First of all, Hawkins losing lives is part of his fighting style, so that really doesn't mean much. Zoro was definitely in a hurry to save Tama, but that doesn't mean he didn't put a lot of effort to ''push back'' Hawkins. The nailing he received was bad enough for him to be treated by O-Tsuru.
They clashed many times against each other and always looked equal to me. In fact, I would even say Hawkins pushed back Law, or did you froget that Law ran away from Hawkins all this time? Remember when he said he has to get rid of Hawkins and only managed to defeat his fodder? Not only that, but when Hawkins was interrogating Law, someone clearly betrayed him and that was the reason for his loss. It was probably Drake.
I know that. Hawkins is not the strongest, but you have to stop underestimating him.