Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a Hall of Fame boxer who began his career while in prison and went on to become a two-division world champion, has passed away at the age of 72.
His sister, Wanda King, confirmed that he died on Friday, July 25, after battling dementia for five years.
“He had a heart of gold, and he fought his dementia illness just like he was fighting in the ring. He went out like a champ. Right to the end,” his sister said.
Dwight Muhammad Qawi, born Dwight Braxton, rose from a troubled past to become a two-division world boxing champion.
Starting his boxing journey in prison, he turned pro in 1978 and went on to win the WBC light heavyweight and WBA cruiserweight titles.
Known as “The Camden Buzzsaw,” Qawi later faced legends like Evander Holyfield and George Foreman before retiring in 1998 with a 41-11-1 record.
Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004, he later served as a trainer and counselor. He passed away at 72 after a battle with dementia.
“The WBC joins the boxing community of the world in prayer for [the] eternal rest of Dwight Muhammad Qawi,” the WBC said of their former champion, who boasted a 41-11-1 professional record.
“He found his love for boxing while serving a sentence in prison and went on to become WBC light heavyweight champion.
“A great father and grandfather who was also a role model in society. Rest in peace, Champ.”
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