Easy prey for the Hawk

Battle with Baby Jakes took terrible toll

By Mesuli Zifo

EAST LONDON -- World Boxing Union (WBU) junior flyweight champion Hawk Makepula could not have wished for a better fight when he defends his title against Argentinian Marcos Obregon at Carnival City in Johannesburg tomorrow night.

The Border hopeful certainly needed an easier than usual fight after his bruising battle with Baby Jake Matlala at the same venue three months ago -- in which he escaped with a close decision to capture the vacant WBO title.

Makepula entered that fight well aware he had to beat Matlala to earn some respect from boxing critics who doubted his true credentials, primarily because of him clinging to the less prestigious WBU title.

For 12 rounds the fight swung to and fro with Matlala's experience proving a valuable asset while Makepula relied on his youthful power as he poured combinations on his opponent's shaven head.

At the sound of the final bell Matlala caught Makepula with a wicked right hook which left the 26-year-old reeling back to his corner, dazed on his stool while his handlers feverishly worked on him, assuring him the fight was over.

Days after the fight the likable fighter still sported a cut over his right eye; an indication of the big bout he had been involved in.

That is probably the reason his pro-moter Rodney Berman opted for an easier engagement to help restore his fighting spirit.

The Argentinian is ripe for the taking as his record suggests a mediocre fighting ability and a powder-puff punch.

Obregon's record shows only 11 victories, two losses and two draws in a professional career which started on January 1997 exactly the year Makepula stripped off his amateur vest.

His credentials show he's slick which makes him a difficult opponent to hit, but against Makepula he will probably find the Carnival City ring a trifle on the small side.

Berman's prediction of a terrific fight between the two might only be marketing strategy to sell his tournament.

This fight will be one of the three other world title battles on the night Cassius Baloyi will be defending his WBU featherweight title against Mexican Hector Lizarraga.

Lizarraga's name is familiar with Border boxing fans as he blasted Welcome Ncita away three years ago to win the IBF title.

The Mexican was also beaten on points by Mbulelo Botile earlier this year in a reportedly gruelling encounter in America.

Matlala will also be on a mission to be the first South African boxer to win four world titles when he challenges Englishman Peter Culshaw for the WBU flyweight title tomorrow.

Culshaw has a connection with Border boxing as he was the one who destroyed local boxer Mzukisi Marali before being awarded a controversial decision in his defence to Zolile Mbityi late last year.