By Chris Cella
This Saturday night from the Los Angeles Film Festival, TAPIA—a documentary based on the life of five-time world champion boxer Johhny Tapia (59-5-2, 30 KO) will premiere, chronicling the road to glory and the struggles and adversities the pugilist faced inside and out of the ring.
Produced by filmmakers Eddie Alcazar and Andrea Monier, TAPIA will be presented by the promotional team of Lou DiBella and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who recently acquired the rights to the documentary.
About having the opportunity to be part of the gripping film, DiBella commented, “I’m thrilled to join 50 in acquiring this riveting documentary. This is not a boxing film, but a film about tragedy, triumph, demons and redemption. Johnny gives us an honest assessment of his strengths and frailties; he reminds us of the power and resiliency of the human spirit.”
Jackson added, “I was drawn to the intensity of this project. His story resonated with me because like Tapia, I too lost my mother to violence and grew up with limited means. It’s a heartfelt story and it was important for me to get involves with bringing this to a broader audience.”
Last May 27, 2012, Tapia was found dead in his Albuquerque home, less than a year from his final fight, where he defeated Mauricio Pastrama via unanimous decision in an eight round contest. Between 1988 when he turned pro through 2011 when he exited the squared circle for the final time, Tapia built a legacy for himself.
But it was the fight he faced outside the ring that defined his character. Tapia grew up poor in Albuquerque, and at the age of 8 dealt with the murder of his mother. But being resilient he pursued his dream of prize fighting, and inside the ring became a prominent name within the sport. Through his career he faced drug addiction, mental illness and near death experiences, but he always found a home within the ring, and often returned.
Boxing was more than a career and more than a hobby for former champion Johnny Tapia, it was a lifestyle, and a way out.
Although he perished at a much too early age of 45, what he overcame—both in his personal life and as a boxer—will always be remembered.
TAPIA producer Eddie Alcazar shared, “Every day Johnny and I spent together, he was so excited to be telling his story and helping others.” said Alcazar. “Just as quickly as he entered my life, a year later he was gone. He lived his life fast and with a sense of urgency, yet I always had a feeling that he would outlive us all. Filming the last interviews of his life was a special gift and I feel very fortunate to have 50 Cent and Lou DiBella share the same vision in bringing Johnny’s life to the bright screen.”
TAPIA will premier this Saturday night, and although the screening is sold-out, a second showing has been announced for Wednesday, June 19 in Regal Cinema L.A. Live 14.
To view the official trailer for TAPIA visit Official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB3Oy3cEu_4&feature=youtu.be