Boxer Hall of Fame Dwight Muhammad Qawi dies at 72

The sport of boxing has lost another member of his prestigious fraternity as she was confirmed on Friday, July 25th, former two-weight world champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi He died at the age of 72.

The immortal gallery boxer was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but grew up in Camden, New Jersey. Qawi, then called Dwight Braxton, took part in criminal activities as a young man, and paid the price for his choice of lifestyle when he was found guilty of armed robbery.

During his time at Rahway Province, Future Fame Hall joined the boxing program. At that particular time, he had no idea that an activity put in place to keep him busy during his five -year prison period would turn out to 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 first appearance of boxing as he and Leonard Langley fought for a draw. Braxton had a new lease and a new preview of 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 defeated Matthew Saad Muhammad through TKO 10th round and won the WCLC lightweight heavyweight title.

Qawi would go on to make three successful title defenses. Back in March 1983, Qawi’s reign as the World Champion ended when he lost a tough 15 round battle against Michael Spinks.

The former champion bounced back and went on a streak win four fights. On July 27, 1985, Dwight Muhammad Qawi became a two -weight world champion when Piet Crous stopped in the eleventh round and won the WBA cruise weight world title.

Back in March 1983, Qawi lost his lightweight heavyweight title to Michael Spinks, and three years later, he defended his cruise weight title against his brother Leon Spinks. This time, things worked for Qawi as he beat Leon Spinks through TKO 6th round.

Qawi’s time as a WBA cruise weight champion ended in July 1986 when he lost to Evander Holyfield by split decision. A year later, Qawi had his chance against Holyfield and was stopped in the fourth round.

Qawi would suffer losses out back as he moved up to heavy weight and was cast out by George Foreman in the 7th round. Qawi finished his career by winning 13 of his last 18 fights.

At the age of 46, Dwight Muhammad Qawi officially retired from boxing in 1999 with a record of (41-11-1, 25 kos). Known as ‘The Camden Buzzsaw,’ the World Champion for a long time was established in the International Boxing Immortal Gallery in 2004.

Qawi’s sister, Wanda King, was the family member who confirmed his death. He also made the following statement about Qawi when addressing the media.

“He was a big father, a great pop-pop for his grandchildren. He had a golden heart, and his dementia illness fought just as he was fighting in the area.”