THE OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM AND OTHER GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN BOXING ARENAS

BY DAN HERNANDEZ

The day started simply, my wife and I were traveling west on the 10 freeway from our home in the San Gabriel Valley, our destination was a visit to the ocean in Santa Monica, California. Both areas are suburbs of Los Angeles County. It was an unusually clear day by Los Angeles standards and each building was defined beautifully in the early morning light. Every nook and cranny of the old buildings gleamed, adding character and flavor to the journey.

I normally travel directly to my intended location; however, such a terrific day motivated me to take a detour through Downtown, Los Angeles. So from the 10 west, we headed north on the 110 Freeway, right through the middle of town. Stopping at a favorite restaurant, The Original Pantry Café, on Ninth and Figueroa, to eat a large farm style breakfast. On completion of our meal, it was still only eight AM and it was easy to negotiate through all the one-way streets now highlighting the area and visit some of the old haunts without feeling rushed.

We had a great time driving and reminiscing. Movie theatres we had attended and buildings we had shopped at, had either changed drastically or were missing altogether. Heading back toward our original destination, we passed by the corner of 18th and Grand, and there in its majestic, dilapidated glory, stood The Olympic Auditorium. I was overcome with memories of many spectacular and always memorable times shared with my father and friends at this location. While the building is still erect, there have been no boxing or wrestling shows since early 2005. We eventually got to the beach, but I was eager to get home and try to recall some of the history experienced at this grand old arena.

On August 5, 1925, the Olympic Auditorium opened. In the days before mini-malls and major freeway systems, this was the hub, the heart of Los Angeles. According to an article in the Times Newspaper, “The Auditorium blazed with glory on its opening night.”… “The light of many electric lights surpassed only by the sparkling jewels that adorned the persons of several of our well-known citizens and citizenesses. Hollywood and the moving picture colony slipped into their tuxedos and formal apparel and blessed the ringside by their presence.”

By the1950‘s, there were fights on Tuesdays at Ocean Park Arena in Santa Monica, The Olympic on Thursdays and Hollywood Legion Stadium on Saturdays. If you were a fight fan, these were the glory years. There was also a 7,000sf arena built in Vernon, California (another L.A. Suburb) whose popularity was usurped just two years after its opening. My Dad said he took me to the Hollywood Legion and El Monte Legion Stadiums, I do not recall being there. I do remember viewing outstanding fights at Wrigley Field, The Sports Arena and even Dodger Stadium, however, the Olympic, was Los Angeles boxing.

There were always champions, past champions, and top caliber fighters milling about. Many would be introduced before the main events. These guys were dressed to the hilt, wearing the most fashionable suits and making each occasion special. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, actors such as Ray Danton and Robert Conrad, among others, would frequent the matches and mix in with the rest of us fans. Promoters, George Parnassus, Cal & Aileen Eaton, Don Fraser, Mickey Davies, Rogelio Robles, and Don Chargin were more like friends, walking down the aisles, shaking people’s hands and conversing with everyone. In this venue, all were approachable. We were united in our joy of boxing.

The mood was always electric but there were times we became overzealous.

On April 30, 1964, Japans, Hiroyuki Ebihara, 65-5-1 (33 KO’s) fought Mexico’s, Efren “El Alacran” Torres, 52-9-3 (34 KO’s), in a 12 round elimination bout, both men later held versions of the World Flyweight title. The fight was a war from start to finish. The audience was going crazy and no one could understand how the boxers stood up to such punishment. The fight was almost a blur, the speed and power of each fighter was evident. To this day, I believe Torres won the contest in a very close decision. The judges gave a split decision victory to Ebihara. The crowd disagreed, and then they erupted! First paper cups, then cans, chairs and other items went hurling through the air. Those of us not throwing items were busy ducking and trying to avoid harm. We had a full-scale riot on our hands. My Dad, much tougher, stronger, and streetwise than I, grabbed a fire extinguisher and told me to get underneath as he swung the make shift weapon in the air telling everybody to “Get out of the way!” They did, and we got out.

The arena was closed a bit for major repairs. Once re-opened, we returned. Just like a family squabble, albeit a volatile family, we forgave, forgot, and went back to normal. The good times far outnumbered the bad. Catcalls and boos would suffice a questionable decision and an excellent and safe environment was generally experienced. The “Golden Boys” who united a city, Art Aragon, Jerry Quarry, and Bobby Chacon developed their skills in this environment, as did many a young man looking to improve their lives fortunes. Then a few years ago, we stopped attending the little fights and opted for the extravaganzas at the nicer, newer arenas. The boxing days of The Olympic were numbered and it died an inglorious death

Other locations across the country have suffered the same fate. St. Nicholas Arena in Manhattan, New York. Located on the northeast corner of 66th street and Columbus Avenue was a boxing venue from 1906 until May 28, 1962. Upon its demise, it was reported more than 30 thousand fights had been staged there.

Opened in 1926, Sunnyside Gardens was built as a fancy tennis club by millionaire Jay Goulds. Sunnyside highlighted such activities as; wrestling, karate, arm wrestling, bingo and eventually boxing when it was sold in 1945. Prior to Sunnyside, you would have to go to the Queensboro Arena next to the Queens Plaza station. When this arena was torn down Sunnyside became the main fight club and gathering place. Outstanding bouts were fought and countless stories developed, however, the final show had only 400 patrons. Without notice, Sunnyside finally closed its doors in the mid-1970’s. New York lost a part of history that should have been treasured when a wrecking ball demolished the famous arena in December of 1977. Replaced by a fast-food franchise.

The Olympic was purchased by a Korean-American church Group in 2005, and the Hollywood Legion Stadium was replaced by a bowling alley. In addition, long gone too are most local clubs throughout the nation. These clubs were proving grounds for many future champions and stalwart contenders. They were also a melting pot of people from all lifestyles, nationalities, and social status. Tremendous battles took place inside their battered walls and the memories are endless.