Fast Facts:
Age: 25
Nationality: Australian Mexican Peruvian
From: Tijuana, Mexico
Stance: orthodox
Height: 6ft
Record: 16-0 (10)
Division: Super-middleweight
Next fight: Tapia only had one fight in 2023, an eighth-round stoppage of Eric Robles in October. He plans to be more active next year.
When and why you started boxing:
I was nine years old. I started boxing because I drove past a boxing ring thinking it was a WWE ring (I was fanatical about WWE). I was also an overweight kid and got bullied a lot. I had my first fight a year and a half later.
Favourite all-time fighter:
I don’t really have one but the fighters I watch the most are Edwin Valero and James Toney.
What is the best fight you have seen:
Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez IV in Las Vegas. I was there and I’ve never heard a stadium erupt like that.
Personal career highlight:
When I fought and knocked out Renold Quinlan for the WBA Oceania title. I don’t think anyone in Australia has done that or come close to doing that.
Toughest opponent:
Gagapreet Sharma in 2019, I was only a kid still. I didn’t prepare properly, and I made it a lot harder for myself than I should have. The ring was very cushiony, and it zapped my legs really early. I had to stand beat him at his own game; I got a TKO in the eighth round.
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I believe I possess it all. I can box really smart and can bite down and fight if I need to. I have dangerous power, really good speed and my footwork is good so I can switch to southpaw if needs be. Also, I’m very intelligent with what’s happening inside the ring and can keep track of the score in my head.
Training tip:
Footwork is the most important. It’s the first form of defence. If you’re not there to be hit you can frustrate fighters. Also, master the jab.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
Fresh tuna or kingfish sashimi at Sushi Izakaya Nara in Narrabeen, or the OG chicken burger from Out Of The Blue in Clovelly.
Best friends in boxing:
They are from my old gym called Bondi Boxing Club in Sydney, Australia. Micheal Pengue, Steven Rados, Richmond Saliba and a fella that goes by the name of JD.
Which other athlete would you like to be?
Tiger Woods.
One thing you would change about professional boxing?
That’s a hard one. I think corruption is a big one and I wish I could change it but sadly it’s always been a part of the sport.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Jason Statham – thinking of shaved heads [laughs].
Have you ever been starstruck?
Recently I was when I saw Juan Manuel Marquez. He was commenting on my fight. I’ve always looked up to him.
Last time you cried:
My first sparring session in Los Angeles not too long ago. I didn’t to do well and I was questioning if I was good enough… but that’s a part of the sport we love. You can’t be 100 per cent every day, so take your beating on the chin and keep moving forward.
Best advice received:
Patience.
Worst rumour about yourself:
I don’t take notice or surround myself with people that gossip like that. Everyone I surround myself with is straight to the point and tells me how it is – and that’s how I like it.
Tell us something not many people know about you.
I was a competitive golfer when I was younger. I play off a seven handicap at the moment but I don’t get a lot of time to play because of training. Also, I love surfing with my mates, sharing good waves and having good laughs.
