WHAT happens when you combine Rocky Balboa’s humble rise and power with Ivan Drago’s physique and discipline?
Eswaran Murali is your result.
From humble beginnings in Penang to an IBA World/Asia Welterweight Championship title in 2019, Eswaran, 37, is a force to be reckoned with.
Eswaran’s rise to stardom is simply inspirational and exemplary.
Born in Gelugor but raised in Sungai Pinang, the former SMK Datuk Haji Mohd Nor Ahmad boy’s journey began at the age of 13 when he was introduced to boxing by his brother.
While both initially took up the sport in a local boxing talent search, it was Eswaran who continued on the path. His brother decided to hang up his gloves after about three months.
Eswaran showed early signs of success with a bronze medal in the 2004 SUKMA (Malaysia Games) in Negeri Sembilan in the light welterweight (64kg) category.
His international debut in the 2005 Asian Junior Boxing Championship (welterweight category) held in Pakistan where he finished eighth marked the beginning of his ascent in Malaysian boxing.
Subsequent victories in the FESKOM International Boxing Games, Pesta International Boxing Games and Piala Malaysia solidified his name in the local scene.
Eswaran expressed gratitude to the Penang State Sports Council, the Penang Boxing Association and his professional coaches for playing a pivotal role in his progress and success.
“I was part of the first batch of schoolboys recruited and trained under the MSNPP boxing talent development programme under a Russian professional coach, Vadim Mezinted.
“This approach had laid the Russian school of boxing foundation in all of us. Subsequently, coach Johnny Kasiran, another professional boxing coach from Indonesia, took over the reins from coach Vadim.
“Under his tutelage, I was exposed to overseas boxing training and international boxing competitions. I too received good support and guidance from the retired senior boxers, including coaches Nathan, Mahendran and Arjunan
“I am always indebted to my late father (Murali) whose encouragement spurred me to greater heights. Equally, I am indebted to Datuk K. Ganesh and manager A. Muniswaran as they made my professional career a reality.
“Another former boxer Mr Veera, working as a security manager at OSRAM created a job for me as a security personnel at OSRAM, with special working conditions that did not disrupt my training and tournaments.
“This arrangement, along with the money earned, brought about peace of mind as I too could lend support to my economically challenged family where my late father then was the sole breadwinner,” Eswaran said.
Eswaran’s boxing accomplishments soon caught the attention of the police, navy, air and armed forces who all wanted him to come under their payroll and represent their respective boxing team.
Eswaran opted to join the Royal Malaysian Air Force where he excelled in the eight-month recruitment training course in Ipoh, Perak.
But the real test came during the Special Forces (PASKAU) recruitment course in order for him to progress into boxing.
“At that moment, I wasn’t thinking of what lay ahead. I only thought of the money that I would obtain (RM600 for allowance), but little did I know, it was an experience of a lifetime.
“There I endured what ‘hell week’ was like when we were subjected to torturous training and challenging simulative courses that pushed us to our limits. Sleep was nearly non-existent at times and the training conditions were harsh and unbearable.
“I really felt like quitting. However, I persevered as I had no intention of restarting this tumultuous process again. Therefore, I put my head down and pressed on with determination.
“Out of approximately 150 candidates, only about 30 successfully endured and completed the course, and I was one of them.
“Earning the blue beret was one of the sweetest moments in my life. My body felt beaten up as if it had given up entirely after the gruelling course,” shared Eswaran when reflecting on his experience during the Commando recruitment course by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Special Forces.
He continued: “Regardless, I never complained about how the way the course treated us because our superior officers always reminded us that during wartime, the environment would be twice as challenging.
“Hence, one reason why I am fearless and aggressive in the boxing ring today is because of the training received.”
Eswaran would go on to add titles to his name with international victories in Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Singapore, culminating in his decision to go professional in 2017.
Securing sponsorship from MGE Ramesh Metal Group, Eswaran reached the pinnacle of his career in 2019 by winning the International Boxing Association (IBA) World/Asia Welterweight Championship title when he defeated Indonesia’s best, Heri Andriyanto. He became the first Malaysian to win that title.
He has registered a staggering 360 over amateur boxing fights over the past two decades. Throughout his professional boxing career, Eswaran remained undefeated by winning 7 out 7 fights (7-0-0), either through technical knockouts or points. His ring fights began at the age of 14 in 2002 and ended in 2019.
With 18 years dedicated to honing his skills in the ring, Eswaran’s journey stands out as a testament to his passion, perseverance, and unwavering discipline in pursuit of international glory.
His boxing idol is Evander ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield, the undisputed champion at cruiserweight before moving to the heavyweight class where he was the only four-time world heavyweight champion.
“What I admired most about Holyfield was his impressive physique and his impeccable grit.”
Even in retirement, Eswaran remains far from complacent. The retired boxer still punches bags and trains constantly at MSNPP under Jhonny while serving as a sergeant in the RMAF Special Forces.
Eswaran is presently in charge of training the Malaysian Air Force boxing team and under his tutelage, his team is fast catching up with the Armed Forces, the dominant boxing force in the military.
He too lends a hand to support coaches Jhonny and Nathan by training the Penang boxing team whenever he returns home to visit his family in Penang.
His dedication extends beyond personal success, as he actively participates in Veera’s ‘Hero to Zero’ programme to inspire the younger generation, especially the underprivileged, to study hard and instil good values in them to mould them into valuable individuals.
Veera acknowledges Eswaran’s impact on the youth, describing him as a powerful character in the ‘Zero to Hero’ programme. The duo has successfully trained five young Indian girls to compete in the 2022 Sukan India Pulau Pinang.
Reflecting on Eswaran’s growth, Veera expresses pride in his achievements, emphasising his exemplary dedication, discipline, and humility both inside and outside the ring.
“Youths were really inspired by Eswaran’s journey and how the sport transformed him to become globally recognised. He received a lot of applause during a motivational talk at SMK Bukit Mertajam recently.
“I am proud to see what he (Eswaran) has become over the years; his achievements are out of this world,” Veera said.
Eswaran stands not just as a boxing champion but as a beacon of inspiration and mentorship for aspiring athletes.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and courtesy of Eswaran Murali