.History of boxing

In the late 1950s, Jimmy Toppi, Jr. purchased an old movie theatre located at the corner of 12th & Morris where Passyunk Avenue bisects South Philly. Toppi's vision for the place was to turn it into a boxing venue, like he'd done with other properties around the city. However, the Alhambra was an unusual setting for fights. Inside, the walls were painted pink and decorated with hearts, cupids and arches.The elaborately romantic motif left over from Saturday evening movie "date nights", turned out to be perfect for boxing lovers. But the romance only lasted about four years. From 1959 to 1962, South Philly fight fans were treated to shows that spotlighted up and coming boxing talent.Jimmy Riggio, the owner and proprietor of the nearby Passyunk Gym, decided to try his hand at promoting fights and leased the Alhambra from Toppi. Riggio staged his first card on September 25, 1959. About 600 fans came.The following year featured eight shows, including three starring Jimmy Soo of Grays Ferry. Soo was a popular lightweight of Irish and Chinese decent who was in the midst of a comeback after four inactive years. This crowd-pleaser was responsible for the second and third biggest box office dates at 12th & Morris. Included in his three Alhambra fights was a "savage brawl" with Bobby Douglas that is arguably the best fight ever staged at the venue. Soo's career would end for good later in 1961.Also in 1961, future middleweight champ, Joey Giardello stopped Wilf Greaves in nine rounds before the biggest Alhambra crowd ever - 1,630. On the undercard, 1960 Olympic shot-put gold medalist, Bill Neider made his disastrous pro boxing debut when he was KO'd in the first round by Jim Wiley.