Boxing Legend Dwight Muhammad Qawi Dies at 72
Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a Hall of Fame boxer who rose from prison to become a two-division world champion, has died at the age of 72.
His sister, Wanda King, confirmed that Qawi passed away on Friday, July 25, after a five-year battle with dementia.
“He had a heart of gold,” King said. “He fought dementia like he fought in the ring—fearlessly. He went out like a true champion.”
Born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Qawi discovered boxing while serving time for armed robbery at Rahway State Prison. Upon his release in 1978, he turned professional at the age of 25.
In December 1981, Qawi captured the WBC light heavyweight title with a 10th-round stoppage of Matthew Saad Muhammad, a victory he repeated eight months later with a sixth-round TKO. Following his conversion to Islam, he legally changed his name to Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1982.
Known for his relentless style and short stature—standing at just 5-foot-7—Qawi earned the nickname “The Camden Buzzsaw.” After a narrow loss to Michael Spinks in 1983, he moved up to cruiserweight, claiming the WBA title in July 1985 by defeating Piet Crous. He later faced a young Evander Holyfield in a legendary 15-round bout in 1986, losing the title in what became one of the greatest cruiserweight fights in history.
Qawi later competed as a heavyweight, notably facing George Foreman, who stopped him in seven rounds.
He retired in 1998 at the age of 46 with an impressive professional record of 41 wins (25 by knockout), 11 losses, and one draw. In 2004, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
After hanging up his gloves, Qawi dedicated his life to helping others—working as a boxing trainer, youth mentor, and drug and alcohol counselor.
Tributes have poured in since news of his passing. The World Boxing Council (WBC), which once recognized him as a champion, issued a heartfelt statement:
“The WBC joins the global boxing community in mourning the passing of Dwight Muhammad Qawi. He discovered boxing during his time in prison and rose to become a WBC light heavyweight champion a testament to his determination and spirit. A beloved father, grandfather, and role model. Rest in peace, Champ.”
