Nat “Tiger” Terry: The Life Of A Legendary Boxer On And Off The Boxing Ring

14 min readSep 10, 2021

The word “Boxing” would remind us about legends like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Joe Frazier and many other stalwarts who ruled the boxing ring with their deadly knockout punches. Many professional boxers have always been aggressive on the ring with an ambition to win every single bout in the competition. History has witnessed instances where a professional boxer has been killed in the ring and the one who survives continues his professional boxing. In this blog, let me introduce you to Nat Terry, an Anglo-Indian professional boxer who accidentally killed his opponent in the ring and decided to stop taking part in professional boxing events after this incident.

**Nat Terry (Photo Copyrights: Sheila. Abraham)**

How Did I Come Across Nat Terry?

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a Tamil movie titled “Sarpatta Parambarai” directed by Pa.Ranjith. The story was based on the professional boxing clans that ruled the North Madras boxing ring from the 1920s to the 1980s. The film is set in the period of 1970s. The word “Parambarai” means “Clan” in Tamil. The film was released on Amazon Prime. The film was appreciated by film critics, boxing enthusiasts and the audience for its detailing and interesting screenplay. This movie is a must-watch.

The Sarpatta Parambarai, Idiyappa Parambarai, Sunnambu Kulam Parambarai, Ellapa Parambarai, Military Boxing Parambarai and Karikalan Bhai Parambarai wanted to prove their domination in the boxing ring with their talented boxers. These “Paramabarais” were basically “Boxing Clubs”.

The movie opens with a boxing ring battle between all the clans. The young and amateur boxers from each of these clans clash in the sideboard bouts and the winning boxer is awarded. The best boxers from the top two clans fight each other in the mainboard bout. The Sarpatta Parambarai is coached by Rangan Vaithiyaar(played by Pasupathy) and the Idiyapa Parambarai is coached by Duraikannu Vaathiyar(played by GM Sundar). The Sarpatta Paramabarai boxers won all the sideboard games. It was time for the mainboard bout between Meeran from Sarpatta Parambarai and Vembuli from Idiyappa Parambarai. Rangan Vaithiyaar chose Meeran to represent the clan in the mainboard game. In the gallery, Vetri(Rangan Vaithiyaar’s Son played by Kalaiyarasan) and Raman( one of Rangan Vaithiyaar’s students played by Santhosh Prathap) were ridiculing Rangan Vaithiyaar’s decision to send Meeran to face Vembuli. Kabilan(played by Arya) is a die-hard fan of Rangan Vaithiyaar since childhood becomes furious after listening to the conversation between Vetri and Raman. Kabilan starts to cite some of Rangan Vaithiyaar’s achievements as a professional boxer. One such achievement by Rangal Vaithiyaar was knocking out Nat Terry.

The Lifestory of Nat “Tiger” Terry

Early Life Of Nat Terry

Now let's travel back in time to 20th Century, the era where the Britishers were ruling India and building their empire with the wealth looted from India. The Kolar Gold Fields(KGF) in Karnataka was considered to be the El-Dorado of Gold In India. The Britishers were mining gold from KGF from 1791 to 1947. KGF was home to 30000 mineworkers and their families. The KGF city was a multi-ethnic community with experienced miners recruited from around the world, a large proportion of which were from Cornwall. The main mines at Kolar Gold Fields were The Mysore Gold Mine, Champion Reef Mine, Nudydroog Mine, Ooregum Mine, Tank Block Mine, Balaghat Mine, Coromandel Mine and Nine Reefs Mine.

**Champion Reef Mine, Kolar Gold Field**

On 3rd July 1913, Nathaniel (Nat) Simon Terry was born in the town of Champion Reef Mine, KGF, India. His father Andrew Terry was originally from Kingston Town, Jamaica and settled in India. His mother Angelina Jones was born in India but of West Indian origin. Nat Terry was quite a humorous person.

Nat used to say he was 16th born to his parents but 17th in number; there was a pair of twins among the siblings.

**St. Patrick Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School**

Nat Terry’s father passed away when he was just 8 years old. He along with this mother and his siblings moved to Madras(Present Day Chennai). He joined the St Patrick’s School in Madras. Nat Terry started his boxing journey at St Patrick’s. He took part in many boxing tournaments during his school days under the name ‘Kid Joe Berg’. He did not win any. The defeats in these tournaments did not deter him from being a boxer. He kept on improving his game. Later he changed his name to Nat “Tiger” Terry from Nathaniel (Nat) Simon Terry.

