A helping hand for SA boxing great
By Lelethu Mquqo
16 November 2010
South African boxing legend Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala has been left nearly penniless as a result of hospital bills after suffering from double pneumonia.
Despite a 22-year boxing career, Matlala, who contested world titles 18 times, has hit hard times.
This follows recent reports that Matlala and his family had been struggling to pay his medical bills.
CEO of Golden Gloves Promotions Rodney Berman says they are organizing a tournament that is going to be held at Emperors Palace on January 27, in an attempt to raise R500 000 for Matlala.
Matlala, who was the shortest ever world champion, began his career on February 2, 1980 with a fourth-round victory over Fraser Plaatjie in Port Elizabeth.
He then retired from the ring in 2002 and has after a career of 68 fights.
16 November 2010
South African boxing legend Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala has been left nearly penniless as a result of hospital bills after suffering from double pneumonia.
Despite a 22-year boxing career, Matlala, who contested world titles 18 times, has hit hard times.
This follows recent reports that Matlala and his family had been struggling to pay his medical bills.
CEO of Golden Gloves Promotions Rodney Berman says they are organizing a tournament that is going to be held at Emperors Palace on January 27, in an attempt to raise R500 000 for Matlala.
Matlala, who was the shortest ever world champion, began his career on February 2, 1980 with a fourth-round victory over Fraser Plaatjie in Port Elizabeth.
He then retired from the ring in 2002 and has after a career of 68 fights.
Comments