News of the passing of South Africa’s greatest boxer, Jacob ‘Baby Jake’ Matlala, has saddened the nation.
Matlala, known as a ‘small man in with the big heart’, died in hospital after an illness related to pneumonia.
He was previously admitted to hospital some years ago and it was reported that he could not pay his medical bills, as a result a fundraising event was held to help him.
The small giant grew up in Meadowlands Zone Five and he is believed to be a boxer who changed the course of the boxing fraternity, not only in the country but internationally as well.
He is known in Meadowlands for shaping the history of boxing and that meant other young men wanted to follow in his footsteps.
The 51-year-old Matlala is a four-time flyweight champion with more than 50 victories to his name, achievements that no other boxer in South Africa has managed.
In the 1950s Bapedi Hall in Zone Three was the first sports hub to be built in Meadowlands.
The historical hall was a training ground for boxers, such as Arthur Maisela who was one of the fighters who created hype in boxing at the time.
Today’s reality is that boxing at the hall has taken a hard knock, it has lost the influence and power it used to have.
People from all over the country and globally have been expressing their sadness over his passing. SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan said: “A dark cloud has indeed fallen over our country.
“We haven’t recovered from the news of the passing on of Madiba, now we are confronted with more sad news.
“We have lost two great boxers who were fighters inside and outside the ring working for the development of the human course, taking part in many community building projects.
“Even though he was a boxer, Baby Jake was a football fanatic and he will be greatly missed.
“His death is a big loss, we love him and will sorely miss him.
“So much sorrow has enveloped our country.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, his fans and the boxing fraternity for the loss of such a gentle giant. He was a great ambassador for our country who never allowed his height to be a disadvantage.
“He was a fearless fighter whose determination put South Africa on the map.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
