What’s Next for the South Texas Champ
South Texas prizefighter Oscar “Lil Oscar” Cantu held a press conference this month to make a big announcement.
Many people assumed he would be announcing plans for his next fight. Instead, the 29-year-old boxer was there to talk about his early retirement from the ring due to some shocking news–a brain aneurysm behind his eye.
This stunning announcement and frightening diagnosis would knock anyone for a loop. But Lil Oscar, known for his rock-solid spiritual faith, is taking a strong stance in closing this chapter in the sweet science. He told everyone not to be sad for him and that he had a great career. And he looks back with joy in winning six titles in three different weight classes. The Texan also looks ahead to a bright new future.
As an amateur, he battled all the way to the Olympic trials before turning pro in 2012. His professional record stands at 16 wins and two defeats. Team Cantu is a popular fixture in South Texas with their Kingsville Boxing Club and a permanent display of Lil Oscar’s accomplishments housed in the Conner Museum at Texas A&M.
Cantu has spent 23 years in the sport he loves after first lacing up at the tender age of six. And even though he won’t officially step foot on the canvas again, he is not down for the count. The same drive, dedication, discipline and passion that he put into boxing will guide him into his future calling as a spiritual warrior and a “Chaplain for Champions.”
And the bantamweight wasn’t just busy in the gym. In his free time, he is a staunch family man and community member. He and his beautiful wife of six years, Nicole Cantu, have long been giving back to the neighborhood they love. They’ve been holding food giveaways for those in need with their Champion “Grab & Go” Kids’ Meals every Monday through August 24 at the Kingsville gym. The couple and their adorable son Jaimito, 3, are also active with the Central Baptist Church in their city. Jaimito is named after Oscar’s father Jaime Cantu, who also was Lil Oscar’s trainer and co-manager during his boxing career.
And it was his father–his rock–who was by his side at the August 10 press conference in which they announced the champ’s retirement. Flanked by his corner and a gleaming row of his WBC, NABF, ABF title belts, the pugilist spoke as his parents, siblings, family, friends, sponsors and locals all looked on. The World Boxing Council (WBC) and North American Boxing Federation’s (NABF) Deborah Hawkins was also seated on the VIP dais.
Hearing that an athlete has a brain aneurysm is scary news for anyone. And while it is a big blow for a boxing champion, Oscar is staying upbeat, moving in a new direction with a fervent new calling to continue to inspire others.
During our phone interview, he did express extreme disappointment in a goal unaccomplished but also talked about how it was rectified. Cantu also answered the tough question about how dangerous brain aneurysm’s really are, why he broke down at the press conference, and the surprising place he and his family want to travel to once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. He likes to say he’s an open book so read on to hear all of his thoughts as this next chapter in his life begins!
Michele Chong: Hi Oscar! I watched the video stream of your retirement announcement. Your speech was so riveting. You handled it all with class and spoke from the heart. How did you prepare for the presser?
OC: Hi Michele! It’s been like a roller coaster. I was really reluctant to write the speech; I couldn’t sleep all week! Then I wrote it right before. I’m happy it all went well.
MC: The WBC and NABF’s Deborah Hawkins was also at your press conference to surprise you with a belt. It pulled at everyone’s heartstrings to see your reaction and all that emotion!
OC: I wanted that dream of being a world champ my whole life, that’s the truth, the hard facts. I was telling my dad that I didn’t get my dream of becoming a world champion…and then they surprised me with the belt as an honorary world champ! It was amazing.
The honorary belt was really a surprise to me! And I would have had a sour taste of not achieving a world championship if I had not received the honorary belt–they blessed me with that. Mauricio (Sulaiman), Deborah (Hawkins)–I love the WBC family Tears were flowing and it was emotional–my eyes were puffy the next morning. (Laughs)
MC: It was very emotional. When did you first find out about your brain aneurysm?
