Boxer plans win to honor Tapia

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Johnny Tapia had transitioned from fighter to trainer over the past few years.

One of those fighters went to Team Tapia Gym Monday to remember his trainer.

“Halfway through my run I started crying and I just broke down a little bit,” Hector Munoz told KRQE News 13.
Munoz will remember Johnny Tapia in his corner, sharing in his blood sweat and tears.

Munoz gave News 13 crews a tour of Tapia’s gym, where pictures of the champ litter the walls.

“(I) Freaked out because I didn't think nobody was going to be here, and there was people out there and then they had stuff out there for Johnny,” said Munoz of the growing memorial of flowers, posters, and notes outside the gym’s front door.

Dozens stopped by the gym to pay their respects and Munoz says that's what he was doing Monday.

“I just wanted to come out here and just try to stay focused,” said Munoz.

In just 13 days Munoz will be in New York preparing for a fight. Tapia was supposed to be there rooting him on.

“I am going to win this fight for Johnny,” said Munoz. “I know he is still going to be in my corner and like I said he is here now training with me.”

Tapia was more than a trainer to Munoz, he loved Munoz's child like his own. Munoz says Tapia's love for his family and friends, and even strangers are what he should be most known for. Munoz said he knows that

Tapia's legacy will live on.

“He always wanted me to be a world champion and I am going to try my hardest to do that for him,” said Munoz.