Note: The above video has gone down, but here are some links that SHO still has up. I think there was a small production error in the original video and we'll replace it if it gets re-uploaded.
Johnny Tapia with Dan Rafael
Johnny Tapia with Barry Tompkins
Johnny Tapia with Michael Irvin (yes, that one)
Honestly, this is maybe my favorite video that Showtime has put out during all of the build-up to Pacquiao vs Mosley. In this one, we get to see 44-year-old fighter's fighter Johnny "Mi Vida Loca" Tapia turning the tables and interviewing many notable members of the boxing media.
What delights me about this is how happy everyone seems to see Johnny looking healthy and in good spirits. I don't think I'm talking out of turn when I say that Tapia has had his troubles outside the ring, but every time he's gotten into a scrape with the law, basically every boxing journalist covering it was quick to point out that there have always been two Johnny Tapias. One of them was the man who had issues with drugs and became a different person. And the other is the Tapia we see on display here. A friendly, funny, kind person who can just plain light up a room with his presence.
And I'll admit, I got a serious laugh out of Tapia referencing his own problems. He's never been dishonest or hidden from who he is, and that sort of honesty is rare in boxing circles.
To note, Tapia fights Frankie Archuleta for a third time on June 4, which will be broadcast by GFL.tv.
