Mi Vida Loca: The Crazy Life of Johnny Tapia

There is only one winner in boxing. Fighting against your opponent and fighting against your own inner demons become one in the same. Those who survive both in and out of the ring are beloved worldwide. Those who do not spiral downward into drugs, prison, and even murder. "[My] life's been pretty tragic," remarks Johnny. "But in the ring, it's been a blessing." Mi Vida Loca is not just a nickname for Johnny, but a legendary tale of a life lived over the edge and back.

Johnny Tapia hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has been a been involved in the boxing world since his teen years. He won two National Golden Glove titles, turned pro, and went on to win the USBA Junior Bantamweight title—all by age 21. His professional record to date is accentuated by five world titles in three separate weight divisions—WBO junior bantamweight champion (1994-1998), IBF junior bantamweight champion (1997-1998), WBA bantamweight champion (1998-1999), WBO bantamweight champion (2000), and IBF featherweight king (2002). He lives with his wife and manager, Teresa Tapia, and their two children.

Bettina Gilois was born in Konstanz, Germany, and raised in Berlin. She studied Art History and English at Barnard College in New York City. Upon graduation, she began working in production at the Andy Warhol Factory, for director Slava Tsukerman ("Liquid Sky"), for producers Keith Barish ("Sophie's Choice") and Arnold Kopelson ("Triumph of the Spirit"), and later as a screenwriter for such producers as Joel Silver ("Die Hard"). She has held several credits over her 15 years as a screenwriter, including the Jerry Bruckheimer production "Glory Road" (Walt Disney Pictures, 2006). She currently resides in Pacific Palisades, California, and has two children.