Nat Terry’s Professional Career Before Dominating The Boxing Ring

Richardson & Cruddas Ltd, a structural and mechanical engineering company was established in the year 1858 in Bombay by Noble Carr Richardson. They established manufacturing units at Nagpur, Mullud and Madras. The Madras Unit of Richardson & Cruddas Ltd was established in the year 1912. Initially, the Madras Unit of Richardson & Cruddas Ltd worked on light machinery, sanitary fittings and engineering sundries and later worked on harbour based construction work. Nat Terry joined the Madras Unit of Richardson & Cruddas Ltd as a trainee structural engineer.

In the year 1938, Nat Terry decided to quit his job at the Madras Unit of Richardson & Cruddas Ltd. In the very same year, he joined the Madras Guards AF. He was posted at Fort St. George. Fort St George was the Military Garrison of the British Army at Madras. It was home to the British Armed Forces for many centuries. On 29th March 1939, Nat married Beryl Eliza Meyer of St. Thomas Mount and the couple were blessed with a daughter named Sheila Josephine in the year 1944.

Nat “Tiger” Terry: The Boxer Who Dominated The Boxing Arena in the 1940s

In June 1946, Nat Terry was discharged from the Madras Guards AF. He was Warrant Officer and a qualified Boxing & Physical Instructor as well. Major Willie Rahm, Nat’s Commanding Officer at MGAF recommended him to Br. Eleazor (Tich), the then Principal of Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud. In the very same year, appointed as the Boxing & Physical Instructor and Study Master at Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud. His wife joined Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud as Matron. The couple made Yercaud their home. Initially, the couple stayed in Cottage Constantina (Marley’s Cottage) and moved to Glen Brook. In the year 1950, he built his own home, Fatima Villa, on Convent Road.

**Boxer Nat “Tiger” Terry(Photo Copyrights: Sheila. Abraham)**

During the 1940s, Nat “Tiger” Terry was a powerful boxer in the North Madras Boxing Ring. His boxing career soared to greater heights during his tenure as Boxing & Physical Instructor and Study Master at Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud. He won bouts against many mighty opponents. He won bouts against the Suares Brothers, Murugesan, ’Dusty’ Miller and many others.

Gunboat Jack alias James Wilson Colzie was born in the year 1900 in Montezuma, Georgia, USA. He had an illustrious boxing career spanning nearly 21 years from 1921 to 1942. He came to India in the year 1923. He was the triple belt(welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight)champion of India. He was also called “The Original Rocky Balboa of Bangalore”. He won against Arthur Dimler(the Golden Glove champion of America), Nobby Hall(the British lightweight champion) and Frank Malinao(the welterweight champion of India). He was considered unbeatable by the many boxers in India. He was defeated by the mighty Nat “Tiger” Terry in the ring at the Kannapar Thidal, Madras which gathered a huge crowd.

By 1942, Nat Terry was a popular name in the boxing arena. The Sarpatta Parambarai has been in the boxing arena for many years even before the Indian Independence. They have been pioneers in the “Tamil Boxing” where punching on the other parts of the body apart from the face was strictly prohibited. In 1942, Nat Terry defeated S.A.Arunachalam, One of The Senior Boxers From The Sarpatta Parambarai. The defeat of Arunachalam against Nat Terry made the boxers of Sarpatta Pramabarai take up “English Boxing”. According to the rules of “English Boxing”, the boxers were allowed to punch on the face and other body parts above the groins.

**S.A.Arunachalam, One of The Senior Boxers From The Sarpatta Parambarai**

The senior boxers and sponsorers of the Sarpatta Parambarai wanted to defeat Nat “Tiger” Terry in the Boxing Ring. So they chose Kitheri Muthu to fight Nat “Tiger” Terry in the Madras Boxing Ring. Kitheri Muthu was from the fishermen community and was one of the finest boxers from the Sarpatta Parambarai. He was a pioneer in the “Tamil Boxing” style. So he was given rigorous training for three months to learn the “English Boxing” style to defeat Nat “Tiger” Terry.

