Swarnavel EswaranBook Review
Pa. Veeramani, Knock Out: The Boxers of North Chennai, Chennai: Maatrukalam, 2022.
Pa. Veeramani’s “Knock Out: The Boxers of North Chennai” is an invaluable document chronicling the rich history of boxing in North Chennai. This book meticulously organizes the history of the region’s boxing legends while shedding light on the lives of the underprivileged communities, their challenges, the socio-cultural changes they witnessed, and the victories they achieved through the sport. Veeramani explores the significance of boxing, the achievements of its players, and the influence of Western boxing techniques with remarkable depth.
Key Highlights of the Book
M. Kitheri Muthu: A Pioneer
Kitheri Muthu is an unforgettable figure in North Chennai’s boxing history. He adopted and mastered boxing techniques introduced by British officials and Europeans, developing his unique style. The Royapuram area, where Muthu lived, became the cradle of boxing training in its early days. His methods bridged the precision of Western boxing with the cultural ethos of the community.
Sundararaj and Other Trailblazers
Trailblazers like “Tommy Gunner” Sundararaj played a pivotal role in institutionalizing boxing in North Chennai. His training methods incorporated Western boxing techniques and emphasized safety through the use of protective equipment. Other notable figures, such as Walcott Raj, recalling the American boxer Jersey Joe Walcott, known as “India’s Muhammad Ali,” and “Speed Boxer” Ramadoss, seamlessly integrated Western boxing styles into their games, achieving remarkable feats.
Influence of Western Boxers
North Chennai’s boxers were profoundly inspired by legendary Western boxers such as Jack Johnson, Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, and Sugar Ray Leonard.
- Jack Johnson’s disciplined techniques served as a model for Tamil Nadu’s boxers.
- Muhammad Ali’s swift footwork and elegant punches inspired new strategies.
- Rocky Marciano’s powerful strikes taught resilience and skillful tactics.
- Sugar Ray Leonard’s precise movements and versatile attacks became motivational benchmarks for younger boxers.
Stories of Brothers
The book beautifully highlights familial bonds, focusing on the stories of brothers such as Dilli Babu and Ulaganathan, who carved distinct identities in boxing. While Dilli Babu’s graceful style made him popular, Ulaganathan’s powerful punches left an indelible mark. Supporting one another, they overcame societal challenges to achieve success in the sport.
M.G. Ramachandran’s Contribution
Legendary actor and leader M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) directly supported North Chennai’s boxing culture. He attended boxing matches as a guest of honor and celebrated the skills of leading boxers. His films, such as Nadodi Mannan, symbolically highlighted the heritage of boxing and social justice, further inspiring the community. Some boxers even featured in his movies, showcasing their talents in cinematic fight sequences.
Pa. Veeramani’s Memory and Research
The book’s greatest strengths are Veeramani’s extraordinary memory and attention to detail. Drawing from his personal experiences of observing boxing’s evolution since childhood, he enriches the narrative with anecdotes and insights. His keen interest in Kitheri Muthu’s training sessions served as the foundation for this work, helping to document an otherwise undocumented era.
Boxing: An Identity of North Chennai and Fishing Communities
The book highlights how Western boxing techniques and training reshaped the lives of North Chennai’s boxers, transforming the sport into a tool for social reform. Veeramani not only narrates the history of boxing as a sport but also illustrates its profound impact on the community’s lives, cultural traditions, and social progress.
This book also delves into the familial bonds of fishing communities, particularly the roles of mothers, wives, and siblings in supporting the boxers. Their resilience, a hallmark of their community, underscores the broader cultural and emotional ties underlying the sport. Additionally, the community’s inclusivity across caste and religion is marked by their investment in competitive boxing.
Boxing as a Bridge to Cinema
The book reveals how some of these boxers transitioned to cinema, showcasing their athletic prowess on the silver screen. Films like Sarpatta Parambarai reflect their legacy. Notably, director Pa. Ranjith collected insights from Kitheri Muthu’s descendants to authentically depict the cultural significance of boxing in his film.
A Vital Contribution to Tamil History
“Knock Out: The Boxers of North Chennai” is not merely a record of sports history but a compelling narrative that integrates the lives, struggles, and triumphs of its subjects into the broader socio-cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu. With its clear and engaging prose, this book offers an essential perspective on a lesser-known aspect of Tamil history.
Pa. Veeramani’s work reclaims a hidden legacy, ensuring that the stories of North Chennai’s boxing heroes echo far beyond their time. This book is a tribute to the community’s resilience and a call to celebrate Tamil identity on the global stage.
I am grateful to author Pa. Veeramani for recovering an erased history and to researcher/scholar Bhagath Singh and his friends for enabling the publication of this rare and precious book.
