Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Ex-Convict and Boxing Legend, Dies at 72

Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Boxing Legend, Passes Away

The boxing world mourns the loss of Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a pugilist who left an indelible mark on the history of this sport. Qawi, a Hall of Fame member, passed away at the age of 72 after a five-year battle with dementia, according to his sister, Wanda King.

Born as Dwight Braxton in Baltimore, Qawi grew up in Camden and found in boxing a way of escape and self-improvement. His journey began in Rahway State Prison, where he participated in the boxing program while serving a sentence for armed robbery. After his release in 1978, at the age of 25, he turned professional. In 1982, after his conversion to Islam, he legally changed his name to Dwight Muhammad Qawi. His determination and talent led him to conquer two world titles in different categories. In December 1981, Qawi was crowned WBC light heavyweight champion by defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad in the tenth round. Eight months later, he defeated Saad again, this time in the sixth round.

Dwight Muhammad Qawi, champion in light heavyweight and cruiserweight in the 1980s, was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.After a defeat to Michael Spinks in March 1983, Qawi, known as “The Camden Buzzsaw,” moved up in weight and conquered the WBA cruiserweight title by defeating Piet Crous in July 1985. In July 1986, he lost the title to Evander Holyfield, who would later become a heavyweight champion, in a 15-round bout. Subsequently, Qawi competed at heavyweight, being stopped by George Foreman in the seventh round. Qawi retired in 1998 at the age of 46, with a record of 41-11-1 and 25 knockouts. His legacy was recognized in 2004 with his inclusion in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. After his retirement, Qawi dedicated himself to training boxers, defending young people, and advising on drug and alcohol issues.