27 years ago

Date: 8th February 1997

Title: WBO World Light-flyweight Title

Promoter: Queensberry Promotions, Don King Productions

Tv: Sky Sports Box Office

Jacob Matlala
( 44 - 11 - 2 )
Weight: 108 lbs

Mickey Cantwell
( 12 - 3 - 1 )
Weight: 107 lbs

South African Jacob Matlala, known as "baby Jake" made the second defence of his WBO World Light-flyweight Title against Micky Cantwell from Eltham, London at the London Arena on a huge show headlined by four world title bouts.

Part of Frank Warren's "Up Close and Personal" promotion, this was Matlala's third trip to the United Kingdom in 18 months having relieved Scotland's Paul weir of the title and defended it against weir in his first defence.

Matlala continued his fine run of form in the UK with a unanimous decision win over Cantwell.

Scores: Larry Hazzard Jr 113-115 | Manuel Oliver Palomo 116-112 | Jose Roberto Torres 116-112.

Matlala went on to score what could be regarded as the biggest win of his career in his next outing when he travelled to Las Vegas, Nevada and beat Michael Carbajal in a fight in which he was a huge underdog.