Share

Big money raised for Baby Jake

Johannesburg - Retired four-time world champion Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala has appeared at a boxing tournament held in his honor, easing fears over the health of the popular ex-fighter and smallest world titleholder.

The 1.47-meter (4-foot-10) Matlala arrived at the "Night of the Little Big Men" event at Emperor's Palace on Thursday, on a throne carried by bearers, smiling and waving to fans before walking confidently to his ringside seat.

Matlala, 48, a former WBO, WBU and IBA flyweight and light flyweight world champion, was admitted to an intensive care unit three times last year with complications related to pneumonia.

Promoter Rodney Berman aims to raise $70,000 for the South African, who he says has been left "financially stretched" by his medical bills.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE