Malik Scott: "I plan on stealing the show on Feb.18"

Malik Scott: "I plan on stealing the show on Feb.18"

By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing (Feb 8, 2012) Doghouse Boxing
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By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing: With a record of 32-0, heavyweight contender Malik Scott should be on the verge of a title shot. Instead, Scott toils away, sharpening his skills in anticipation of returning to the ring after a four year absence. Injuries and promotional difficulties forced him to the sidelines.

That is, until now.

"The King" will be back in the ring on Feb 18. Scott refuses to look at his four years of inactivity as a negative. Instead, the Philadelphia native feels the layoff has helped him.

"Oh yeah", replies the good-natured Scott. "It's my time. The last few years I've been injury prone. I also had some promotional setbacks. But, I believe those things happened for a reason. Right now I'm in the best shape of my life."

Scott started boxing at age of 11.

“Same old song man," said Scott. "Ripping and running, and, fighting, in the streets. My uncle took me to the gym right then. I never turned back."

The 31 year-old heavyweight grew up idolizing Pernal Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, and Lennox Lewis who earlier in his career mentored him. Scott won the National AAU Championship in 1999 and completed his amateur career with a stellar record of 70-3.

"Those injuries made me mentally stronger,” said Scott. "I've been through a storm but right now I'm seeing a beautiful sunlight."

Scott's 11 KO's could make some question his punching power.

"That’s up to the individual", he said. "I believe that every heavyweight has power. I've relied on my boxing skills more then the average heavyweight. To me there's no heavyweight in the world who has my skills. Lets ask the guy I fight on Feb 18 what he thinks of my power."

Recently undefeated heavyweight contender Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson called Scott a prostitute.

"I would love to fight queen pin," remarked Scott. "If the fight is made I'll slap her around a little bit, and if it's not that’s ok. We've got bigger fish to fry. She doesn't determine my career. She was a chick who got out of line. I had to check her. That's really the end of that until her name says versus Malik Scott."

Scott has his eye on the heavyweight title, not a particular opponent.

"You know John, my name is Malik “King” Scott AKA "Mister No Picks"," he said. "I have no picks. Every heavyweight in the world is my opposition. I really don’t care. I believe I can beat any of them on any given day.”

A few months ago Scott began working with legendary trainer Jesse Reid. The training sessions are going very well.

"Jesse and I are going hard right now,” said Scott. "Before Jesse I had Joe Goosen and before that I had Harold Michaels for 14 years. My childhood trainer was Fred Jenkins. Every trainer I’ve ever had has taken boys to men and made them world champions. They just don’t throw a towel over their shoulders and call themselves a coach,” he added.

Reid is enjoying working with Scott and feels that one day he will be champion. Scott concurs.

“He's seeing the understanding, he’s seeing how I follow directions. Most of all he’s seeing the hunger,” he said.

Scott's fight on Feb.18 will be in Corpus Christy, Texas. His opponent has yet to be named.

"Whoever it is will feel the wrath of the king," remarked Scott.

The undefeated contender has high hopes for 2012.

“I’m looking at one spectacular performance after another. Right now, I’m totally focused on Feb 18. It’s all or nothing for me. I’m expecting perfection out of myself. I’m staying motivated and keeping faith in God.”

Recent work from Raspanti:
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-- Questions/comments j ohnboxing1@hotmail.com

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