Five-Time Boxing Champ Johnny Tapia Found Dead At 45

Five-time world boxing champion Johnny Tapia was found dead in his own Albuquerque, N.M. home on Sunday evening by a family member who entered his home. The boxers body was found at approximately 7:45 p.m.

According to police spokesman Robert Gibbs, authorities were called shortly after the boxers body was discovered.

The 45-year-old Tapia managed to win five championships in three weight classes; WBA bantamweight title, the IBF and WBO junior bantamweight titles and the IBF featherweight belt.

The boxers career was full of victories but his life suffered from a cocaine addition, alcohol abuse, depression and ultimately run-ins with the law. In 2007 Tapia was hospitalized after suffering from a cocaine overdose. In 1999 Tapia was hospitalized after he attempted suicide following a loss inside the ring.

Johnny Tapia’s personal life was also marred by tragedy from a young age, before he was born his father was allegedly murdered and his mom was murdered when he was just a small child, at which time his grandparents stepped in to raise the championship boxer.

At the age of 44 Tapia fought in his last bought in June 2011, defeating Mauricio Pastrana in an eight-round decision. Tapia’s career ended with a 59-5-2 record.

Foul play is not suspected in the boxers death and Gibbs says an autopsy will be conducted in the next several days.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his death Johnny Tapia was a versatile boxer who transitioned quickly and efficiently throughout his various weight classes.

Are you a fan of Johnny Tapia inside the ring?