BoxRec

ALBUQUERQUE — Former five-time world boxing champion Johnny Tapia has been accused of being involved in a brawl at an Albuquerque bar that left one man with a chipped tooth, according to police.

Police were called to Sidelines Sports Grille & Bar around 6 p.m. Friday after a fight broke out. Witnesses told police that chairs were thrown and glasses were fly ing, and they recognized the Albuquerque boxer.

According to police, a couple of men got into an argument with one of Tapia’s friends in the restroom. The fight spilled out into the bar and escalated into a brawl, and one man ended up with chipped tooth and a bruised cheek.

Tapia left the bar with his friends, and police were not able to locate him Friday night. No charges have been filed.

Associated Press


ALBUQUERQUE -- Former five-time world boxing champion Johnny Tapia has told police that he wasn't the one who started a brawl at an Albuquerque bar that left one man with a chipped tooth.


The boxer said in a police report that he was having dinner Friday evening at Sidelines Sports Grill & Bar with some family members and boxing rival Frankie Archuleta when another customer took exception.


Police spokesman John Walsh said that customer, Steven Montoya, approached Tapia and said: "I thought you two were supposed to be enemies." Tapia explained that he and Archuleta were only enemies inside the ring and were friends outside of it.


According to Walsh, Tapia told police that somebody he believed to be Montoya struck him in the neck and a melee ensued before Tapia gathered his family and friends and left.


Montoya, whose tooth was chipped during the fight, contends he was hit first.


No charges have been filed in the case.


Tapia and Archuleta could not be reached for comment.


Promoter Lenny Fresquez has said Archuleta recently signed a contract with Teresa Tapia, Johnny's wife, for her to be his manager.


In March 2004, Tapia (55-4-2, 28 knockouts) lost a split decision to Archuleta (24-5-1, 13 knockouts) in Archuleta's hometown of Las Vegas, N.M. Tapia avenged the loss in April with a unanimous decision over Archuleta during a bout in Albuquerque.


Tapia, an Albuquerque native, was scheduled to fight Israel Vazquez this Friday for the IBF junior featherweight title, but that bout was canceled.