Champ Paul Banke Hosts BBQ

Former champion Paul Banke welcomed Team Cantu to Los Angeles by hosting a summer BBQ this past weekend.

This Sunday Funday was presented by Banke and Angela Stanfield as they welcomed three-time champ “Lil” Oscar Cantu and his father (and trainer/manager Jaime Cantu) to Southern California. The family hails from Kingsville, Texas and traveled to Cali for a 4th of July vacation while also making new boxing connections during their trip here.

The cookout was held at Covina Park and featured a day of breaking bread, relaxing in the shade and chatting with fellow boxing aficionados. A full buffet of carne asada, hamburgers, grilled chicken, pizza and more was served to the group.

Joining in the festivities were champion Zachary Padilla, singer Little Andy Rojo, trainer Tony Ruiz, several young amateur boxers and more.

The Cantus told me they’re having a fantastic time visiting SoCal. The father-son duo has sparred in various local gyms, were special guests at football player Tony Zendejas’ restaurant, visited the World Boxing Council (WBC) offices, went to a Dodger game and will also be attending live fights before they head back to Southern Texas. Lil Oscar is a true hometown hero; a prizefighter who also graduated from college and is a family man with wife Nicole and little Jaime. The Texas A&M University alum hopes to fight in the near future. He often takes part in community events and is proud to be a South Texas resident. In August, he will be recognized by his city in a huge day of honors taking place at the Conner Museum in Kingsville.

Banke introduced the Cantus to all the guests and praised the fighter and his father. “They’re great people,” he told me. “They are the best. I love them!” Paul is one of the busiest guys in boxing circles. He frequents boxing shows, charity events and also trains fighters at his gym (Against the Ropes Boxing Gym in Rialto).

This July 1 BBQ is the start of a fun summer ahead. Sunday’s event was solely for Team Cantu and was a perfect day in the park. Paul and Angela said there will be another event in the next couple of months in which they will invite many world champs and boxers for “Paul Banke’s 2nd Annual BBQ for the Champs.”

Check out my exclusive pics from the day and have a knockout 4th of July!

Photos by Michele Chong