Deon Potgieter BOXING
When Musibulele “Hawk” Makepula was awarded the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) junior flyweight world title on Saturday night it was not a controversial decision, but a bad one. Although the likeable Makepula has the potential of developing into a bona fide superstar, he still has much to learn.
Watching the bout at ringside it was evident who was the master and who was the pupil. The powerful punches thrown by Makepula had little effect on “Baby” Jake Matlala, as most of his blows landed on his arms and gloves. Even those that did land were carried by the ring legend. Matlala, on the other hand, landed his left hook at will. The effects of this were clear and had the bout been over 15 rounds, I have little doubt that Makepula would have crumbled.
The primary reason the two gallant warriors were matched in the first place, other than to prove who was the best junior flyweight in the land, was to raise Makepula’s international status. Although he was already the World Boxing Union (WBU) world champion, Makepula was, by and large, just another unknown South African fighter. Matlala is, however, well-known and respected around the world, possibly the most well-known South African fighter. A convincing victory over the veteran would have heralded the dawn of the Hawk to international stardom.
Ironically had the decision been given to Matlala, as it should have, Makepula’s reputation would not have suffered. After all, he fought a good fight and there is no shame in losing to a legend. Unlike Matlala, who relinquished his International Boxing Association junior flyweight world title, Makepula did not relinquish his WBU belt as expected. Therefore, even if the correct decision had been levied, he would have lost nothing.
Now Makepula is placed, through no fault of his own, in a precarious position, which could wreak havoc on his future in the ring. No matter how successful he is from here on out, and I wish him all the best, he will carry the stigma of having received the benefit of a bad decision. The shadow of Matlala will forever be thrown over his achievements – something Makepula does not deserve. The only way to remove that psychological stress is to have a rematch with a just and fair decision, win or lose.
Matlala has been offered an opportunity to fight for the WBU flyweight world title as Makepula still holds the junior flyweight version. This will enable him to win a historical fourth title, something he was robbed of doing last week. By comparison to the WBO, the WBU title is like having the Springboks play in a Rugby World Cup which does not feature New Zealand or Australia. Why must he settle for less? “I would like to have a rematch with Hawk, but I don’t think his people will allow it to happen,” says Matlala.
Given the circumstance surrounding the decision, a rematch should be arranged as soon as possible. It won’t be the first time a rematch takes preference to a mandatory defence. (Makepula is obliged to make a mandatory defence of the WBO title.) Perhaps a rematch does not suit the financial plans of many involved, but what of Matlala, what of the fight fans and the credibility of the sport? Without them there is no professional boxing, and as an anonymous spectator said after the bout: “It’s things like this that will kill boxing.”