I remember watching Johnny Tapia’s fight against Danny Romero and less than a minute into the fight thousands of spectators started chanting Johnny’s name as he dug left hooks to the body of Romero. It was an amazing sight to see; a man who had lost his mother tragically as a child, standing in the middle of the ring, hearing his name chanted by thousands of adoring fans, as he fought for the championship of the world.

Throughout Johnny’s life, there seemed to be a constant push and pull between angels and demons, but somehow he continued to live and fight with an honesty that made Johnny’s story so inspiring to follow. I continue to be amazed by his display of the human spirit. Through my paintings, I hope to inspire others to follow Johnny’s incredible story of tragedy and redemption.