**Kitheri Muthu and his brother Chinna Muthu**

In the very same year, Kitheri Muthu defeats Nat “Tiger” Terry in the ring at the Kannapar Thidal, Madras. This victory was considered one of the greatest victories of the Sarpatta Parambarai of all times. To celebrate this victory, a function was organized at Royapuram, Chennai. In this function, Dravidian legends such as Periyar, poet Kannadasan, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Annadurai, and fishermen leader Jeevarathinam gave the title “Dravida Veeran” to Kitheri Muthu for his win against the mighty Nat “Tiger” Terry.

The End of Nat “Tiger” Terry’s Boxing Career

Nat “Tiger” Terry was a prolific boxer. He won many bouts and tournaments against many boxers from different parts of the country. Geoffry Chaucer, an English Poet once said

All good things must come to an end.

On 6th November 1949, Nat “Tiger” Terry once again faced S.A Arunachalam from the Sarpatta Parambarai for the title of the “South Indian Boxing Champion”. The match was held in the ring at the Kannapar Thidal, Madras. Nat had already defeated S.A Arunachalam in the year 1942 at the very same arena. He clearly had an upper hand over his opponent who was aspiring to win the prestigious title of “South Indian Boxing Champion”.

**An Article About S.A Arunachalam From A Regional Paper**

The intense match between Nat and S.A Arunachalam lasted for 6 rounds. In the final bout, S.A Arunachalam fell on the ring unconscious in the last round. He was carried to the Government Hospital immediately. On 6th November 1949 at 8:45 pm(IST), he was declared dead. Nat was awarded the title of the “South Indian Boxing Champion”. Despite winning the title, Nat felt guilty for accidentally killing his opponent in the boxing ring. After this tragic incident, Nat decided to quit his career as a professional boxer. He started to lose his zest towards taking part and winning National Level Boxing Championships.

Nat Terry’s Career As A Boxing Coach At Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud (1946 to 1972)

After ending his career as a professional boxer, Nat Terry started working as a boxing coach at Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud.

**Nat Terry, The Boxing & Physical Instructor and Study Master at Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud**

**Boxing Match at Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud**

He trained the young boxers meticulously with all his heart and dedication. These boxers took Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School to greater heights. Brian Chapman, Paul Wilson, Renee Pears, Blair Williams, George Edwards, David Sundaram, the Tong brothers and P. Joseph Abraham were some of Nat Terry’s Boxing Students at Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud.

**This photograph is from the year 1968. Nat Terry is the third one from the left in the third row from the bottom.**

**This picture is from the Scouts Camp from the year 1958 where Paul Wilson can be seen in the extreme left in this photograph.**

**Brian Chapman is at the fourth position from the left in the sixth row of the Montfort High School Class XI 1954 Souvenir.**

**This picture is from the year 1953. Jimmy Tong is on the extreme right. The third person from the left in the first standing row from the bottom is Blair Williams.**

**P. Joseph Abraham is seen standing in front of the left door at the top.**

Nat Terry worked as the Boxing & Physical Instructor and Study Master at Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud from 1946 to 1972. In his illustrious 26 year tenure at Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud, Nat Terry was the First Officer of the NCC Wing when the school started an NCC Wing.

**NCC Cadets of Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud( Photograph From 1956)**

**Nat Terry and the NCC Band of Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud**

**Mrs Nat Terry, Matron At Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud(Photograph From The Year 1964)**

George Pallivathukal was one of Nat Terry’s students. He fondly remembers,

I remember my experiences of Training and Boxing matches under Sir Terry 58 years ago (yes 58 eight years ago) let me tell you.If you Old Boys can remember in the early sixties Sir Terry must have been around 75 to 80 Kilos..But he could skip like a Bumble Bee..fast and change arm swings in a fraction of a second. He knew Tap Dancing as well and he taught another big Bro of mine the famous Thomas Abraham Pallivathukal passed our in 1952.Thomas could Tap dance even into his late fifties.Thanks to Sir Terry.Coming back to my Boxing Coach Sir Terry.The reason I am taller than all my Seven brothers is once again thanks to Sir Terry.He told me I can grow taller by swinging on those TWO rings hanging from a girder .Then kick out as far as I can both legs to try touch the wall on the opposite side with my toes.Every evening I would faithfully go to the Boxing room and swing on the Ropes tied with thick Coir ropes to the Girder.One day one rope broke while I was swinging ,I lost my grip went flying hit the wall on the opp side.I landed on the ground holding my arm and crying with pain.Sir rushed me to the infirmary where an X Ray was taken. I had broken a bone on the arm.Next day I was taken to Salem in the School car and a huge plaster of Paris cast was put on my arm.How he cared for me like a father up and down the Ghats asking if I had pain.Bro Felix was the Principal he informed my parent’s.Cast was removed after a month and then Sir Terry took me under his wing to make me a good Boxer.Thank you Sir Terry.Next episode Montfort School Annual Boxing Match .I was in St Gabriels House he paired me with our famous V.Shekar of Shekar Coffee Works ,Yercaud of St Patricks House.The screaming of more than 100 boys of Gabriel’s still ring in my ears on Boxing Match nights once a year.“ONE TWO THREE FOUR..WHO ARE WE FOR…GABRIELS.FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT..WHO DO WE APPRECIATE…GABRIEL’S “..Then Patrick’s would start….those were the days what lovely days.

