Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a Hall of Fame boxer who began his career while incarcerated and went on to become a two-division world champion, has died at the age of 72. His sister, Wanda King, revealed that he passed away on Friday after battling dementia for five years.
Born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Qawi gained prominence after his release from prison in 1978, where he had been serving a sentence for armed robbery. He adopted his new name in 1982 following his conversion to Islam. In December 1981, Qawi captured the WBC Light Heavyweight title by stopping Matthew Saad Muhammad in the 10th round.
Known as the “Camden Buzzsaw,” Qawi lost to Michael Spinks in 1983 but rebounded to win the WBA cruiserweight championship in 1985. He later moved up to heavyweight, where he faced George Foreman, who stopped him in the seventh round. Qawi retired in 1998 with a record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and one draw, including 25 knockouts, earning induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004. After his boxing career, he dedicated himself to training fighters, mentoring youth, and working as a drug and alcohol counselor.
Fan Take: Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s journey from prison to world champion is a powerful testament to redemption and resilience, inspiring fighters and fans alike. His legacy reminds us that boxing is not just a sport but a path to transformation and hope for many.
