Other Sport
Support pours in for Baby Jake
2011-01-18 11:33
Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala (Gallo)
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Johannesburg - Top boxing promoter Rodney Berman has a lump in his throat. It has been caused by the awesome response from fellow South Africans who want to help raise funds for Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala, according to a
Sowetan report.
They have purchased 98 of the 100 tables of 10 in order to be part of a box-and-dine tribute to Matlala that will take place at Emperors Palace on January 27.
Various sporting memorabilia, including Matlala's Old Buck and IBA belts, will be auctioned.
The proceedings will go to Matlala, who has hit rock bottom financially. He is also very sick and unable to pay his reportedly sky-high medical bills.
This event, in the true spirit of ubuntu, will be presented jointly by Berman, Jeff Ellis, SuperSport and Emperors Palace.
"The response is unbelievable," Berman said. "This goes to show the love that fellow South Africans have for the national hero."
The boxing tournament has been dubbed "Night of The Little Big Man" - an appropriate description of the pint-sized Sowetan who defied all odds by winning the SA and four world belts in two weight divisions.