{{short description|South African boxer}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}} {{Use South African English|date=August 2012}}
{{Infobox boxer |name=Jacob Matlala |image= |realname=Jacob Matlala |nickname=Baby Jake |weight={{plainlist| *Flyweight *Light flyweight}} |height=4 ft 10 in<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-12-09 |title='Baby' Jake Matlala: World champion in two weight divisions who was |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/baby-jake-matlala-world-champion-in-two-weight-divisions-who-was-named-as-his-favourite-boxer-by-nelson-mandela-8993936.html |access-date=2022-08-23 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> |reach=59 in |nationality= |birth_date={{Birth date|df=yes|1962|8|1}} |death_date={{Death date and age|df=yes|2013|12|7|1962|8|1}} |birth_place=Meadowlands, Gauteng, South Africa |death_place= Parktown, Gauteng, South Africa |style=Orthodox |total=68 |wins=53 |KO=26 |losses=13 |draws=2 |no contests=0 }}
'''Jacob "Baby Jake" Matlala''' (1 August 1962 – 7 December 2013) was a South African professional boxer and four-time world champion who competed from 1980 to 2002. Standing about 4 ft 10 in (147 cm), he is the shortest boxer in history to win a world title.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2013 |title=SA boxing legend 'Baby Jake' passes away - Brand South Africa |url=https://brandsouthafrica.com/102302/uncategorised/boxing-matlala-091213/ |access-date=21 September 2025 |language=en-ZA}}</ref> He was a world champion in two weight classes: having held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight title from 1993 to 1995 and the WBO light-flyweight from 1995 to 1997. He scored high-profile wins against international opponents during the 1990s. He was a hugely popular national figure in South Africa — admired for his fighting spirit and charitable work — and was publicly counted among Nelson Mandela’s favourite sportspeople.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tribute to Baby Jake Matlala – Nelson Mandela Foundation |url=https://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/tribute-to-baby-jakes-matlala |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=www.nelsonmandela.org |language=en-ZA}}</ref> In 2004, Matlala was voted #72 in the "100 Greatest South Africans" poll organized by SABC.
==Death== Jacob Matlala died on 7 December 2013, at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.<ref>(7 December 2013). <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.sport24.co.za/ Baby Jake Matlala dies]</span>. sport24.co. Retrieved 7 December 2013.</ref><ref>Motumi, Mpiletso (13 December 2013). <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.iol.co.za/sport/boxing/boxing-giant-baby-jake-laid-to-rest-1.1622205#.UqtrotIW2E4 Boxing giant Baby Jake laid to rest]</span>. iol.co. Retrieved 14 December 2013.</ref>
==Professional boxing record== {{BoxingRecordSummary|draws=2|ko-wins=26|ko-losses=3|dec-wins=26|dec-losses=10|dq-wins=1}} {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !{{abbr|No.|Number}} !Result !Record !Opponent !Type !Round, time !Date !Location !Notes |- |68 |{{yes2}}Win |{{nowrap|53–13–2}} |style="text-align:left;"|Juan Herrera |KO |7 (12), {{small|1:43}} |2 Mar 2002 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBU light-flyweight title}} |- |67 |{{yes2}}Win |52–13–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Mickey Cantwell |TKO |5 (12), {{small|1:59}} |29 Sep 2001 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Elephant & Castle Centre, London, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBU light-flyweight title}} |- |66 |{{yes2}}Win |51–13–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Todd Makelim |TKO |4 (12), {{small|2:25}} |17 Feb 2001 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBU light-flyweight title}} |- |65 |{{no2}}Loss |50–13–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Peter Culshaw |MD |12 |24 May 2000 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For WBU flyweight title}} |- |64 |{{no2}}Loss |50–12–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Masibulele Makepula |UD |12 |19 Feb 2000 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Carnival City, Brakpan, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant WBO light-flyweight title}} |- |63 |{{yes2}}Win |50–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Rafael Orozco |UD |12 |19 Dec 1998 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort, Miami, Florida, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBA light-flyweight title}} |- |62 |{{yes2}}Win |49–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Ric Magramo |PTS |10 |4 Jul 1998 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa}} | |- |61 |{{yes2}}Win |48–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Víctor Burgos |TD |8 (12) |20 Feb 1998 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Argosy Festival Atrium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBA light-flyweight title;<br />Majority TD}} |- |60 |{{yes2}}Win |47–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Luis Doria |TKO |12 (12) |15 Nov 1997 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained IBA light-flyweight title}} |- |59 |{{yes2}}Win |46–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Michael Carbajal |TKO |9 (12), {{small|1:24}} |18 Jul 1997 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won IBA light-flyweight title}} |- |58 |{{yes2}}Win |45–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Mickey Cantwell |SD |12 |8 Feb 1997 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Arena, London, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBO light-flyweight title}} |- |57 |{{yes2}}Win |44–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Paul Weir |TKO |10 (12), {{small|1:55}} |13 Apr 1996 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBO light-flyweight title}} |- |56 |{{yes2}}Win |43–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Paul Weir |TD |5 (12), {{small|2:36}} |18 Nov 1995 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, Scotland}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBO light-flyweight title;<br />Unanimous TD: Weir unable to continue due to deep cut from accidental head-butt}} |- |55 |{{yes2}}Win |42–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Francisco Mendoza |PTS |8 |26 Aug 1995 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Village Green, Durban, South Africa}} | |- |54 |{{draw}}Draw |41–11–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Sammy Stewart |SD |10 |6 May 1995 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Village Green, Durban, South Africa}} | |- |53 |{{no2}}Loss |41–11–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Alberto Jiménez |TKO |8 (12), {{small|2:35}} |11 Feb 1995 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost WBO flyweight title}} |- |52 |{{yes2}}Win |41–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Pretty Boy Lucas |UD |12 |15 Oct 1994 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Superbowl, Rustenburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBO flyweight title}} |- |51 |{{yes2}}Win |40–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Francis Ampofo |RTD |9 (12) |11 Jun 1994 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBO flyweight title}} |- |50 |{{yes2}}Win |39–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Luigi Camputaro |RTD |7 (12), {{small|3:00}} |4 Dec 1993 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Superbowl, Rustenburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBO flyweight title}} |- |49 |{{yes2}}Win |38–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Pablo Tiznado |UD |10 |24 Jul 1993 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Standard Bank Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |48 |{{yes2}}Win |37–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Pat Clinton |TKO |8 (12), {{small|1:57}} |15 May 1993 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Scottish Exhibition Centre, Glasgow, Scotland}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBO flyweight title}} |- |47 |{{yes2}}Win |36–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Toto Hleli |UD |8 |4 Apr 1993 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Indoor Centre, Springs, South Africa}} | |- |46 |{{yes2}}Win |35–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Mzukisi Sikali |UD |12 |26 Apr 1992 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained South African light-flyweight title}} |- |45 |{{yes2}}Win |34–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Raúl Acosta |UD |10 |24 Nov 1991 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |44 |{{no2}}Loss |33–10–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Dave McAuley |KO |10 (12), {{small|2:23}} |7 Sep 1991 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Maysfield Leisure Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For IBF flyweight title}} |- |43 |{{yes2}}Win |33–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Ndoda Mayende |TKO |8 (12) |23 Jun 1991 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained South African light-flyweight title}} |- |42 |{{yes2}}Win |32–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Zolile Mbityi |KO |6 (12) |10 Feb 1991 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained South African light-flyweight title}} |- |41 |{{yes2}}Win |31–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Wele Maqolo |SD |12 |28 Oct 1990 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Indoor Sports Centre, Uitenhage, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant South African light-flyweight title}} |- |40 |{{yes2}}Win |30–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Ramón Solís |UD |10 |25 Mar 1990 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Don Mateman Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |39 |{{yes2}}Win |29–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Sonnyboy Nghona |TKO |2 (10) |3 Dec 1989 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Indoor Sports Centee, Uitenhage, South Africa}} | |- |38 |{{yes2}}Win |28–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Daniel Ward |UD |10 |15 Oct 1989 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Portuguese Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant Transvaal flyweight title}} |- |37 |{{yes2}}Win |27–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Martín Cárdenas |UD |10 |14 Aug 1989 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Feather