SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO AIR JOHNNY TAPIA TRIBUTE AT THE TOP OF THE SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING TELECAST ON JUNE 23

 Live on Saturday, June 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (Delayed on the West Coast)

NEW YORK (June 19, 2012) – Before this Saturday’s welterweight clash featuring Victor Ortiz vs. Josesito Lopez,SHOWTIME Sports^® will pay tribute to Johnny Tapia with a short-form piece airing on SHOWTIME^® at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Following Tapia’s nine appearances on SHOWTIME, the premium network’s archives contained multiple hours of intimate footage featuring New Mexico’s favorite fighter, some of which never before seen. In memory of the three-division champion’s captivating life journey, the tribute will chronicle Tapia’s exhilarating – as well as heartbreaking – underdog tale that endeared him to boxing fans worldwide.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, visit the website at http://sports.SHO.com.

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SHOWTIME Statement/Johnny Tapia Public Memorial Service

As friends, family and the boxing community prepare for a public memorial service in honor of the late Johnny Tapia, SHOWTIME Sports sends its deepest condolences to all those who were touched by one of boxing’s most remarkable warriors. The former three-division world champion fought on SHOWTIME nine times over his career and left an indelible impression on all that met him.  

“We want to send our thoughts and prayers to the Tapia family in this time of loss,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “A man small in stature but gigantic in heart and personality, Johnny’s memory will remain with all that knew him and keep us smiling for years to come – just as he did in person.”

The Tapia family has announced a public memorial service in Johnny’s honor to be held on Sunday, June 3, at the University of New Mexico’s THE PIT.  (Viewing from 6:30pm; memorial service at 8pm). The Pit is located on the University's South Campus on University Boulevard and Cesar Chavez in southeast Albuquerque.