South Dakota Boxer Shawn “The Sioux Warrior” Hawk On His Way to Montreal to Compete

Native American boxer Shawn Hawk, a Hunkpati Sioux, hails from the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He and his trainer Eric Riley from the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Arizona, stopped to visit Ahkwesahsne for a couple of hours with good friend Art.         

It was so exciting to speak with three men so involved in the sport of boxing.  Their involvement brings them days closer to the actual competition this coming Friday the 8th, in Montreal’s Bell Center at 7pm.  Shawn “the Sioux Warrior” Hawk will have the opening bout against champ Eleider “Storm” Alveraz.  Both fighters are classified as light heavyweights at 175 lbs. This huge event is sponsored by “ GYM Fast and Furious Boxing Series”,  with promoter Yvon Michel.

Shawn Hawk will be challenging the defending champion Eleider Alveraz as they headline the 5th and final edition of the GYM Fast and Furious Series in Montreal.  The Native American challenger “The Sioux Warrior,” has a very impressive record (23-1-19 KO’s) as he prepares to face his opponent, a Colombian native who has made his home in Montreal.  The defending champ “Storm” Alveraz is ranked 15th in the World Boxing Organization and holds a record of (8-0-5 KO’s).  Both fighters are at 175 lbs., which qualifies them to place in the NABO Light Heavyweight Class.  Shawn and Eleider will open up the night of competitions on Friday.  Other boxer matchups following the initial fight are:

Oscar Rivez  vs.  Sylvera Luis

David Lemieux vs. Jandiel Zepeda

Ahmad Chiekho  vs.  TBA 

Tyler Asselstine  vs.  TBA

Didier Bence  vs.  Stephane Tessi

Eric Barrack  vs. Sheldon Hinton

Shawn’s latest victories were against 175 lb. class include Henry Buchanon (20-2), Otis Griffin (23-8-2),  and Rubin Williams (29-10-1).

 The visit continued to getting to know Shawn, Eric and Art better by asking some questions about the world of boxing.  Shawn said he actually began learning to box at age 7, as his dad guided him and his brother. Shawn was the boxer and his brother became more involved with Toughman contests. He improved, and people who watched him box at such a young age began to say how good he was getting and the kids started to look at him as a role model which was great.  This Shawn claims, has given him the inspiration to continue and become more involved. 

As he got older, his interests changed a bit as the mid-teen period took him away from boxing and into alcohol use. A couple of years of that and luckily he got himself back on track and found his way back to boxing.  At age 19, after some more retraining, he became a Pro Boxer with a promising future.  His talent and promoters got him fights in many places such as Washington, Idaho, California and even as far as Ireland. 

 What is the strategy you use to overcome your opponent? (IT asks)

“Well, I try not to get hit right in the beginning so I do a lot of moving, and throwing jabs. I know the upcoming fighter on Friday has never gone past 8 rounds. I have gone 10 rounds in three fights so I know I can outlast him.  My plan is to tire him out.  This match will be for 12 rounds and I also know this fighter, he is quick and strong so I will need to put a lot of pressure on him.  I have to say, I am nervous because this is my biggest fight, my biggest venue...my biggest everything. We have put in the time preparing for this and I know I can go the distance.  I just hope and pray my body can hold up for the beating.  I must get ready for the ‘war’ that’s going to happen.” 

From the sound of it Shawn’s training is very intense.  He runs daily 4-6 miles beginning at 7 am, along with 2-3 hours of sparring, boxing moves, jabbing etc. His daily routine is 2 sets a day with Sundays off to rest the body. 

Art contacted Shawn by Facebook and encouraged him to come to the East to try to open more opportunities for him.  Shawn is feeling quite optimistic and realizing all the support he is getting. His training has been taking place in Ganienkeh with Art and Eric as the date gets closer.  If anyone is interested in going to watch this event, tickets can be purchased at the door as well as evenko.ca  or at GYM (383-0666). 

What was your most exciting experience as a boxer? (IT asks)

“During a sparring session, my opponent hit me real hard in my ribs and caused it to break.  That was 5 days before a big match.” The fight day came and  he was limited to short jabs and trying to protect his injury. Shawn wasn’t able to fully extend his arms to hit, but relied more on one of his arms.  He ended this fight with a victory and using only one arm to win, he must have really packed those hits good.  This became his most exciting win so far because his opponent was Otis Griffin and he was ranked 9th in the world.  This victory also helped to advance Shawn in his rankings.

Where do you see yourself in five years?  (IT asks)   

“Well, I see myself as a world champion. After that I can retire. Boxing is a tough sport and no one can do it forever, it’s hard on the body. So hopefully, I can make enough money to be able to retire after that.” said Shawn. Shawn has broken his nose three times but not during a fight. They happened during the sparring sessions. Shawn is still trying to make a name for himself and hopefully get some more doors opened for him.  “There aren’t too many Natives out there in boxing but I have a good following in the West in Idaho, Washington and South Dakota”, Shawn adds.

 Thank you so much for the time you shared and for providing what it is like to be a boxer. Your record proves your ability and for our readers, Shawn’s couple of losses have been to world champs.  You have a bright future and are such a pleasant person to talk with.  We hope you will swing by and visit again. Remember our home is your home as well.  Thank you as well to Art Van Dommelen and to trainer Eric Riley for all your expertise in the sport of boxing.  We will be there at the fight cheering you on.  Safe travels.