Market Hall, Port Elizabeth, South Africa}} | |- |36 |{{yes2}}Win |26–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Odwa Mdleleni |KO |6 (10) |23 Jul 1989 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Good Hope Centre, Cape Town, South Africa}} | |- |35 |{{no2}}Loss |25–9–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Jaji Sibali |UD |12 |4 Jun 1989 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Orient Theatre, East London, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For South African flyweight title}} |- |34 |{{yes2}}Win |25–8–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Ndoda Mayende |PTS |8 |14 May 1989 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Orient Theatre, East London, South Africa}} | |- |33 |{{yes2}}Win |24–8–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Johannes Miya |RTD |7 (10) |5 Mar 1989 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Shareworld Sports Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant Transvaal flyweight title}} |- |32 |{{no2}}Loss |23–8–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Vuyani Nene |UD |12 |16 Oct 1988 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Indoor Sports Centre, Uitenhage, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For South African light-flyweight title}} |- |31 |{{yes2}}Win |23–7–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Daniel Ward |PTS |8 |9 Jul 1988 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Sports Stadium, Secunda, South Africa}} | |- |30 |{{yes2}}Win |22–7–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Vumile Gomo |DQ |7 (10) |30 Apr 1988 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Great Centenary Hall, Port Elizabeth, South Africa}} | |- |29 |{{yes2}}Win |21–7–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Jacob Mazubiko |TKO |9 (10) |7 Feb 1988 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Indoor Centre, Springs, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant Transvaal light-flyweight title}} |- |28 |{{no2}}Loss |20–7–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Vuyani Nene |PTS |12 |1 Nov 1987 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Centenary Hall, Port Elizabeth, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For South African light-flyweught title}} |- |27 |{{yes2}}Win |20–6–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Kirk Morris |PTS |8 |2 Aug 1987 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Don Mateman Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |26 |{{no2}}Loss |19–6–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Vuyani Nene |RTD |11 (12) |15 Mar 1987 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Volkswagen Stadium, Uitenhage, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For South African light-flyweight title}} |- |25 |{{yes2}}Win |19–5–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Pillay Duiker |PTS |10 |9 Nov 1986 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Modderfontein Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant Transvaal light-flyweight title}} |- |24 |{{no2}}Loss |18–5–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Vuyani Nene |PTS |8 |15 Mar 1986 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Feathermarket Hall, Port Elizabeth, South Africa}} | |- |23 |{{no2}}Loss |18–4–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Mveleli Luzipho |UD |12 |30 Nov 1985 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mdantsane Stadium, East London, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For South African light-flyweight title}} |- |22 |{{yes2}}Win |18–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Pillay Duiker |PTS |10 |21 Sep 1985 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Rand Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won Transvaal light-flyweight title}} |- |21 |{{yes2}}Win |17–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Nqaba Govuza |TKO |3 (8) |18 May 1985 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mdantsane Stadium, East London, South Africa}} | |- |20 |{{yes2}}Win |16–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Gilbert Makenete |PTS |6 |1 Nov 1984 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Milner Park Showgrounds, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |19 |{{yes2}}Win |15–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Thamsanqa Sogcwe |PTS |8 |29 Sep 1984 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Centenary Hall, Port Elizabeth, South Africa}} | |- |18 |{{yes2}}Win |14–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Jacob Mazibuko |PTS |6 |29 Jun 1984 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vaal Showgrounds Hall, Vereeniging, South Africa}} | |- |17 |{{yes2}}Win |13–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Juan Alberto Ivalo |UD |10 |25 May 1984 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Kwa Thema Civic Centre, Springs, South Africa}} | |- |16 |{{yes2}}Win |12–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Solomon Manotsi |TKO |4 (8) |30 Mar 1984 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mphatlalatsane Amphitheatre, Sebokeng, South Africa}} | |- |15 |{{yes2}}Win |11–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Michael