Tapia Tests Positive for Drug

Unbeaten professional boxer Johnny Tapia tested positive for cocaine Friday and, in a separate incident, was arrested in Albuquerque, N.M., on charges of intimidating a witness in a murder case.

The New Mexico Athletic Commission, which earlier this week approved Tapia’s request for a one-bout boxing license, reversed its decision Friday. Tests performed this week revealed the Albuquerque boxer had used cocaine in violation of a commission ruling, chairman Jim Boggio said.

The boxing license of Tapia, former U.S. Boxing Assn. super-flyweight champion, was revoked by the commission in October after his third positive test for cocaine. Tapia (21-0-1) has not fought since Oct. 26, 1990.

Earlier Friday, Tapia was arrested accused of bribery of a witness to a homicide in which Tapia’s cousin was indicted.