BALTIMORE — Malik Titus has his heart set on becoming an Olympian but the 20-year-old Baltimore boxer has more to offer than just being a champion inside the ring.
“I want to help out and give back to the community,” said Titus, who is coached by Charm City’s famed boxing trainer Mack Allison.
Courtesy Photo
Malik Titus during a practice session in the ring.
While Titus is currently seeking to win the 2018 National Golden Globes in Omaha Nebraska, he says giving back to city children is why he has choosen to major in exercise science at the Community College of Baltimore County in Catonsville.
It’s also why Titus serves as a youth ambassador at Bro Code, a grass roots, community-based nonprofit that’s dedicated to the social and emotional education of young people.
“That’s what I want to do. Give back,” Titus said. “Bro Code gives young people access to opportunities that will help them have a successful future. They assist them with their everyday challenges and they have prevention and intervention help through various programs.”
Titus recalled a period in his development when other youths picked on him because of his weight.
“I was overweight, obese, and people made fun of me,” he said. “My pants were tight and things like that, and I really didn’t have any confidence, and I was not coordinated.”
Now, a svelte and rather imposing 6 feet 5-inch, 235-pound heavyweight boxer, Titus still carries those former taunts into the ring. He says it helps to keep him motivated.
“I always remember where I came from, and sure I think about that, and it helps me to continue,” Titus said.
First introduced to boxing at the age of three by his father, Kenneth Titus and his grandfather, William Titus. The younger Titus began training with Allison when he was 11.
He says the Allison family has had a major effect on his fledging professional career, one that he hopes will lead him to the Olympics and culminate into a world championship.
Titus has already tasted success. A six-time Washington, D.C. Golden Gloves State Champion and a four-time Washington Regional Champion, Titus placed second at the National Golden Gloves Championships in 2012 and 2013. He also earned a Bronze medal at the 2013 Junior Olympic Championships.
As optimistic as Titus is, he says he is also realistic.
“I know that boxing isn’t going to be forever, but I still want to be involved with the sport. I want to get a degree in sports management and become a boxing promoter. I’d like to own a sports franchise,” he said.
Titus also wants to continue being an integral part of his Baltimore community.
“One of the things my coach has taught me and my teammates is that it’s important to invest in Baltimore,” Titus said. “It’s not just about boxing. Boxing is an outlet for me, and has been growing up. It’s helped me to travel to places like Las Vegas, Florida and Nebraska.”
“But, no matter where my career takes me, my goal is to start my own nonprofit so that I can continue to help the children of Baltimore, and to ensure that inner city kids get a broader view of the world,” he said.