Johnny Tapia On November 2, 2002, at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas Barrera took on an ageing Johnny Tapia who despite his advancing age, gave a good account of himself.

Three great fighters appeared on the ballot for the first time, and I checked the box next to each one's name: Evander Holyfield, Marco Antonio Barrera and the late Johnny Tapia.

“What really motivated me was when Teresa Tapia reached out to me and asked me if I could help out the Johnny Tapia Foundation, that really inspired me to do this exhibition fight,” said ...

Tapia’s tragic story told by HBO Johnny Tapia, right, slugs Marco Antonio Barrera during their featherweight fight on Nov. 2, 2002, at the MGM Grand Garden.

He methodically batters Tapia to earn unanimous decision in a nontitle fight that matched top featherweights.

Tapia, 45, was known for his battles with cross-town rival Danny Romero, Paulie Ayala and Marco Antonio Barrera.

On Sunday his widow stood in his place as Tapia joined a Hall of Fame class that included Evander Holyfield and Marco Antonio Barrera in Canastota, New York.

In a career that spanned nearly a quarter century, Tapia engaged in mesmerizing battles with Danny Romero, Marco Antonio Barrera and Paulie Ayala (twice), among others, and compiled a record of 59 ...

On Tuesday, Tapia was inducted into the international Boxing Hall of Fame, joining a brilliant class that includes former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and Mexican superstar Marco Antonio ...

Others inducted on June 11 in Canastota, New York: three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico; super flyweight champion Johnny Tapia; Australian trainer Johnny Lewis; judge Jerry Roth ...

Others inducted on June 11 in Canastota, New York: three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico; super flyweight champion Johnny Tapia; Australian trainer Johnny Lewis; judge Jerry Roth ...