Fellow boxer Hawkins ranked 3rd in the entire country
BY: KELSIE SOLOMON
A 9th grade boxing star unknowingly walks among the halls of Digital Harbor High School. At first glance, he looks like an ordinary freshman, but most people would never think that Malik Hawkins is among the best boxers in the U.S.
Malik has been boxing for about five years now and was asked what made him start boxing. He replied, “I used to get beat up a lot in middle school. One day I watched a boxing match. Roy Jones and James Toney were boxing. I didn’t even know it was a sport called boxing, I only knew about football. I asked my mother if I could do it, and the next day she took me to Umar Boxing Gym, but I didn’t like it because it was too small and I like running. Next we went to Upton Boxing and I liked it because they treated me like a friend.
Malik has a lot of support from his family. His older brother Gervontea “Tank” Davis is his biggest supporter. When Malik boxes, he thinks of his brother’s words, “Malik you can beat anybody in the world. This can take you a long way.” His mom and sisters also supports him.
So far, Malik has won the 2009 State Silver Gloves and was ranked 3rd in the country for National Pal.
What Malik really enjoys the most about boxing is traveling. He has been to San Antonio, Texas, Kansas City, Missouri, and more.
When Malik wins a match, he said that he feels excited and likes to hit back flips. Once, he back flipped off of the ropes of the boxing ring. But when he loses, he said, “You can’t get mad. Everybody loses, you have to be a good sport about it, but we’re going to war if you beat me.”
Overall, Malik is a good boxer and a good sport. And with boxing and school on his mind, he continues to thrive.
This story in particular is one of my favorites because its amazing to me how this student is so young. Just a freshman in high school, and already 3rd in yhe nation. I admire his drive too, and the support he recieves from his older brother and other family members.
