I got all misty eyed when I read of Johnny Tapia's untimely death.
I have never met the man. I have never seen one of his fights. But, he looked like my Abuelo, so I followed him all of these years. They had the same stature, same broken nose and were from the same part of town. They both had the same Duke City boxer determination; they pulled themselves up from nearly impossible situations to come back from all odds, time after time.
These traits aren't unique to this city. But, Tapia had a spirit about him. As a friend of mine said "Johnny was all heart. Flaws and all, it's a real loss for New Mexico." He embodied what was best about New Mexico. A cultural heritage, a sense of responsibility to the past he came from, and, a pride in his name, his family and ultimately the way he threw a punch.
He was a New Mexican, through and through.
Johnny Tapia will be missed by this city.
A statue of Johnny should be erected in Civic Plaza. I can't think of a more fitting place for a tribute to him.
~Jeannette
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