Malik Titus has his desire set on becoming an Olympian. But the 20-year-old Maryland 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’s coached by famed Maryland boxing trainer Mack Allison.
While Titus is currently seeking to win the 2018 National Golden Globes in Omaha, Nebraska, he said giving back to city children is why he choose 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 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 stealth and rather imposing 6 feet 5-inch, 235-pound heavyweight boxer, Titus still carries those former taunts into the ring. He said 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 3 by his father, Kenneth Titus and his grandfather, William Titus, the younger Titus began training with Allison when he was 11.
He said the Allison family have had a major effect on his fledgling professional career, one that he hopes will lead him to the Olympics and culminate in a world championship.
Already, Titus has tasted success. A six-time 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.
But as optimistic as Titus is, he said he’s also realistic.
“I know that boxing isn’t going to be forever, but I still want to be involved with the sport,” he said. “I want to get a degree in sports management and become a boxing promoter. I’d like to own a sports franchise.”
And 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 in my community and to ensure that inner-city kids get a broader view of the world,” he said.