I have only just started watching some fights from Baby Jake Matlala (Carbajal, McCauley, Makelim,Weir 1 & 2, Ampofo) and I’m honestly really liking what I’ve seen of him so far. For those who have seen his fights what are your thoughts on him and exactly how good of a fighter was he at 108? And what other fights would you recommend? He’s considered to be the shortest ever boxing champion. But despite his comically short stature he’s actually a very solid fighter with endless stamina, nonstop punches, heart, and good skills as a pressure fighter. He’s a fun fighter to watch based on the fights I’ve seen of him.
Here’s his very impressive performance against Michael Carbajal. He’s the only fighter to have stopped him. He really looked like Chavez and Fenech at times. Will watch more of him to get a better assessment on him.
Haha I knew what you meant. His 2 fights with Paul Weir are good fights to watch. I think you'll like what you see from Baby Jake. Not a hard puncher but very workmanlike and throwing punches and bunches. Honestly, with his style I would have loved to have seen a match up with him against Jung Koo Chang and Myung Woo Yuh.
He looked good against Carbajal. I started watching his fight vs McAuley the other day but haven't had a chance to finish it.
Ah, I was thinking a similar fight to the Bassa fights. Shame. I'm gonna watch the Jimenez fight, Alberto couldn't be boring if he tried.
It's even more impressive considering how many fights he's had and how long he's fought. He was 35 when he beat Carbajal and he retired at age 39. That's almost unheard of these days at the smaller weight class.
More highlight videos. He's definitely quite a fighter in the ring the more I see of him. I really thought Ivan Calderon was the shortest boxer ever. Would have been a nice styles match up between the slick boxer Calderon and the pressure fighter Matlala.
I remember watching Matlala a couple of times back in the day but can't for the life of me remember who he was fighting - almost certainly a UK fighter though.
TBF though, Carbajal was pretty shopworn by that time. Still, it's impressive that Matlala was able to produce a performance like that after nearly two decades as a pro. For most American viewers, that fight was the first time they'd ever seen or maybe even heard of Matlala. I'd say Matlala was comparable to a jr. Fly version of Glen Johnson. Seems that he could never get by his South African arch rival Vuyani Nene, though:
I've just watched Jake vs Carbajal, and my God. That fecker is tiny. Carbajal looked pretty good until his eyes were ripped to shreds. I don't buy that he was completely shot here. Definitely not prime but still good, I'd say. Especially given he was actually six years younger, and would score one of his best wins two years later. Anyway, Mtlala impressed me a lot. He reminds of a combination of Yuh and Chocolatito in style. Subtle defence, based around a high guard and good, bob and weave head-movement; impressive, angular feet for distance-closing with a fuckin retard workrate. This man threw 80 punches in a round which lasted 84 seconds. In all completely rounds, he threw over 100 punches and in 7 of the 8, he threw well over 110. I'll have to watch more to see how other things like his power, chin and any weaknesses present themselves. I'm impressed so far.
Glad you’re liking what you see so far. I saw a bit of Qawi in him as well in that fight. It’s even crazier knowing that Matlala was 35 when he beat the snot out of Carbajal. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lower weight fighter fighting at that age, and then punching as much as this guy. He was definitely a man possessed that night. Just goes to show you that you shouldn’t underestimate smaller men, no matter what weight class.
