EM Muhammad: "I Can't Believe Tapia was in a Coma"

08-09 - Former World Champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad is preparing 5-time World Champion Johnny Tapia for his September 26th bout against Carlos Contreras of Mexico at Albuquerque's Tingley Arena.

Muhammad had the following to say from Tapia’s Albuquerque camp:

"I can't believe Tapia was in a coma earlier this year. If I didn't know it to be true, I would never believe it. His energy is unbelievable and he’s in great shape. He's already down to 130."

On his training strategy for Johnny: "You can't teach Johnny how to fight. He knows how to fight. I just need to remind and reassure him- sharpen him up. We've been doing a lot of pad work to get him in shape. Yesterday we did 10 rounds of pads at full speed- over 100 punches per rounds."

“When Johnny is on 100%, it's impossible to beat him. He's a warrior. Fighting in front of his hometown fans in Albuquerque means the world to him. He's going to be in tremendous form for his fans."

On Tapia's opponent, Carlos Contreras (18-7-3, 12 KOs), "Contreras is a tough, no nonsense fighter. But unless Contreras grows a third arm, there won't be a problem."

"We're having a great time. Johnny's like my brotha from anotha motha. The Tapia's are like family to me."

Tickets are available from TicketMaster outlets.