Jacob-Matlala-Obituary

Jacob Matlala

1962 - 2013

Obituary

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala, a four-time world champion in the flyweight and junior flyweight divisions and one of Nelson Mandela's favorite fighters, has died. He was 51.

The death of the South African boxer Saturday was announced by family spokesman Ray McCauley.

Matlala died two days after Mandela, who attended Matlala's last bout in 2002. At the time, the boxer gave the former president one of his belts.

Matlala's former promoter, Rodney Berman, wrote on Twitter: "Another great fighter has died ... Go well little man, you'll be missed."

Standing just 4-foot-10 ½, Matlala's disregard for his size and ferocious punching speed made him one of South Africa's favorite athletes. During a 22-year career, he won flyweight and junior flyweight belts for the WBO as well as the IBA light flyweight title and WBU junior flyweight crown.


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SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS,MAY YOUR FAMILY BE BLESSED BY OUR CREATOR."YOU ARE OPENING YOUR HAND AND SATISFYING THE DESIRE OF EVERY LIVING THING."..PSLM.145:16.....D

We are so sorry for your loss. May the God and Father of true peace and all tender mercy grant the Matlala family and close friends of Jacob a calm and firm heart giving you everlasting comfort and hope. (2 Thessalonians 2:17)

My condolences to the family for the loss of your loved. 1 Corinthians 15:26.

May God bless your family with fond memories of "The Champ"! May Jacob's Memory be Eternal!

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

RIP.May God bless this family with loving memories and love,unity,and stregth.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Dear Matlala family may the comfort and strength from God be with you in the days ahead.