Baby Jake treated for pneumonia

Boxing legend Baby Jake Matlala is likely to be spending his Christmas in and out of hospital.

Boxing legend Baby Jake Matlala is likely to be spending his Christmas in and out of hospital.

Published Dec 18, 2010

Share

Noni Mokati

Boxing legend Baby Jake Matlala is likely to be spending his Christmas in and out of hospital.

His gospel singer wife Mapule Matlala said this week that her husband, who has been in hospital receiving treatment for double pneumonia for several weeks, was recovering well, but there was still a long way to go.

“He’s constantly in and out of hospital. We’re on our way there as we speak,” Matlala said earlier in the week, without saying which hospital her husband was in.

But she said despite Baby Jake’s illness, it would still be a festive season for the family.

“You can’t really go anywhere when you have a patient, so going on holiday is out of the question. We will also be waiting to hear from the doctors,” she said.

During a courtesy visit to Matlala at Milpark Hospital last month, newly-appointed Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said the department had various activities lined up to assist the ailing boxing icon.

Speaking on Matlala’s dire financial situation, Maile said his office had advised that the former boxer be transferred to a public health facility to save on costs.

“We must, however, emphasise that our approach to this matter is like that of the assistance we would offer to any of our citizens,” he said, urging other Gauteng residents to come forward to provide whatever support they could, especially this festive season.

Meanwhile, preparations are under way for a boxing tournament to be held in Baby Jake’s honour at Emperors Palace on January 27.

Organised by Golden Gloves Promoters and SuperSport, the tournament titled “The Night of the Little Big Man” is expected to attract many boxing enthusiasts and legends and will feature a sale of memorabilia.

The Golden Gloves website reports that former boxing champion Jeff Ellis visited Matlala in hospital recently, where he handed him a R20 000 cheque to help him get back on his feet.

Ellis said during his visit, Matlala had indicated his intention of being at the tournament.

“He can’t wait. He knows he will be surrounded by friends and boxers. I’m sure it will help his spirit tremendously,” Ellis said.

Related Topics: