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Baby Jake back to good health

Johannesburg - Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlata says he is in tip-top shape, less than six months after there were fears for his life.

The 48-year-old former multiple champion suffered from pneumonia and other complications early this year.

On Tuesday he joked that he was ready to fight again.

The popular "Baby Jake" said he was in "100 per cent condition".

During his illness, a tribute event was held for the 1.48m former champion. The box-and-dine show was so well supported that all Matlala's medical bills were settled, Raymond Hack, one of the trustees of the Matlala Trust fund, said in Johannesburg.

The organisers were able to ensure Matlala received the best attention and eased his family's financial concerns, Hack added.

Such was Matlala's stature that former president Nelson Mandela and Hollywood actor Will Smith were at ringside when he retained his fourth "world" title.

"I have a few things on my plate," he said on Tuesday. "Life has turned a full circle, for the better, for me. I'm grateful and humbled by all those who helped me when I needed them most."
 
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