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“Black Panther” Sumith boxes on

Down Memory Lane with Bernie Wijesekera

During the Second World War, the City of Colombo looked a desert. The Japanese spitfires were bombing the Colombo Harbour. Panic-stricken people ran helter - skelter for abodes in the suburbs. The Liyanages took residence in Imbulgoda, Miriswatte where I too was residing. We used to travel to the village school in a buggy cart. The brothers led by Dr. Pandu, ‘Jay’ Kithsiri indulged in cricket. They were Calypso singing pals of mine, like Ramadin and Valentine. Later on he studied at Ananda College Maradana, excelling on and off the field.

Sumith Liyanage

Dusky Sumith Liyanage, took to boxing and was coached by late D.C.A. Wickremasinghe, who produced some of the best at national level.

The Stubbs Shield was very competitive and dominated by schools like Royal, Zahira, Maradana, Carey, S. Thomas’, Vijaya College Matale, St. Sylvester’s, St. Peter’s etc. The Ananda pugulists came through the dark tunnel, thanks to coach Wickremasinghe and dominated school boxing. A gangling fast bowler played under that silky batsman, Amerasiri Gunasena, who later played for NCC. He won the national boxing title and also represented the country as a schoolboy in the Asian Championship.

Q: You donned the golden gloves at Ananda. Who coached you at cricket?

A: I had a flair for the game as a kid. At Nalanda it was the late Gerry Gooneratne. But it was my cricketing idol Stanley Jayasinghe, who nursed and nurtured me to be a fast bowler. I had the chance of playing from 1954-56 and had a rich haul of wickets including a match –bag of 10 for 55 against Zahira.

Q: Probably you could have made the grade in cricket?

A: Yes. But boxing was my first love.

Q: You think you made much from boxing in later life?

A: Yes. At times I got bruised in the ring,. but then I fought back. It helped me in latter life.

Q: What was the most unforgettable moment in your career?

A: Representing Sri Lanka in the 1960 Rome Olympics. The team was led by Ampitiya long distance runner Linus Dias. Tony Williams (Swimming), Maurice Coomaravel (cycling), D. Weerakoon (boxing). Darley Ingleton was the manager.
My first bout was against the European champion Polish boxer Jerzi Adamsky. I felled him in Round One. He was hard as steel and recovered. It was a gruelling contest. His experience stood and he won on a split decision. Mr. Danton Obeysekera, who was in the corner said, “You did proud for the country”. Adamsky in the end won the Silver.

Q: Any other noteworthy things you witnessed at the Rome Olympics?

A: Cassius Clay fighting as an amateur (middle weight). Clay later became a boxing legend. It was poetry in motion. Buzzing like a bee. He is an all-time great.

Q: Anything special whilst at Nalanda?

A: I won the national title in 1956. In 1957, I represented Sri Lanka in the Asian championship here.

Q: What do you think of the efforts of the present A.B.A. administration, headed by Dion Gomes?

A: In comparison to the good old days, if we had a president of the calibre of Dion Gomes, in that era, a gold medal (Olympic) or any other medal could have become a reality. Boxing is well structured today, a medal-winning sport. His efforts will bear fruit in the coming SAF Games here.

Q: You are the oldest Olympic boxer living in Sri Lanka?

A: Yes. Others like Malcolm Bulner and Winston Vancuylenburg are domiciled abroad.

Q: Who was behind you during your good and bad times?

A: Yes, my wife Clementine inspired me to the hilt. I am grateful to her.