Not as long as normal obviously maybe somewhere in the 60s? And that's speculating on the avg "career fighter". Who knows, probably studies on it.
But Tapia exceeded his life expectancy by quite some years. Most fighters didn't live as rough as he did.
from badlefthook comments:
Quote:
I was about 15 years old when I tagged along with my dad and uncle to the Great Western Forum in Inglewood to see Marco Antonio Barrera-Kennedy McKinney. Johnny had an early knock out on the undercard. We were able to meet him at the end of the night. Talked and took some pictures with him. Great guy. Fast forward almost 10 years later. When he first released his book he had a book signing at the Team L.A. store in Universal City Walk. I went to it. As he signed the book, I mentioned to him I had met him before. He asked where at? At the Great Western Forum I told him. He looked at me and said Barrera-Mckinney. You were that kid I talked and took pictures with afterwards. You were there with your dad and uncle, right? I was shocked he remembered. I said yeah that was me. He than asked how my dad and uncle are doing? I told him there not. There both dead. He looked surprised and said sorry to hear that. Without thinking I responded with it was there time to go, I guess. Without hesitation Johnny said I can’t wait till my day comes. Why? I asked him. Cuz I wanna see my mom he said.