that title until 2000 when he went up against Paulie Ayala.

This was considered by many to be the fight of the year. For 12 solid rounds both fighters slogged it out with Tapia receiving a few bruises to his face. The decision went to Paulie Ayala taking the WBA Bantamweight title. That was a tough fight for Johnny because the day of the fight he found out the identity of the man who murdered his mother many years ago. That man has since died in a traffic accident in 1983. Regardless of his hardships, Johnny Tapia has turned out to be a real champion in life as well as the ring. Teresa Chavez, now his wife and manager, had a lot to do with that as well as their faith in God.

      Yes, promoters say Johnny and Teresa are difficult to work with. Both understand the politics and lifespan of a boxer. Johnny has perhaps two more years before he retires. In January of this year, after taking off for 6 months, Tapia scored a 12 round decision over the defending titleholder Jorge Eliecer Julio. He took home his fourth world title, the WBO Bantamweight title. Then, in May of this year, Johnny defended his title against Javier Torres. Tapia then gave up the title and moved up in weight after a bout with depression and an incident with a guy who had a gun. That's basically what happened. Now, even though his loss to Paulie Ayala is a big disappointment, Tapia plans to fight Ayala once again, proving to himself that he is the better fighter. According to the fans and TV talent boxing-analyst, Bobby Czyz, Tapia won the fight.


Promoter Bob Arum with Johnny Ayala after winning against Tapia

Eric Morel and Alberto Ontiveros duke it out.

Other fights in the card that night included Eric Morel (27-0, 16 KO's) winning a 12 round unanimous decision over Alberto Ontiveros (12-3-3, 10 KO's). Morel is the WBA Flyweight Champion. Danny Romero (39-3-1, 33 KO's) stopped Jorge Reyes (21-14-2, 17 KO's) in the second round of a 10 rounder. Arturo Morales (1-0, 0 KO's) TKOed Ruben Coronado (3-3, 0 KO's) in 132 of round 2 and Jose Celaya (4-0, 2 KO's) took out John Trigg (4-7-4, 2 KO's) in a decision.

Hawaiian Tropics Pageant

 
Pete Allman and Robin Leach

Robin Leach is certainly enjoying life in Las Vegas, especially pageants such as the Miss Hawaiian Tropic International Pageant. Leach has no problem with self-esteem. When asked if he was enjoying living in Las Vegas, he stated "It's obvious I'm enjoying myself or I would not be here. Las Vegas is grand and I have homes all over the world."

Jennifer Garies, a former contestant in Miss Hawaiian Tropics, who successfully escalated her modeling career into acting, said picking Miss Congeniality is hard to do when you don't know the contestants,"I was never able to get to know each one individually."

Garies was a contract player for three years on The Young and the Restless. She played Grace, an evil woman, Jennifer says that everybody loved to hate. "I've been working on the transition into movies which is a very difficult one." It looks as though hard work has paid off for the young actress. She is featured in Arnold Schwartzenegger's 6th Day and in Lucky Town with James Caar. As for her personal life, "I go out with someone because I enjoy their company, not because of what they can do for me or what I can do for them," states Garies.

The top four girls who won this year's nationals were Crystal Wagner, from Las Vegas, Kathy Pompony of Atlantic City, Lori Stuart from Oklahoma City, and Jennifer Carles.


Pete Allman with the Top 4 Contestants.

Some of the celebrities who attended this years event held at the Tropicana Hotel were Dennis Haskins from Saved by the Bell and Mario Lopez of Pacific Blue, Tom Halleck formerly of The Young and the Restless, Jay Berstein and Bill Mark, Rick Fox of the L.A. Lakers and Carl Malone.


Dennis Haskins picks his favorite.

Ron Rice, the founder of The Miss Hawaiian Tropic's Pageant, spoke of his paranormal experience on BuckTV.com with Buck Hunter and myself. According to Ron, his Grandmother on his Mother's side was most important to him throughout his youth and adult life. Ron had taken care of her when she broke her leg. In any event, she passed away at the age of 85. "One night, about 1½ months ago when I was in Florida, she came to me in my sleep," he said. "I could see her clearly, but there was no dialog," states Ron.

Also on the show, Ron's daughter, Princess Sterling, who is quite talented, spoke about her step dad, John Hughes, who was killed from sleeping pills after having a glass of champagne. One night, when Sterling was sleeping he visited her. "He came to me and gave me a kiss," she states. "Then, one night when my mom was walking down the hall of her home she saw Dad and he hugged her thanking her for taking care of all the details. Then he walked down the hall and vanished."


Pete and Jennifer Carles.

 Traci Taylor, of Chicago, had a similar experience while Shiloh McCormick, of College Park, Maryland experienced something different. Shiloh had removed mud from the wall of her closet only to find it back in her closet after removing it. Dawn Angus, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin had similar experiences. If you have had some unusual experiences and would like to share them, call BuckTV.com at (702) 597-0670 and leave your name and a phone where you can be reached. Someone will call you back to arrange your appearance on Just Beyond Imagination.

Bruce Willis displayed another side of his personality at The Foundation Room at the House of Blues recently. He had some fun grabbing some girl's butt. Oh, well, Bruce had quite a few drinks and got carried away. A friend said he was blowing off steam because of his divorce.

Dennis Rodman, bless his soul, he sometimes just can't control himself. The truth of the matter is that Rodman loves attention. That's why he dresses up in all sorts of outfits. "He's flamboyant," stated Monte Rock III, one of the local celebrities here in Las Vegas.

Issue 8

  Radio legend Jack Gibson "The Rapper" was recently honored at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Gibson known for his s...