Japanese boxer’s win sparks riot

April 30, 1964: When Japanese flyweight Hiroyuki Ebihara was awarded a split decision over Mexican Alacran Torres, irate fans began rioting at the Olympic Auditorium at 18th Street and Grand Avenue. “Hiroyuki Ebihara and Alacran Torres took 12 rounds to bruise and batter each other in the Olympic ring Thursday night, but it took the near-capacity house of pro-Torres fans only a few minutes after the decision was rendered to literally dismantle the downtown club,” The Times reported. Torres fans “sailed beer cups, chairs, bottles and other debris into the ring. Sports writers took refuge under the ring,” The Times reported. One writer whose face was bloodied by a broken bottle told the newspaper, “It was worse than being in a foxhole.” Three fires were started in the balcony.