The sports sport lost another member of his prestigious brotherhood as it was confirmed on Friday night, July 25, the former two -weighted world champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi died at the age of 72.
The Hall of Fame boxer was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but he grew up in Camden, New Jersey. Qawi, then known as Dwight Braxton, participated in criminal activities as a young man, and he paid the price for his lifestyle choice when he was convicted of armed robbery.
During his time in Rahway State Prison, the Future Hall of Famer joined the boxing program. At that particular time, he had no idea that an activity implemented to keep him busy during his five -year stop in prison would become a profitable career choice.
Dwight Braxton was released from prison in 1978.
On April 19, 1978, at the age of 25, Braxton made his pro -box debut while he and Leonard Langley fought to a draw. Braxton had a new lease and a new outlook on life.
In addition to a new career, Braxton converted to Islam and changed his name to Dwight Muhammad Qawi. In his fourth year as a pro, Qawi Matthew Saad Muhammad defeated the 10th round TKO and won the WBC Light Heavyweight World title.
Qawi would make three successful title defense. In March 1983, the government of Qawi ended as world champion when he lost a grueling battle against 15 round against Michael Spinks.
The former champion jumped back and went on a four -game line. On July 27, 1985, Dwight Muhammad Qawi became a two-weight world champion as he stopped Piet Crous in the eleventh round and won the WBA Cruiserweight World title.
In March 1983, Qawi lost his light heavyweight title to Michael Spinks, and three years later he defended his Cruiserweight title against his brother Leon Spinks. This time, things worked in Qawi’s favor when he beat Leon Spinks via the 6th round TKO.
Qawi’s time as the WBA Cruiserweight Champion ended in July 1986 when he lost via Split-Decision against Evander Holyfield. A year later, Qawi got his re -broadcast against Holyfield and was stopped in the fourth round.
Qawi would suffer back-to-back knockout losses as he moved to heavyweight and was knocked out by George Foreman in the 7th round. Qawi ended his career by winning 13 of his last 18 battles.
At the age of 46, Dwight Muhammad Qawi officially retired from the box in 1999 with a record of (41-11-1, 25 COs). The two-weight world champion, known as ‘The Camden Buzzsaw’, was included in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.
Qawi’s sister, Wanda King, was the family member who confirmed his death. She also made the following statement about Qawi while addressing the media.
“He was a great father, a great pop doll for his grandchildren. He had a heart of gold, and he fought his dementia disease just as he fought in the ring. “
Last updated on 07/28/2025
