/ 1 March 2000

Baby Jake, Hawk to square up again

DEON POTGIETER, Johannesburg | Wednesday 3.15pm.

FOLLOWING the controversy surrounding the February 19 world title fight between Hawk Makepula and Baby Jake Matlala, Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman, said that the two fighters will meet in a rematch later this year.

Before the highly anticipated rematch takes place however, they will both face other opponents.

Golden Gloves plans to stage a four world title fight bill at Carnival city on May 13, and Matlala is earmarked to challenge Peter Culshaw for his WBU flyweight world title.

Makepula will defend the WBO junior flyweight world title he controversially won in his bout with Matlala.

The other champions in action will be Cassius Baloyi, defending his WBU featherweight world title, and Lindi Memani, who will defend his WBU mini-flyweight world title.

Irichelle Duran, daughter of the legendary Roberto Duran will also be making her professional debut on the under-card.

“I know Culshaw,” says Matlala “He won’t be a problem. I can beat him.”

Berman said that he will try his utmost to ensure that Matlala gets his shot at Culshaw, so that he can win his historic fourth world title.

If Culshaw turns down the fight, Matlala will fight an International ten rounder as a warm-up for his rematch with Makepula.