Baby Jake Matlala, who has recently fought ill health and serious cash-flow problems, has announced he will launch a South African version of the boxing reality TV show The Contender, called 'King of the Ring'.

He has teamed up with Tshele Kometsi to clone the programme that became a hit on ESPN, which hosted Sugar Ray Leonard and Sylvester Stallone.

Matlala told The Sowetan the programme would also try to educate fighters, who would be taught financial and life skills, social responsibility and self maintenance.

Matlala and Kometsi will use the Baby Jake Production company that Matlala co-owns with his wife Mapule.

The series is expected to run on SABC.

"We have already approached the SABC and we are waiting to hear from them," Matlala said.

"Our plan is to have fights on Wednesdays or Fridays. Bouts will be over four and six rounds in lightweight divisions. Fighters will be paid an appearance fee of about R5000."

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Baby Jake to launch boxing TV show

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