DEON POTGIETER, Johannesburg | Friday 5.00pm.
THE first super-fight of the new century will take place in South Africa on February 19 at Carnival City in Brakpan.
“Baby” Jake Matlala and the powerhouse puncher Hawk Makepula will meet in one of the most eagerly awaited contests in South African boxing history.
They will contest the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) junior flyweight world title.
Big money is also on the cards, with Matlala being paid R1-million for the bout, the highest purse ever paid to a South African to face one of his own countrymen.
Makepula the current World Boxing Union junior flyweight world champion will relinquish his title in order to challenge for the more prestigious WBO crown.
Besides the local interest, there is also a lot of International attention on this bout. The winner of which is virtually assured a number of big pay-days on the overseas market.
“Matlala has held the keys for many years now, it’s time for him to pass them on to his son.” said Makepula of the fight.
“It’s going to be a tough fight,” said the ever charismatic Matlala “but I now how he’ll try and fight me, so I know how to win.”
The Sanders/Cole WBU heavyweight world title fight which was to headline the “Night of the legends” bill will now be on the Matlala/Makepula undercard along with the Rothman-Reed WBU cruiserweight world title fight.