Statement from Teresa Tapia

The following is a statement from Teresa Tapia, wife of famed New Mexico boxer Johnny Tapia.  Tapia died Sunday, he was 45-years-old.

Today our family grieves the loss of a husband, a father and a close friend. With Johnny, the world has lost not just a Hall of Fame boxer but a special person, a fighter in life and in the ring. I am appreciative of all the support and condolences we’ve received and I thank Johnny’s many friends and fans for standing by in this difficult time.

I know many people are waiting for news but as we await the results of the autopsy I am not in a position to make any comment on what happened on Sunday.

We will hold a public memorial service for Johnny to give everyone a chance to say good-bye. The holiday and autopsy are delaying our final plans. We will announce the particulars as soon as arrangements have been made.

I know Johnny will be missed by everyone who ever met him. He was a special light in this world. He loved people so much, made friends with everyone so easily and kept those friends forever. He will remain in our hearts and be missed by all of us very dearly.