Mogopudi |RTD |2 (8) |2 Mar 1984 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Kwa Thema Civic Centre, Springs, South Africa}} | |- |14 |{{no2}}Loss |10–3–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Mveleli Luzipho |UD |12 |14 Oct 1983 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost South African light-flyweight title}} |- |13 |{{yes2}}Win |10–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|José Antonio Badilla |TKO |9 (10) |19 Aug 1983 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Uncle Toms Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |12 |{{yes2}}Win |9–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Martin Nkokoto |KO |3 (12) |13 May 1983 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Diepkloof Community Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained South African light-flyweight title}} |- |11 |{{yes2}}Win |8–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Mveleli Luzipho |TKO |11 (12) |26 Feb 1983 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mdantsane Stadium, East London, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won South African light-flyweight title}} |- |10 |{{yes2}}Win |7–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Kirk Morris |TKO |7 (10) |28 Jan 1983 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Diepkloof Community Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained Transvaal light-flyweight title}} |- |9 |{{yes2}}Win |6–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Dexter Dlamini |TKO |3 (6) |4 Sep 1982 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mphatlalatsane Amphitheatre, Sebokeng, South Africa}} | |- |8 |{{yes2}}Win |5–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Simon Moema |TKO |5 (10) |9 Jul 1982 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mphatlalatsane Amphitheatre, Sebokeng, South Africa}} |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won inaugural Transvaal light-flyweight title}} |- |7 |{{yes2}}Win |4–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Michael Mogopudi |TKO |5 (6) |14 May 1982 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Diepkloof Community Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |6 |{{draw}}Draw |3–2–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Michael Mogopudi |PTS |6 |16 Apr 1982 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mphatlalatsane Amphitheatre, Sebokeng, South Africa}} | |- |5 |{{yes2}}Win |3–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Albert Moloto |PTS |4 |5 Mar 1982 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mphatlalatsane Amphitheatre, Sebokeng, South Africa}} | |- |4 |{{yes2}}Win |2–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Hansie Kruger |TKO |3 (6) |30 Oct 1981 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Diepkloof Community Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |3 |{{no2}}Loss |1–2 |style="text-align:left;"|Michael Mogopudi |PTS |4 |27 Jun 1981 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Mphatlalatsane Amphitheatre, Sebokeng, South Africa}} | |- |2 |{{no2}}Loss |1–1 |style="text-align:left;"|Kirk Morris |PTS |4 |5 Jun 1981 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Diepkloof Community Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa}} | |- |1 |{{yes2}}Win |1–0 |style="text-align:left;"|Fraser Plaatjies |PTS |4 |2 Feb 1980 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Centenary Hall, Port Elizabeth, South Africa}} | |}
==Trivia== At a height of 1.47 meters, or 4-foot-10, Matlala was the shortest boxing world champion ever. With a total of 68 fights (53 wins and 2 draws), he ended his career with 4 world championships. He presented his WBU belt to Nelson Mandela after his fight to Juan Herrera.<ref>Morgan, Brad <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.southafrica.info/about/sport/greats/babyjake.htm 'Baby Jake': small boxer, big heart] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426092127/http://www.southafrica.info/about/sport/greats/babyjake.htm |date=26 April 2016 }}</span>. southafrica.info. Retrieved 7 December 2013.</ref>
==See also== *List of flyweight boxing champions *List of light-flyweight boxing champions
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{boxrec|id=000668}}
{{S-start}} {{s-sport}} {{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}} {{s-bef|before=Pat Clinton}} {{s-ttl|title=WBO flyweight champion |years=15 May 1993 – 11 February 1995}} {{s-aft|after=Alberto Jiménez}} {{s-bef|before=Paul Weir}} {{s-ttl|title=WBO light-flyweight champion |years=18 November 1995 - 1997<br />Vacated}} {{s-vac|next=Jesús Chong}} {{s-ach | rec}} {{s-bef|before=Pascual Pérez &<br />Netrnoi Sor Vorasingh<br />4ft 11in }} {{s-ttl|title=Shortest world champion<br>4ft 10in|years=15 May 1993 – present}} {{s-inc}} {{S-end}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Matlala, Jacob}} Category:1962 births Category:2013 deaths Category:People from Meadowlands, Gauteng Category:Flyweight boxers Category:World flyweight boxing champions Category:World light-flyweight boxing champions Category:World Boxing Organization champions Category:Burials at Westpark Cemetery Category:South African male boxers Category:20th-century South African sportsmen Category:Boxers from Gauteng