In the world of sports, it’s fascinating to watch a person with potential transition into a star. Fans are able to witness history as they observe an athlete’s rise from the origin, to the peak of their career. Malik ‘Iceman’ Hawkins, is a prospect who possesses all the tools needed to make the transition. He has the size, boxing skills, and support system required to be successful. His journey down the path to greatness will continue on October 10th as he faces another up-and-coming prospect Subriel Matias.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Malik Hawkins had an enjoyable upbringing. He experienced some uncomfortable situations as a kid when he was being bullied. Malik was nine-years-old when his parents decided to have him take up boxing in order to learn how to defend himself. Initially for Malik boxing was viewed as a hobby and a tool he would use to defend himself if necessary. The sweet science opened up doors to a career once Hawkins started winning. When he won a national title, Hawkins realized he possessed the skills needed to become a professional boxer. The Iceman made his professional debut in November of 2014. He scored an impressive knockout victory. The wins kept coming as he was able to reel off eighteen victories with no defeats.
The 24-year-old boxer is a tall Super lightweight who is versatile. Hawkins knows how to use his length to control distance, but he’s also comfortable fighting inside. On October 10th the Iceman will get the opportunity to display his boxing talent live on Showtime.Â
Sports/ Entertainment Journalist Vince D’Writer went one on one with boxing’s rising star Malik ‘Iceman’ Hawkins.
Vince: Tell me about your experience growing up in Baltimore.
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Malik:Â I had a crazy childhood, but I enjoyed my childhood. I went through trials and tribulations, and I had a bunch of rough patches, but it was fun. I had fun, but I was also getting in a lot of trouble. Some of my childhood was rough. I lost my brother at a young age, and I saw a lot of people that I loved to go to jail or lose their lives on the streets. Everybody has things that they go through in life, and if I wouldn’t have gone through those trials and tribulations, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.
Vince: Baltimore is unique in regard to its cuisine. With that being said what is your favorite food from your hometown?
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Malik:Â I mean you can’t go wrong with the four wings and fries. That’s what I grew up on, the four wings and fries.
Vince: As a youngster who were some of the boxers you looked up to?
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Malik:Â I looked up to Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler, Pernell Whitaker, and Roy Jones Jr.
Vince: When did you realize you were talented enough to go pro?Â
Malik:Â When I was fourteen after I won my first National Championship. That was when I realized I can do this boxing thing.
Vince: You’re signed to Mayweather Promotions, how did that situation develop?
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Malik:Â I fought on Gervonta Davis undercard in Baltimore. I was on the undercard and Leonard Ellerbe of Mayweather Promotions, a big shout out to him, he saw me fight. He liked the way I fought, and he got in contact with my manager, and they made it happen.
Vince: You will be facing a tough opponent come October 10th. What can the fans expect to see?
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Malik:Â They can expect to see a lot of sharpness. I will be sharp and if it’s needed they will see an animal. He’s a fighter that likes to come in and be the bully, but that’s kind of my style. I’m used to that. That’s what I grew up doing. I’m ready to get it in and showcase my skills to the world.
Vince: What does the future hold for Malik ‘Iceman’ Hawkins?
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Malik:Â Right now we’re taking it one fight at a time. We never want to overlook the opponent. I do see in the very near future, me fighting for a world title.
Malik ‘Iceman’ Hawkin’s career has traveled the route that most athletes see their careers travel. On October 10th live on Showtime, his career will cross that road where the opportunity to make a statement is located. He has a chance to score a big victory versus a quality opponent. Malik Hawkins is a talented prospect and he definitely has star qualities. An impressive performance in his upcoming bout will help his star shine brighter.
Photos by Zeb Brooks.Â
