***** FLASHBACK *****

I am delighted to bring you a feature article that was published on dmboxing.com twice (dates:   August 16, 2012 / November 16, 2014) and is one of my favorites.  It is about a historic venue that I remember growing up as a kid; I attended many boxing and wrestling matches there.  My friend Bob Quackenbush captures it all in his excellent piece.  This is part two, as part one was just posted last week for your viewing.

                          By Bob Quackenbush

www.dmboxing.com

Though boxing was the sport that put the Olympic Auditorium on the map, legions of young fans in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s remember this place as the hallowed ground of Championship Wrestling.  Throughout the 1930’s, matches were held there regularly; but with the growth of television, later wrestlers such as Gorgeous George, Lou Thesz, Count Billy Varga, Freddie Blassie, the Destroyer, Mr. Moto, Mil Mascaras, Bobo Brazil, John “the Golden Greek” Tolos, Harold Sakata (who played the role of Odd Job in the movie “Goldfinger”), and Rocky Johnson (father of Duane “the Rock” Johnson) became household names.  Presided over by an actor-turned newscaster-turned sports announcer, the great Dick “Whoa Nellie” Lane, they were incredible shows in the pre-WWF days.

Around 1960, a fast-and-furious team event set up shop in the Olympic:  Roller Derby.  The L.A. Thunderbirds were the hometown favorites, with Ralphie Valladeras and his wife, Honey Sanchez, leading the way.  The venerable Lane also provided the commentary and conducted interviews for the programs which were aired locally, as were the wrestling matches, on KTLA Channel 5.

The contests at the Olympic came about through the efforts of a special group of people, the promoters.  Over the years, there were many memorable names, some better known than many of the fighters they signed.  In 1942, Cal Eaton held the job.  Working in the business office was a lady by the name of Aileen LeBell.  She and Cal married and later became co-promoters.

When Cal passed away in 1965, Aileen, known as the First Lady of Boxing, continued on as sole promoter for the next fifteen years.  Her sons from her first marriage, Mike and “Judo Gene” LeBell, also promoted various events at the Olympic.  Gene is well known to this day as a national and international judo champion, master of the art of grappling, and stunt man.  California legends George Parnassus, Don Fraser, and Don Chargin were other influential promoters at this boxing and wrestling hotbed, along with matchmakers Babe McCoy and Mickey Davies.  Other fixtures at the arena were Chief Inspector Joey Olmos of the California State Athletic Commission and publicity icon Luis Magana.

In addition to Dick Lane, there were other famous voices and visages who reported on events at the Olympic.  Well known broadcasters for boxing included  Jim Healy, Tom Harmon, and a young Dick Enberg.