HBO Sports will look at the tumultuous life of former world boxing champion Johnny Tapia in a upcoming documentary premiering Dec. 16.
The show, Tapia, chronicles the life and boxing career of the five-time world champion in three different weight classes who suffered through repeat episodes of drug addiction during his life. Tapia died of a heart attack in 2012.
Hip Hop artist/actor Curtis ’50 Cent” Jackson and boxing promoter Lou DiBella will serve as executive producers of the documentary, according to HBO.
“Johnny Tapia’s life story was an incredible journey, and we are eager to celebrate his biggest accomplishments and chronicle the toughest and most difficult moments of his turbulent life,” said Rick Bernstein, executive producer, HBO Sports in a statement. “Tapia was so much more than just a world champion, and we want to share this gripping account with our subscribers, many of whom may have seen Johnny in his five fights on HBO, but may not know the amazing story behind the fighter.”
