08.03.04 – Following his split decision loss to Las Vegas, New Mexico’s Frankie Archuleta in Las Vegas, NM last Friday night, Johnny and Teresa Tapia have released the following statement: Teresa Tapia: “For ten days leading up to the fight, Johnny suffered from vertigo and flu-like symptoms. Dr. Mel Olivares treated him with antibiotics and advised him not to fight. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and I agreed with the doctor’s recommendation and tried to persuade Johnny to postpone, but Johnny wouldn’t hear it. For the month leading up to the bout, the people of Las Vegas treated Johnny like a king and countless people thanked him for boosting their sagging economy. The hotels were fully booked, their restaurants were full and the show was sold out. The excitement in the town was electrifying. Johnny felt that if he backed out, he would disappoint too many people.”
At the post fight press conference, a clearly ill Tapia was coughing up phlegm as he tried to graciously give Frankie Archuleta his respect. Tapia’s comments were cut short when he vomited in front of the assembled media. Tapia has since been diagnosed with pneumonia and was advised to check himself into the hospital for treatment. At January 18th’s pre-fight press conference, the Albuquerque Journal quoted Mayor Sanchez of Las Vegas, “It’s too early to tell how much money will come into our community, but with all of the people visiting us from around the state and country, it should be over a million dollars. For us, that’s going to be huge.”
It was Tapia’s idea to bring this fight to the hometown of his beloved grandparents and he hoped to boost Las Vegas’ slow economy by fighting there. Drive down the main street in this town of 16,000 and you will find nearly every other store front boarded up as a result of the opening of a Wal-Mart. At Mayor Sanchez’ insistence, Tapia moved his camp to Las Vegas in early February to promote the event and the town.
Twenty-four inches of snow and record cold in the Las Vegas mountains where Tapia’s camp was located contributed to his pneumonia. (Archuleta trained in Mexico.) Eddie Mustafa Muhammad: “Teresa and I both agreed that the bout should be postponed. We tried to make him understand, but Johnny’s a fighter. The Johnny last Friday wasn’t even 50%. Every time he landed a combination, he took three steps back and tried to catch a breathe. He was clearly fighting with his mouth open and trying hard to breathe. When he came back to the corner, I could hear the phlegm in his lungs. I really don’t know how he went 10 rounds.”
Johnny Tapia: “I couldn’t stop the fight. There were 5000 people coming and more watching on TV. The fight was sold-out. I did what I had to do because that’s who I am. I’m a fighter. There’s no shame in my game. I’m sorry if I let my fans down.” Johnny continued, “I plan on finishing out my career this year and I want to go out on a win. I give Frankie Archuleta my respect. But I want him again and this time in Albuquerque.“
Archuleta did agree to an immediate rematch during the post fight press conference. Scores were 98-92 and 96-94 in favor of Archuleta and 96-95 for Tapia.