Deon Potgieter Boxing
Acknowledged as one of the top 10 South African boxers of the past century, “Baby” Jake Matlala is intent on earmarking a place in the top 10 list of the new century as well. He meets the power-punching Hawk Makepula for the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) junior flyweight title on February 19 at Carnival City in Brakpan.
With both these fighters carrying wide international recognition, this bout is regarded as the first superfight of the new era of boxing. Not since the heavyweight clash between Pierre Coetzer and Johnny du Plooy in 1990 has there been so much interest in a fight between two South Africans.
“If 10 years ago I said that the biggest fight in South African boxing history would be between two small black men, I would have been laughed at,” says Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves, who is promoting the bout. “It shows you the great strides the sport has made here.”
Matlala will be earning R1-million for this fight, the highest purse ever awarded to a South African for facing one of his own countrymen. Besides this historic landmark, if Matlala wins he will be the first South African to win four world titles, having previously held the WBO flyweight and junior-flyweight championships, as well as the International Boxing Association junior-flyweight world title.
A veteran of 62 fights, Matlala has taken on and beaten the likes of Michael Carbajal (long regarded the best in the division), Pat Clinton and Paul Weir. His vast experience could very well be the deciding factor in this battle of the junior-flys.
Makepula has no delusions about who his opponent is: “Matlala is my role model and I believe he is the best junior-flyweight in the world. That’s why I want to beat him. I’m very hungry for this fight, not for the money, but for the recognition that will come from beating him. I want to be the best in the world.”
Strong words, but words Makepula is prepared to follow up with action. He has scored a sensational 12 knockouts in 16 victories, three of those being for the World Boxing Union junior-flyweight world title, a belt he has had to relinquish to face his idol.
“He will still be my idol after the fight,” says Makepula. “Whatever happens, I will still respect him. He is a tremendous role model to other boxers and youngsters.
“When I climb into the ring, however, he is my opponent. It is unfortunate for whoever has to face me, but I always remember the gold medal I should have won at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. I extract revenge for that loss by taking it out on whoever is in the ring with me.”
Says Matlala: “I know Hawk won’t give me an inch and I won’t give him one either. When we’re in the ring the friendship ends. After the fight we can always make up again. I’ve got a lot riding on this fight. I’ll be making history and will also set myself up for another million-rand fight.”
“I think Hawk’s youth, speed and power will give him a slight edge over Jake,” says fight analyst Ron Jackson. Most local pundits agree that it’s unlikely that Makepula will be able to knock out the tough-as-nails Matlala, but see him winning a close points decision against the charismatic veteran.
“Hawk’s a good boxer and a good prospect,” says Matlala. “But I think my experience will give me an edge. I see the fight going the distance and me being the winner.”
Although this is the first time two South Africans will be contesting a respected world title against each other, the title itself has taken on a role of secondary importance. This bout is about who is the best. It’s a matter of pride. It’s about who the combatants are, rather than what the prize will be.
It has all the ingredients of being a classic confrontation. On Matlala’s side is his indomitable spirit and ring-craft wizardry, as well as a powerful torso which can give as well as it can take. Makepula, a very spiritual man who is Matlala’s junior by 11 years, has an abundance of natural talent and phenomenal punching power for his size.
Come February 19, Makepula will be facing the toughest challenge of his career thus far. Matlala, seemingly relegated to underdog status by most pundits, will be fired with pride and conviction to prove once again his greatness. The outcome of this fight will not merely be determined by the physical attributes of the two great combatants, but by their mental dexterity.