Axel Hawk was born in the slums of Southtown, often having to fight his way out of trouble. This lead him to pursue a career in boxing, where he achieved both fame and wealth. But eventually his sponsors left him cold, and he lost his titles. He took on an apprentice (Michael Max) in an effort to reclaim his life via him, but this too ended in failure.
He turned to drinking and was all but totally washed up when he received the invitation from Wolfgang Krauser to compete in the King of Fighters tourney. Axel jumped at this chance and eagerly joined.
Although he was defeated, Axel reclaimed his pride and some recognition for his fighting prowess. He now continues training both himself and others, remaining a kind yet tough fighter.
