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I have a question directed to anyone who may have some knowledge of the Los Angeles boxing scene circa late 1960s to early 1970s.
As a kid growing up in San Diego I used to watch a televised Thursday night show called "Boxing From the Olympic," which showcased weekly fights that took place at L.A.'s Grand Olympic Auditorium. A lot of the boxers from that era stick in my mind, but there's one whom I particularly looked forward to seeing in action, and I'm hoping someone out there with a good memory can shed some light on his career. His name was Philippe Torres. I don't recall what weight division he fought in, but it was one of the lighter weights. I believe it was mentioned that when not boxing he worked at a laundromat operating a steam press. The guy had some of the fastest hands I've ever seen in the ring, and was usually a marvel to watch. He didn't just have speed, though; there was also power in his punches. One of the last fights I saw him in, with a powerfully built guy who I think had the word "Ruby" in his name, didn't last long...Torres dropped him with a body shot.
So my question: Does anyone have any knowledge of this boxer and his career? I always thought he'd rise straight to the top, but instead he seemed to disappear from the game completely. I'd be most interested in finding out more about his career.
Also, while I'm on the subject, does anyone happen to know if any old tapes of the old "Boxing From the Olympic" show still exist? After so many years, it'd be a kick to get hold of some showing Philippe Torres.
As a kid growing up in San Diego I used to watch a televised Thursday night show called "Boxing From the Olympic," which showcased weekly fights that took place at L.A.'s Grand Olympic Auditorium. A lot of the boxers from that era stick in my mind, but there's one whom I particularly looked forward to seeing in action, and I'm hoping someone out there with a good memory can shed some light on his career. His name was Philippe Torres. I don't recall what weight division he fought in, but it was one of the lighter weights. I believe it was mentioned that when not boxing he worked at a laundromat operating a steam press. The guy had some of the fastest hands I've ever seen in the ring, and was usually a marvel to watch. He didn't just have speed, though; there was also power in his punches. One of the last fights I saw him in, with a powerfully built guy who I think had the word "Ruby" in his name, didn't last long...Torres dropped him with a body shot.
So my question: Does anyone have any knowledge of this boxer and his career? I always thought he'd rise straight to the top, but instead he seemed to disappear from the game completely. I'd be most interested in finding out more about his career.
Also, while I'm on the subject, does anyone happen to know if any old tapes of the old "Boxing From the Olympic" show still exist? After so many years, it'd be a kick to get hold of some showing Philippe Torres.
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