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Marzook – another who made boxing an art
By Bernie Wijesekera
As the dust settled down after the Presidential elections, we had the opportunity of meeting one of Sri Lanka’s frontline pugilists of yester-year – H.M. Marzook. Another fine product of St. Michael’s College Polwatte (Colpetty), a school though not belonging to the affluent brigade but has produced some of the best boxers and footballers for the national cause.
It was during the tenure of Principal S.K. Goonewardene (brother of LSSP politico Chonmondley) that the Polwatte school dominated boxing from the 1960s to 70s winning the Stubs Shield regularly.

The likes of the Vancuylenberg brothers Winston, Hans and Jeff, M. Jaroof, along with Marzook himself. They did proud for the country. At school he started playing cricket at junior level, like his nephew Farvez Mahroof now a member of the Sri Lanka cricket team.

Sri Lanka has made a name in boxing in the international circuit in South East Asia. If one wants to know about the present, then delve into the past. There are many, who have shone in this noble art of self defense.

To my memory the likes of Barney Henricus (Empire Games winner in Auckland), Albert Perera, K. Edwin, Obeysekera brothers (Danton, Fredrick and Alex) Eddie Gray doyen of Sri Lanka boxing L.P.V. Jayaweera, C.D. Wickremasinghe, Wolsey Fonseka, Derek Raymond (who produced some of the best from St. Sylvester’s) Jayasuriya brothers HP, CP and SP Major Kandiah, Percy Wijesuriya, Dharmasiri Weerakoon, Sumith Liyanage, J. Thangavelu, Donald Labrooy etc. did much on and off the ring for its development.
Some of them as administrators (with their own men and material) to keep the sport alive.

The present generation benefited much thanks to the hard work put in by their predecessors.

Q: Who got you interested in boxing?
A: It was M. Jaroof at grassroots level. He is my idol. Principal Mr. Goonewardene inspired many a youngster to take to the ring. During my era St. Michael’s dominated schools boxing.

Q: What have you got to say about boxing now and then?
A: The “Stubbs” Shield was competitive. Schools like Royal, Thurstan, St. Mary’s, Dehiwela, Zahira, Maradana, St. Sylvester’s, Wesley, Carey etc produced skilful boxers. No let up. No walk overs. Fit and strong raring to go.

Q: What is the secret behind their success?
A: The “Sixers” skills, stamina, suppleness, speed (quick footed), strength spirit.

Q: Who coached you as a schoolboy?.
A: Anton John. A bundle of energy, A national champion, who did much for the sport. Sad to mention in latter life he was struggling for survival. Gone unheard, unsung, until he went far beyond. In 1965 St. Michaels won the Stubbs Shield. I was adjudged the best boxer.

Q: Any others in the family who boxed?
A: My younger brother Mohideen. He joined the Army and boxed for the Services. Thanks to Major M. Kandiah Director Sports Army Sports Board. Kandiah did much for boxing (Army). The likes of N.H. ‘King’ Karunaratne, M.Y. Johran, M. Weerakody were nursed by him. Though I was not a soldier,I was able to train and use its facilities at the Army ring. He possessed abundant passion for boxing,

Q: Did you make the grade as a schoolboy?
A: Yes, I represented Sri Lanka Schools for three years in the indo-Sri Lanka meet in the third year staged in Culcutta. The team had to grind to the hilt. Went by train to the Thalaimannar pier. Then by boat to Madras, from there for two days by train to Culcutta, ended up exhausted. But still gave a spirited display to win by 10 bouts to 5-the biggest margin, achieved.

Q: For how long did you box?
A: 1960 to 1975. Made my debut as a schoolboy at the Nationals at the age of 18, in 1967. Had to confront in five gruelling bouts, before coming to the finals. In the finals met Kumarasiri, a south paw from Carey. He was favoured to win with his experience. But with better ringcraft outboxed him to make it a winning debut. Since then no looking back. Late Mr. Albert Perera coached me. He polished my rough edges and churned me to be a scientific boxer. People like him and Anton John are hard to find. They are totally committed. They served for the right reasons.
Late Albert, whilst training portrayed Sgt. Selladorai’s picture (with gloves on) to emulate him.

Q: What was your most unforgettable moment in your battle –scarred career?
A: In 1967, in the (Semi –finals) Asian Championship staged here against Kim of South Korea. Kim, I was the reigning Asian Champion (feather weight). Also the Amateur World Services Champion, too. It was a bout between a teenager and a seasoned campaigner. Puched and counter-punched with vengeance. Went the full distance. In the end lost by a split decision. Awarded the Bronze medal.

It was also a trial for the ’68 Mexico Olympic Games. N.H. ‘King’ Karunaratne won the ;gold’ against a Japanese boxer. It turned out to be an exciting finish, until his opponent had a deep cut in his eyebrow and had to retire. Mr. Gray was the President of the ABA. Credit should go to his organizing ability. He converted the tramcar shed into a boxing ring. For the first time an International contest was held here. ‘Karu’ and me were picked for the 1968 Mexico Olympics. At the age of 18, I would have been the youngest Sri Lankan boxer representing Sri Lanka. But in the eleventh hour I was not destined, due to lack of funds.

If I got the opportunity I could have become a professional boxer. Those were the hard times the less affluent sportsmen had to face. Unlike at present times no sponsorships. One had to spend his own resources even to drink a pint of milk after training.

Q: In what way did you contribute after hanging up the gloves?
A: Coached Hameedia Maha Vidyalaya. Just in two years for the first time they won the Stubbs Shield. Coached my old school St. Michaels. Later S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia, through the initiative of DIG J. Thangavelu.

Q: Any comments about Sri Lanka boxing now and then?
A: At present there is quantity but not much quality.

Q: What is the reason?
A: Lacks competent coaches of the caliber of Danton Obeysekera, D.A. Wickremasinghe, Derek Raymond, L.P.V. Jayaweera, Wolsey Fonseka, Anton John etc. at school level.

The Services are dominating boxing. Not many clubs – including the YMCA. The present president of the ABA, Mr. Dan Gomes is doing his best to uplift the sport. Slimline is making a concerted effort in promoting and developing the sport – even among girls. Affording them with job opportunities, too.

The Ministry of Sports has a decisive role to play especially in rural districts where there is talent aplenty. But they had to be harnessed and given all encouragement. Then boxing or otherwise could match the best in Asia. Has gone abroad too often with national teams. The administration is professionally managed. To achieve it needs funds. The respective States give them all support concluded evergreen Marzook.

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