Aussie Jeff Fenech Visits Los Angeles!
Jeff Fenech received a hero’s welcome when he recently visited Los Angeles, Calif. The legendary Australian boxer was joined by a knockout group of prizefighters including Israel “El Magnifico” Vazquez, Michael “Second To” Nunn, “The Real” Paul Banke and Danny “Little Red” Lopez, author Chris Smith (Eder Jofre: Brazil’s First Boxing World Champion), boxing choreographer/trainer Jimmy Gambina Sr. and more.
Fenech (29-3-1, 21 KOs) fought in several weight divisions and is a multiple world title holder. After retiring from the ring, the popular champ from Sydney became a boxing trainer which included working with heavyweight champ Mike Tyson.
It was an intimate group that gathered at the famed Saddle Ranch Chop House in West Hollywood. The eatery is known for their extensive menu, lively atmosphere and mechanical bull rides right in the middle of the restaurant!
This special dinner was organized by Chris Smith, who has great knowledge and respect for the fight game. The historian also holds fundraising events to take champions to various Hall of Fame ceremonies and award shows; he has a real passion for boxing and is an advocate for the champs.
The June 25 get-together was a fun casual night amongst the boxers, close friends and family. It was the perfect summer evening enjoying Saddle Ranch’s hearty appetizers and tasty drinks, delicious steaks, prime rib, burgers, etc. And while no “Knuckle Sandwiches” were served, the five former pro fighters do have
almost 150 knockouts between them.
The KO company and camaraderie was top notch as the champs all reminisced about the sweet science and their time inside the ropes. Paul Banke knew Fenech when both men were amateur boxers. They were high-ranking standouts who competed internationally and fought the same opponent a couple of times. And after his time as an amateur star, the Olympian quickly became a professional world champ. The Aussie athlete told us he had just 26 amateur boxing bouts before turning pro and then won his first title just 196 days later! The New South Wales superstar fought the likes of Azumah Nelson, Daniel Zaragoza, Carlos Zarate, Mario “Azabache” Martinez, Steve McCrory, Jerome Coffee, and more.
While he was briefly visiting the U.S.,the group was thrilled to spend time with the New South Wales fighter. And after supper, the heavy hitters made their way out to Saddle Ranch’s outdoor “Boxing Den” where a punching bag game was available on the patio. And yes, the guys are still very competitive as they pounded their way to high scores!
The men also signed autographs and took photos with other restaurant guests. They checked out some vintage memorabilia and even compared their Hall of Fame rings. Everyone had a great time talking boxing, listening to anecdotes and trading stories that only the ones that lace up can truly experience and share with us.
It was an honor to dine with such talented champions.
Photos by Michele Chong