Dwight Muhammad Qawi, boxer who went from prison to champion, dies at 72
Dwight Muhammad Qawi, former prison inmate turned two‑division world boxing champion, has died at age 72 after a long battle with dementia.
Dwight Muhammad Qawi: how the boxer raised from prison to two‑division world champion dies at 72
Early life: from Dwight Braxton to “Camden Buzzsaw”
Born Dwight Braxton on January 5, 1953 in Baltimore and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Qawi landed in prison for armed robbery in the early 1970s. While serving time at Rahway State Prison, he discovered boxing through the facility’s inmate program—where even James Scott trained—and began cultivating his aggressive, relentless style. After his 1978 release at age 25, he turned pro immediately, launching the journey that would earn him the nickname “The Camden Buzzsaw.”
Rise to light‑heavyweight champion
With no amateur background, Qawi went 1‑1‑1 in his first three fights before rattling off a 14‑fight win streak and earning a title shot. On December 19, 1981, he stopped reigning champion Matthew Saad Muhammad in the tenth round to seize the WBC and The Ring light‑heavyweight titles. He defended the belt successfully three times—including a rematch stoppage of Saad Muhammad—in just over a year.
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Unification bid and move up
In March 1983, Qawi challenged Michael Spinks in a unification bout. Despite a valiant effort, Qawi lost a unanimous decision in a close contest. Undeterred, he elected to move up to cruiserweight and won the WBA cruiserweight title by knocking out Piet Crous in South Africa in July 1985.
Greatest battles: Holyfield rematch and heavyweight stint
Qawi defended his cruiserweight title decisively, including a win over Leon Spinks. But in July 1986 he lost the belt in what Ring Magazine still calls one of the greatest cruiserweight fights ever: a 15‑round split decision against Evander Holyfield. A rematch in December 1987 ended in a fourth‑round stoppage. In March 1988, he stepped up to heavyweight and engaged in a high‑profile bout with George Foreman, ultimately losing by TKO in round 7 after fatigue set in.
Career summary and legacy
Qawi hung up the gloves in 1998 at age 46, concluding a pro career with a record of 41 wins, 11 losses, 1 draw and 25 knockouts. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004, cementing his place among boxing elites. His dramatic rise from prison to double‑division world champion remains one of sport’s most inspirational stories.
Post‑boxing and final years
After retirement, Qawi dedicated himself to meaningful work as a boxing trainer, youth advocate, and drug and alcohol counselor in New Jersey. He battled dementia for about five years before passing away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 72. His sister, Wanda King, confirmed he “fought his dementia illness just like he was fighting in the ring.”
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Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s enduring impact
Qawi’s legacy transcends titles and records. Standing just 5 ft 6½″, he overcame physical odds with ferocity, clever ringcraft, and unshakeable will. He became a symbol of redemption and second chances, showing that humble beginnings and poor decisions don’t define one’s fate. To boxing fans and aspiring fighters, Dwight Muhammad Qawi will always stand for grit, resilience, and triumph against the odds.
Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s story—from prison to legend—is a powerful reminder of human potential. His journey exemplifies how perseverance, discipline, and belief can transform lives—even inside the ring and beyond.
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