Dwight Muhammad Qawi has passed

Born Dwight Braxton, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a two-division world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer, died on Friday at the age of 72. Qawi’s passing comes at the end of a years-long health battle with dementia.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame released a statement reading, “Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s relentless style made him a fan favorite and one of boxing’s most popular stars of the 1980s,” said Executive Director Ed Brophy. “The Hall of Fame offers our condolences to the Qawi family and joins the boxing world in mourning his passing.”

Qawi (41-11-1, 25 KOs), a relentless pressure fighter, won the WBC light heavyweight title and WBA cruiserweight title during his 20-year career. Braxton changed his name after his conversion to Islam.

Qawi was raised across the Delaware River from Philadelphia in Camden, New Jersey, a city known for poverty and crime. He was 14 years old when he was first arrested, and he would go on to serve 5 ½ years in prison for the armed robbery before turning pro at age 25. 

While in Rahway State Prison, he joined the prison’s boxing program, honed his skills, and looked to turn pro upon his release.

Nicknamed “The Camden Buzzsaw”, he turned pro in 1978 and went an unremarkable 1-1-1 in his first 3 fights over 7 months. However, he slowly improved and would eventually go on to a Hall of Fame career that saw him face an outstanding list of opponents as he captured 2 world titles.

During his run, Qawi faced Michael Spinks, Evander Holyfield (twice), Matthew Saad Muhammad (twice), Mike Rossman, James Scott (back in Rahway Prison), Leon Spinks, Ossie Ocassio, and George Foreman, to name a few.

In retirement, Qawi became a counselor at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility and was heavily involved in community outreach, including a “Stay in School” program for at-risk youth in Camden.

Qawi came from a rough start in life to go on to an amazing Hall of Fame career honed in a prison boxing program. Qawi, as well spoken and friendly out of the ring as he was relentless and rugged in it, is a prime example of overcoming difficult odds and not letting your start dictate your end.

Rest in peace, Champion.