Dwight Muhammad Qawi: A Boxing Legend
Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the legendary boxer renowned for his rise from incarceration to championship glory, has passed away at the age of 72. His sister, Wanda King, confirmed that he died on Friday after a long, five-year struggle with dementia.
Early Life and Boxing Career
Born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore, Qawi experienced a challenging upbringing in Camden. His journey into the boxing world began during his time at Rahway State Prison, where he was serving time for armed robbery. At 25, he embarked on a professional boxing career, shortly after his release in 1978.
Championship Glory
In 1981, Qawi made headlines by defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad in a dramatic 10th-round stoppage to claim the WBC light heavyweight championship, a title he successfully defended eight months later with another stoppage victory over Saad. Following a setback against Michael Spinks, Qawi, who stood at just 5-foot-7 and earned the moniker The Camden Buzzsaw, transitioned to the cruiserweight division.
He captured the WBA cruiserweight title from Piet Crous in July 1985 but eventually lost the title to heavyweight future great Evander Holyfield in a fiercely fought 15-round match in July 1986.
Later Career and Legacy
Qawi’s career also included bouts in the heavyweight division, ultimately facing off against boxing titan George Foreman, who defeated him in seven rounds. After a career that concluded in 1998 with a record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw—which included 25 knockouts—Qawi was honored with induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.
Life Beyond the Ring
Beyond boxing, Qawi dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation, taking on roles as a boxing coach and community advocate while also supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse issues. His life story remains a testament to resilience and the power of second chances in the face of adversity.
