Paul Banke and the City of Azusa’s Events
Paul Banke’s 7th Annual BOXFAM BBQ took place on Saturday at the Memorial Park in Azusa, Calif. Previously held in Covina, this July 19 gathering was the second year in a row at Memorial Park.
The summer bash included live music, free food, vendors, autographs and photos with the champs and more.
Former WBC champion Banke, the City of Azusa Community Resources and the National Boxing Hall of Fame’s Bill and Linda Young co-hosted this yearly fiesta. After the BBQ (which was open to the public), there was a special invite-only VIP fight party for the champions and city officials. The private fight watch party had the Pacquiao-Barrios match on while guests enjoyed appetizers and a made-to-order taco bar.
The daytime BBQ was attended by many former fighters, Hall of Famers, boxing officials, trainers amateur boxers and those working in the sport including Richard “Kiki” Torrez, Richard Torrez, “Mighty Mike” Anchondo, Gregory Puente, Art Frias, the Weaver Triplets (Floyd, Lloyd and Troy), Zack Padilla, Javier Mora, Victor Valenzuela, Edward Armstrong-Scott, Kimberly DuBose-Scott, Rudy Barragan, Louis Perry, Ray Corona, Panda Martinez, Steve Harpst, Ricardo Castineyra, Rafael Castineyra, Carly McLauchlan, Sergio Estrada, Joe Chavez, Gary Garcia, Gil Madrigal, Robert Ortiz, Joey Olivera, Joe Robledo, Andy Rojo and DJ Philip Guerrero.
Guests were greeted by the City of Azusa workers Elizabeth Sainz and Blanca Marin where they received a wristband for the free food and beer garden (for 21 and over). From there, they could shop at the vendor booths, dance to the music or meet their favorite boxing heroes. California State Athletic Commission’s Louis Perry also had a surprise for the kids at the BBQ. On his own, he gifted the children with sporting goods of their choice such as new footballs, basketballs, soccer balls and more.
The afternoon BBQ was a nice way for everyone to mingle and enjoy the sunshine. Many of the guests brought their families to enjoy the festivities too.
BOXFAM CEO Banke thanked everyone for joining him at this year’s event. It was definitely a family affair as I caught up with Paul’s daughter Paula Banke there with her four children.
When the BBQ ended, a small group of VIP guests headed over to the fight viewing party. The intimate gathering had Azusa Mayor Robert Gonzales, City Manager Sergio Gonzalez, Azusa Community Resources Department’s Miki Carpenter and Mayra Rico and councilmember Sabrina Bow meeting all the luminaries. Former IFBA champion Sindy Amador and boxer Pat Manuel also joined the group to watch the live fights.
Saturday’s back to back events were a big hit with everyone and a nice way to connect with the community!
Photos by Michele Chong