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Cape Town - South African boxing legend Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala is sick and cannot foot his own medical bills, according to a report in the Sowetan.
Pastor Allan McCauley of the Rhema Church confirmed that the four-time world champion had hit rock-bottom financially and that his church was trying to raise funds for him.
McCauley said the 48-year-old former WBO and IBA junior flyweight, WBO and WBU flyweight title holder had been suffering from double pneumonia and was discharged from Lesedi Clinic in Soweto, on October 13.
He said the pint-sized pugilist, who hung up his gloves in March 2 2002 with 53 wins (26 KOs), 13 losses and two draws, spent three weeks at the clinic.
McCauley said yesterday: "Baby Jake has been a member of our congregation here at Rhema for a number of years and has always helped us to help others through Hands of Compassion, our ministry to the poor.
"He has also been a personal friend of both myself and Pastor Ray McCauley.
"Due to his recent illness, he has incurred substantial medical bills, and unfortunately he has no medical aid.
Pastor Allan McCauley of the Rhema Church confirmed that the four-time world champion had hit rock-bottom financially and that his church was trying to raise funds for him.
McCauley said the 48-year-old former WBO and IBA junior flyweight, WBO and WBU flyweight title holder had been suffering from double pneumonia and was discharged from Lesedi Clinic in Soweto, on October 13.
He said the pint-sized pugilist, who hung up his gloves in March 2 2002 with 53 wins (26 KOs), 13 losses and two draws, spent three weeks at the clinic.
McCauley said yesterday: "Baby Jake has been a member of our congregation here at Rhema for a number of years and has always helped us to help others through Hands of Compassion, our ministry to the poor.
"He has also been a personal friend of both myself and Pastor Ray McCauley.
"Due to his recent illness, he has incurred substantial medical bills, and unfortunately he has no medical aid.
