Axel is a former heavy weight boxing champion. He retired from the ring to stay in good health but was scouted by Wolfgang Krauser. Convinced of Krauser's skill, he agreed to be one of his three defenders. However, Axel grew worried for his mother's well being while working for the crimelord and quit crime after Krauser's defeat. He became Michael Max's instructor soon after (from http://snk.wikia.com/wiki/Axel_Hawk)