BoxRec

115 lbs. 12 rounds.

I like Tapia in this bout.
I'd go with Tapia to win a decision.
Johnny Tapia was a Real Crowd Favorite.
He had that Bigger than Life Aura about him.
I remember Sugar Ray Leonard being in his corner for a certain time-period.
SRL probably saw Tapia as being a Throwback to the Hardcore Type Boxers that had that Special Extra level of Passion.

I'd favor Donaire. He had greater power, greater skill and probably greater speed. Tapia had a hell of a chin, and was a gutsy performer who'd keep getting right in your face, and giving you all you could handle, and he'd do the same to Donaire, but Donaire could indeed handle it I think, and come out better in the end.

I doubt he'd stop Johnny, but I think he'd win a UD.