City to Honor Johnny Tapia on September 23, 2017

Please join the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department in celebrating legendary 5-time boxing champion Johnny Tapia on September 23, 2017.  The day’s event will begin at 10:00 am with the renaming of the Wells Park Community Center, to the “Johnny Tapia Community Center at Wells Park.”

A statue of Johnny Tapia entitled “Boxing Victory 21 Celebration,” created by artist Steve Weems will also be unveiled at the Community Center.  Johnny Tapia was raised by his grandparents in Wells Park and participated in various recreation programs at the center where he later worked as a recreation leader.

From 1:00 - 5:00 pm, South Valley Boxing Club and Chavez Promotions presents a WBC and USA Boxing Tournament at Civic Plaza featuring amateur fighters from around the Southwest. Johnny Tapia’s sons, Johnny “Niccolai” Tapia, and Johnny “Lorenzo” Tapia will be making their first amateur fight appearance in Albuquerque at this boxing event.

A concert will follow at 5:00 pm with New Mexico Musicians:  Al Muniz with special guest Timo Martinez, Lori Ortega, Red Wine and Legacy of Santa Fe.

Both the concert and the boxing tournament are free.

In June 2017, Johnny was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Johnny always talked about his love for his hometown and September 23rd will be a day to honor Johnny Tapia’s world class achievements in the sport of boxing and pay tribute to a native son.

WHAT:          Johnny Tapia Day

WHERE:       Wells Parks and Civic Plaza

WHEN:          Saturday, September 23, 2017

                        Dedication - 10:00 AM - Johnny Tapia Community Center @Wells Park

                        Boxing & Music Event - 1:00 - 7:00 PM @Civic Plaza