OC: I felt a little sick last year with headaches but they couldn’t find out why. Then about two months ago they pinpointed the problem–the brain aneurysm is behind my left eye. I had MRI tests and that’s how they found it.
MC: Do you have to have surgery? I know how dangerous it can be.
OC: I don’t need surgery at this time, just some meds. It can rupture with the main arteries and veins…you can lose abilities and yes, some people can die from it. The left eye area affects the memory. But I’ve had tests and the walls around it are still thick so no surgery is needed now.
MC: And, previously (before your diagnosis), you never had any other injuries from fighting?
OC: No..no detached retina, no concussions…I try not to get hit! (Laughs)
MC: I’m sure retiring at 29 wasn’t what anyone ever plans. How did you find such strength after hearing the diagnosis?
OC: My wife and I were talking one night. I wear my emotions on my sleeve and she’s been a shoulder to cry on. She said to me in the simplest form: Do you want us to read a speech at your eulogy or you read it at your retirement?
MC: You had a successful career. Looking back, who was your toughest opponent in the ring?
OC: My most memorable and my favorite fight was with Aston Palicte, a knockout artist. I got cut in the second round and continued for eight 
rounds. It was like my own “Rocky” story! (Palicte won by a split decision)
MC: Now a veteran at just 29, what advice can you share with young amateurs and pros?
OC: What I love is that when I was a young kid in an elementary classroom, I always remember being told: SHOOT FOR THE MOON. So now I say “Shoot for the Moon” but if you don’t make it you’ll still be under the stars. And then you can jump from star to star to reach the moon!
MC: Boxing has been in your life since you were a little boy. Will you continue to go to the boxing gym?
OC: Yes, my dad is the owner of the gym–the Kingsville Boxing Club–so I will still be there a lot. It is like my second home.
My dad trains both amateurs and pros. I can also hold mitts and little by little help them at the gym. And every other Tuesday we hold a bible study there where I mentor others.
MC: And how has the pandemic affected your work outside the ring? How are you connecting with others?
OC: I can work from home as a fellowship pastor. I’m an area representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. And I’ve been giving weekly sermons and spiritual training on Facebook for the last two months. Thank God for social media!
MC: You have a permanent display in your town’s museum and you’ve always had great community support?
OC: Yes! It was the first time I’ve been on the front page of the paper! I’m from a small town and I want to thank everyone for all the support.
MC: I first met you and your family at Paul Banke’s induction into the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017. And since then, I’ve seen you and your family when you’ve visited California. You come out here almost every year, right? Well, before the pandemic, of course…
OC: Yes, my dad was born in LA and we have a lot of relatives there. And Paul Banke is like family! We love him.
MC: Since many things are shut down due to the pandemic, once things open up again, what would you like to do and where would you like to travel?
OC: I was telling my wife: Look, babe, I could be paid in Disneyland dollars and I’d be happy. (Laughs) I wish it was open; I LOVE Disneyland! Once everything opens up and I’m able to have a “Retirement Party” I really want to go to Disneyland again. And I want to see the new Toy Story (Pixar Pier) at Disney California Adventures too. We gotta go hug Mickey! (Laughs)
MC: Yes! Ok we gotta meet you guys there when you come out to visit Disneyland! (Laughs) Thanks for all your time and good luck with everything in the future!
OC: Thank you!
What a roller coaster ride it has been for Lil Oscar Cantu. From the trials and tribulations of a young amateur fighter to the professional ranks as a champ in boxing.
He does not blame boxing for his aneurysm. He will not be bitter.
I told him they should make a movie about his life and it could inspire others to keep fighting and even when life throws you for a loop, you gotta get back up. Even if it means moving in a different direction and giving up the only sport you’ve known since you were six years old.
But as one chapter closes, a glorious new chapter begins. And for this champion–both in and outside the ropes–THE SKY’S THE LIMIT!
Photos by Michele Chong/Courtesy of Team Cantu/Kingsville Record