TOP boxing promoter Rodney Berman has a lump in his throat. It has been caused by the awesome response from fellow South Africans who want to help raise funds for Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala
They have purchased 98 of the 100 tables of 10 in order to be part of a box-and-dine tribute to Matlala that will take place at Emperors Palace on January 27.
Various sporting memorabilia, including Matlala's Old Buck and IBA belts, will be auctioned.
The proceedings will go to Matlala, who has hit rock bottom financially. He is also very sick and unable to pay his reportedly sky-high medical bills.
This event, in the true spirit of ubuntu, will be presented jointly by Berman, Jeff Ellis, SuperSport and Emperors Palace.
"The response is unbelievable," Berman said. "This goes to show the love that fellow South Africans have for the national hero."
The boxing tournament has been dubbed "Night of The Little Big Man" - an appropriate description of the pint-sized Sowetan who defied all odds by winning the SA and four world belts in two weight divisions.
He had been advised to quit after being pummelled by Vuyani Nene, Mveleli Luzipho and Jaji Sibali years back. Matlala gave his WBU strap to Nelson Mandela.
This writer made a plea to tycoons to save Matlala's rich history by helping him financially and allowing him to keep his IBA belt.
Gideon Sam, the chief executive of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, is quoted by the Golden Gloves website as saying he is prepared to pay "whatever it takes" to ensure that Matlala's legacy remains in his homeland.
Berman appreciates the gesture but he strongly believes that the belt might raise four times the amount at auction than on a private sale.
Topping the bill will be IBO flyweight kingpin Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler defending against Gideon "Hardcore" Buthelezi while heavyweight sensation Flo "Demolition Man" Simba, BSA's 2009 prospect of the year, will take on Chamunorwa "Sting" Gonorenda in an international bout over six rounds.
There will be five more bouts.
Support pours in for Baby Jake Matlala
TOP boxing promoter Rodney Berman has a lump in his throat. It has been caused by the awesome response from fellow South Africans who want to help raise funds for Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala
They have purchased 98 of the 100 tables of 10 in order to be part of a box-and-dine tribute to Matlala that will take place at Emperors Palace on January 27.
Various sporting memorabilia, including Matlala's Old Buck and IBA belts, will be auctioned.
The proceedings will go to Matlala, who has hit rock bottom financially. He is also very sick and unable to pay his reportedly sky-high medical bills.
This event, in the true spirit of ubuntu, will be presented jointly by Berman, Jeff Ellis, SuperSport and Emperors Palace.
"The response is unbelievable," Berman said. "This goes to show the love that fellow South Africans have for the national hero."
The boxing tournament has been dubbed "Night of The Little Big Man" - an appropriate description of the pint-sized Sowetan who defied all odds by winning the SA and four world belts in two weight divisions.
He had been advised to quit after being pummelled by Vuyani Nene, Mveleli Luzipho and Jaji Sibali years back. Matlala gave his WBU strap to Nelson Mandela.
This writer made a plea to tycoons to save Matlala's rich history by helping him financially and allowing him to keep his IBA belt.
Gideon Sam, the chief executive of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, is quoted by the Golden Gloves website as saying he is prepared to pay "whatever it takes" to ensure that Matlala's legacy remains in his homeland.
Berman appreciates the gesture but he strongly believes that the belt might raise four times the amount at auction than on a private sale.
Topping the bill will be IBO flyweight kingpin Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler defending against Gideon "Hardcore" Buthelezi while heavyweight sensation Flo "Demolition Man" Simba, BSA's 2009 prospect of the year, will take on Chamunorwa "Sting" Gonorenda in an international bout over six rounds.
There will be five more bouts.
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