CONDOLENCES are pouring in for fallen boxing icon Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala - the pint-sized former two-time world champion who died on Saturday at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.
Matlala, who won the WBU and WBO belts in the junior flyweight as well as in the flyweight class before adding the IBA belt, had been admitted to the hospital on numerous occasions over the past few years with complications related to pneumonia.
He retired at the age of 42 after he registered his second defence for the WBU junior flyweight strap against Columbian Juan Herrera, who he stopped in the seventh round in Brakpan on March 3 2002. Coincidentally, the fight was attended by Nelson Mandela and US actor Will Smith.
Matlala presented Mandela with the WBU belt.
In a joint statement by National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu and his deputy Nomanidia Mfeketo, the Parliament extended condolences on Matlala's passing.
"Our thoughts are with Mr Matlala's family and friends as they come to terms with his passing."
The ANC in North West also sent its condolences to Matlala's family.
Matlala's stablemates Peter Ngatane and Takalani Ndlovu said it was difficult for them to believe the former world champion was no more. "This amiable human being was not expected to excel in the fistic sport due to his shortness, but he instead used it to his advantage and went on to scribble his name in the history books," said Ngatane, a medical doctor who has also served as chairman of Boxing SA.
Masibulele "Hawk" Makepula, the last local boxer to beat Matlala when they fought for the WBO strap in Brakpan on February 19 2000, said Matlala remained his hero. "Beating him did not change that. May his soul rest in peace ..."
Rodney Berman, who promoted Matlala, said another great fighter had died.
He was referring to the news of Mandela's passing.
Condolences for Baby Jake
CONDOLENCES are pouring in for fallen boxing icon Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala - the pint-sized former two-time world champion who died on Saturday at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.
Matlala, who won the WBU and WBO belts in the junior flyweight as well as in the flyweight class before adding the IBA belt, had been admitted to the hospital on numerous occasions over the past few years with complications related to pneumonia.
He retired at the age of 42 after he registered his second defence for the WBU junior flyweight strap against Columbian Juan Herrera, who he stopped in the seventh round in Brakpan on March 3 2002. Coincidentally, the fight was attended by Nelson Mandela and US actor Will Smith.
Matlala presented Mandela with the WBU belt.
In a joint statement by National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu and his deputy Nomanidia Mfeketo, the Parliament extended condolences on Matlala's passing.
"Our thoughts are with Mr Matlala's family and friends as they come to terms with his passing."
The ANC in North West also sent its condolences to Matlala's family.
Matlala's stablemates Peter Ngatane and Takalani Ndlovu said it was difficult for them to believe the former world champion was no more. "This amiable human being was not expected to excel in the fistic sport due to his shortness, but he instead used it to his advantage and went on to scribble his name in the history books," said Ngatane, a medical doctor who has also served as chairman of Boxing SA.
Masibulele "Hawk" Makepula, the last local boxer to beat Matlala when they fought for the WBO strap in Brakpan on February 19 2000, said Matlala remained his hero. "Beating him did not change that. May his soul rest in peace ..."
Rodney Berman, who promoted Matlala, said another great fighter had died.
He was referring to the news of Mandela's passing.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos