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For 22 years, Baby Jake Matlala was living in-ring proof that big things come in small packages. The shortest fighter ever to win a major title was a true ambassador to the sport of boxing and to South Africa up until his untimely, which sadly occurred Saturday morning at the age of 51.
His death was announced by family spokesman Ray McCauley and also confirmed by his former promoter Rodney Berman.
“Another great fighter has died,” Berman wrote on his Twitter account. “Go well little man, you’ll be missed.”
A 22-year ring career included championship wins at flyweight and junior flyweight, in that order. At a mere 4’10”, Matlala was barely tall enough to get a clear view over the top rope of any regulation-sized boxing ring, but was simply an obstacle to conquer in his pursuit of the record books.
Matlala made history in May ’93, when a come-from behind 8th round stoppage of Pat Clinton earned him a flyweight belt, truly defining the term “boxing’s little big man.” His stay as flyweight titlist lasted nearly two years before conceding the crown to Alberto Jimenez, but bounced back later that year for his second major belt in scoring an upset points win over Paul Weir on the road in Scotland in their 108 lb. title fight.
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His death was announced by family spokesman Ray McCauley and also confirmed by his former promoter Rodney Berman.
“Another great fighter has died,” Berman wrote on his Twitter account. “Go well little man, you’ll be missed.”
A 22-year ring career included championship wins at flyweight and junior flyweight, in that order. At a mere 4’10”, Matlala was barely tall enough to get a clear view over the top rope of any regulation-sized boxing ring, but was simply an obstacle to conquer in his pursuit of the record books.
Matlala made history in May ’93, when a come-from behind 8th round stoppage of Pat Clinton earned him a flyweight belt, truly defining the term “boxing’s little big man.” His stay as flyweight titlist lasted nearly two years before conceding the crown to Alberto Jimenez, but bounced back later that year for his second major belt in scoring an upset points win over Paul Weir on the road in Scotland in their 108 lb. title fight.
[Click Here To Read More]
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