BoxingScene.com has been advised by an Albuquerque Police official, that former champion Johnny Tapia, 45-years-old, was found dead inside his Albuquerque home. Tapia (59-5-2, 30KOs) battled drug addiction for many years. He won titles at super flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight. The high profile fights with Danny Romero and Paulie Ayala were classic encounters. Tapia last fought in June of 2011, winning an eight round decision over former champion Mauricio Pastrana.

Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Robert Gibbs said officers were called to Tapia's house at about 7:45pm - after a family member found his body. Gibbs said the death did not appear suspicious and that an official cause of death would be determined following an autopsy.

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