Less than six months ago the condition of 48-year-old South African former boxer Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala was so dire after suffering pneumonia and other complications that it was feared his life was in jeopardy.
On Tuesday, however, the 4ft 10in boxer who is credited with being the shortest world champion in the sport's history, proclaimed himself “in 100 per cent condition.” “I'm ready to enter the ring again,” he joked during an interview at the Cresta Centre in Johannesburg.
During Matlala's darkest hour, with his life in danger, a boxing tribute was organised for the “big, little man of the ring” to raise funds to pay for his mounting medical expenses, which had exhausted his funds, see him through the difficult times and ensure there was sufficient money for his family and children's education.
“There was such an overwhelming support at the box-and-dine event,” said attorney and former South African Football Associaition CEO Raymond Hack, one of the trustees of the Matlala trust fund, “that we were not only able to settle his medical bills, make sure he received the best attention and eased his family's other financial concerns, but a fair amount of money remains to keep him going and cover any future education expenses.”
Such was the iconic status of Matlala in South African sporting circles that when he fought his last fight to retain the fourth of the world titles he won in a topsey-turvey career that former president Nelson Mandela and Hollywood actor Will Smith were at the ringside among those who came to pay tribute.
Matlala seemed to improve the longer his varied career continued - and many reckoned that at 42 years he was a more accomplished fighter than ever before.
“I've got a few things going on my plate right now,” he says, “and life has turned a full circle for the better for me. I'm only grateful and humbled by all those who helped me when I needed them most.” – Sapa