Shock over ‘Baby Jake’s’ death
THE boxing world was dealt a massive blow after legend Jacob ‘‘Baby Jake” Matlala died at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital at 11am yesterday morning.
The 51-year-old Matlala had been in and out of hospital over the past few months but his death came as a massive shock to South Africans who are still reeling after the passing of Nelson Mandela on Thursday.
Rhema Church CEO and family spokesman Giet Khoza told the Sunday Times that the grief-stricken family was struggling to deal with the loss of one of the country’s most loved sporting personalities.
‘‘It is a very difficult day for the family, especially his two sons Tshepo and Masego, who loved their father dearly,” Khoza said yesterday.
‘‘The family understands that Jake was loved by everybody and was a public figure and they appreciate the support. But they are requesting to be given space to mourn and grieve for Jake. We as the Rhema church, where Jake and his family were ded- icated members, will make sure that everything related to the funeral preparations is taken care of.”
While Khoza said the family was reluctant to divulge the cause of death, Matlala spent three-weeks in hospital with double pneumonia three years ago.
Matlala’s long-time promoter Rodney Berman told Sunday Times he was stunned. He had known Matlala for nearly three decades.
‘‘Unbelievable, unbelievable,” said a shocked Berman yesterday.
The boxing fraternity also reacted with shock and fellow fighters, officials and ordinary South Africans could not contain their grief.
At just 1.47m Matlala was the shortest world champion ever and he punched his way into the nation’s heart with performances that defied his diminutive frame.
He beat numerous opponents over the years and took advantage of their inability to see past his build.
Matlala held four world titles in two different weight divisions in a career that spanned three decades.
Matlala was born in Port Elizabeth and grew up in Meadowlands.