Product Description

There is only one winner in boxing. Fighting against your opponent and fighting against your own inner demons become one in the same. Those who survive both in and out of the ring are beloved worldwide, and those who do not spiral downward into drugs, prison, and even murder. This title tells the legendary tale of Johnny Tapia's life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #207107 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 290 pages

Customer Reviews

And You Thought Tyson Had A Bad Life!!!!!

This is the autobiography of Johnny Tapia, a man who fought and dealt with drugs, death, prison and a terrible childhood to become a 3 weight world champion (Super Fly-Bantam) and emerge as one of the most colourful and best fighters of the 90's. A fighter for 17 years Tapia consistently defied the odds and had 62 fights (55-5-2) of which 19 were for a 'world' title, and was undefeated from for 11 years until age and hard living eventually caught up with him.

In short anyone who thinks Tyson had a hard life will be shocked by this candid autobiography of a man whose life outside the ring is as interesting as it was in it.

This is no ordinary rags to riches story , and would serve as a good warning to anyone on the perils of addiction and life most certianly on the edge.

In short this is a must have!!

Good, But Badly Written
As much as Johnny Tapia has led a crazy life, the grammar in this book is appalling. This book was obviously written firstly in Spanish & then translated over into English. It has been translated over very badly & reads in Pigeon English most of the way through. For what can be read, yes of course this book is good because Johnny Tapia has thrown caution to the wind in his approach to life ever since the terrible experience he went through at such an early age. I cannot help but wish him well though. To update you, he did have an overdose (approx. Feb / Mar 2006) which I understand now, 23rd April, he is hanging in there, Bless Him.

Mi Vida Loca.
An excellent, " cannot put it down read ", Johnny has been through it all, from a very troubled childhood, where he was the archetypal " dragged up child ", where he witnessed at first hand, drugs, guns, rape and abuse to his formative further troubled years, where it was more of the same, to adulthood, where his life was just turbulence personified. A very powerful and emotive read, that will leave you suprised, shocked, saddened and laughing with Johnny all on the same page. As a previous reviewer, mentioned, the poor grammer, and quality of writing prowess, in my opinion this only adds to the simplicity of the book, and gives the impression of Johnnys own words from an uneducated background. When completed, Mi Vida Loca impulsively, has you yearning for a sequel, a film or footage of his fights to see more of a very troubled character. Five stars.