IN SHORT

At age 14, he was working for $5 a week; by 29, he had a small fortune; and at 44, he created the longest-running television boxing program in the entire world. Juan Carlos Tapia has probably seen more boxing matches than anyone, which is why it’s disarmingly surprising to hear him confess that his real hobby is the opera. He is a staunch advocate of public education and uses his company to help young people acquire skills and find employment.