Boxing Legend Dwight Muhammad Qawi Dies at 72 After Battle with Dementia

Camden, New Jersey (AP) — July 28: Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a distinguished Hall of Fame boxer who began his career while incarcerated, passed away at the age of 72. His sister, Wanda King, confirmed that Qawi succumbed to a five-year battle with dementia on Friday.

Born as Dwight Braxton in Baltimore, Qawi spent his formative years in Camden. His journey in boxing began at Rahway State Prison, where he participated in the facility's boxing program during his sentence for armed robbery. Qawi turned professional at the age of 25, shortly after his release in 1978.

In December 1981, under his new name following a conversion to Islam in 1982, Qawi claimed his first major title. He impressively stopped Matthew Saad Muhammad in the 10th round to secure the WBC light heavyweight championship. Just eight months later, he reaffirmed his prowess by defeating Saad in six rounds.

After a challenging bout against Michael Spinks, "The Camden Buzzsaw," as Qawi was known, transitioned to the cruiserweight division. In July 1985, Qawi captured the WBA cruiserweight title by defeating Piet Crous. However, he lost the title to Evander Holyfield in a hard-fought 15-round match in July 1986.

Qawi also tested his mettle in the heavyweight division, where George Foreman bested him in seven rounds. He retired from professional boxing in 1998, having compiled a record of 41 wins, 11 losses, 1 draw, and 25 knockouts. His remarkable career earned him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.

Beyond his boxing achievements, Qawi contributed as a trainer, youth mentor, and counselor for drug and alcohol addiction.

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