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.
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.