Purushothaman Puru from the 1949 Batch of Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud was one of Nat Terry’s students. He fondly remembers,

Tiger Nat Terry was good. I received the best boxer award in the year 1949. Joined Christian College. Won the Inter College boxing Championship Award. Represented Tamil Nadu against Sri Lanka. I thank Nat Terry for training me. It is Boxing that got me admission in IIT Kharagpur in the year 1953.
Recollect all the good events.

**Nat Terry Was A Great Tap Dancer((Photo Copyrights: Sheila. Abraham)**

Nat Terry loved people. He had many friends from various professions. He was a fabulous tap dancer. He also taught tap dance to many of his students at Montfort. He actively took part in many get-togethers. He loved to sing and dance. He was affectionately called “Papa” by many.

Vernon Galiffe from the Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud said,

Never forget his whistle at end of breaks to return to study. Introduced him to my wife who danced with him.Kept in touch till mid 70s still have certificates signed by him. Precious memories. Nat terry was the tap dancer teacher. The late chandy mathewes of my batch was very good dancer.

In the year 1972, Nat Terry’s wife Mrs Beryl passed away at the age of 56. The very same year Nat Terry announce his retirement from Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud. He was deeply affected by the death of his dear wife and lived a lonely life. He was a very simple person in nature and had a charismatic personality. Many people, young and old have spent hours listening to his boxing experiences and his life as a whole.

Death of Nat Terry

Nat Terry died at the age of 84 on the 23rd of January 1998 at his Fathima Villa, Yercaud. He was buried next to his dear wife, Mrs Beryl Eiza Terry.

**Final Resting Place of Nat Terry and his wife Beryl, Yercaud**

Conclusion

I was always told, “It does not matter whether you live a grand life or not. The number of lives you have impacted with your deeds is all that matters at the end”. Nat Terry is a perfect example of the above statement. While researching about Nat Terry, I was amazed by his life story. As a concluding remark, I would like to say

Nat Terry lived a life of greatness. He impacted the lives of many people with his good deeds. He is a true gentleman on and off the ring. He had an illustrious boxing career in the 1940s after winning against many powerful boxers from various parts of the country. Boxing is a deadly sport where boxers have killed their opponents intentionally or unintentionally in the ring and yet many of them continued their boxing career. There a few boxers who have left their boxing careers after unintenionally killing their opponent on the ring and Nat Terry quit his boxing career after accidentally killing S.A. Arumugam on the ring in 1949 .This incident shows that Nat Terry was a true sportsman who was loyal to his game.If he had continued his boxing career after the 1949 incident, he might have become one India’s greatest professional boxer. He deserves a very special place in the pages of the Indian Boxing History for not just being an extraordinary boxer in the ring with an impeccable win record but also a wonderful human being on & off the boxing arena.

References

Writing a blog on an iconic personality like Nat “Tiger” Terry who ruled in the boxing arena in the 1940s was quite a challenging task. There was a lot of information available on the internet but finding the authentic source of information was an uphill task. I have penned down the blog based on the information from the official website of the Montfort Alumni Association, interviews given by the family members associated with the boxing clans from the 1940s to leading Tamil news agencies, the official Montford School Facebook group and other credible sources. The sources of information are as follows:

Special thanks to the alumni of Montfort Anglo Indian Boys’ High School, Yercaud for all of the iconic photographs from the past which they shared on the official Montford School Facebook group. I would also like to thank Parayil A. Tharakan Sir for inspiring me to write this blog on Nat “Tiger” Terry. I would also like to thank Sheila Abraham Ma’m, Nat Terry’s daughter for the personal photographs of Nat Terry.