DEON POTGIETER, Johannesburg | Tuesday 9.15am.
THE controversial decision which saw Hawk Makepula crowned the World Boxing Organisation junior flyweight world champion on Saturday night is one that will be debated for many years to come.
Most ringsiders felt the legendary Baby Jake Matlala had once again proved his class against a top opponent.
The most puzzling factor about the scoring was that the bout wasn’t that close. When the scores were read it seemed natural to assume the higher score was in favour of Matlala and the margin was correct.
American judge John Stewart scored the bout 112-117 and the two judges from the Cape, Aubrey Erasmus (114-118) and Lulama Mtya (112-118). The shock and disbelief was quite evident when it was announced that they were indeed in favour of Makepula, himself from the Eastern Cape.
“It was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever seen,” said Bert Blewett, editor of Boxing World magazine.
At a tension filled post-fight press conference, Harold Volbrecht likened the sensational battle between the two mini-titans to that of the classic clash between heavyweight rivals, Kallie Knoetze and Gerrie Coetzee in the 1970’s.
Ironically most ringsiders that night felt that Knoetze had won the bout and were dismayed when the decision was awarded to Coetzee.
“I want to congratulate Hawk,” said Matlala after the fight. “He has beaten the best, I’m sure he’ll go far,” Matlala then looked up at all of those present, smiled and said; “but you know who won the fight.”