Dwight Muhammad Qawi Dies at 72 After Battle with Dementia

Dwight Muhammad Qawi, born Dwight Braxton, began boxing while serving a sentence for armed robbery at Rahway State Prison.

It was there, through the prison’s boxing program, that he found redemption. Upon his release in 1978, he quickly turned professional, leveraging the skill and grit that would lead him from inmate to international star.

Championship Glory in Two Weight Classes

Qawi claimed the WBC light heavyweight title in December 1981 by stopping Matthew Saad Muhammad in the tenth round. He defended that crown once more before losing to Michael Spinks in a unification bout in March 1983.

Never one to shrink from a challenge, Qawi moved up to cruiserweight and captured the WBA belt in July 1985 with a knockout of Piet Crous. One of his most memorable performances was a 15-round slugfest with Evander Holyfield in July 1986, widely rated as one of the greatest cruiserweight fights of the 1980s.

The Legacy of “The Camden Buzzsaw”

Standing just 5′6″, Qawi relied on a bob-and-weave style that made him a nightmare for heavier opponents. He faced George Foreman in 1988 at heavyweight and was stopped in seven rounds—an admirable showing given the size difference. Over a 20-year career, he recorded a pro record of 41 wins (25 by knockout), 11 losses, and one draw. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.

Life After the Ring: Mentor and Advocate

After retiring from boxing, Qawi championed youth through mentorship and addiction advocacy. He worked as a counselor in New Jersey, helping troubled individuals navigate recovery. His sister, Wanda King, described him as “a great father and Pop-Pop to his grandchildren,” noting his compassionate work at a rehabilitation center where he counseled clients based on his own life experiences.

Peaceful Passing After Dementia Battle

Qawi passed away on July 25, 2025, at age 72, after a five-year struggle with dementia. Family members said he “fought that illness just like he was in the ring.” The fight outside the ropes, his sister recalled, was as courageous as any championship bout he ever fought. As tributes poured in, fellow boxing officials and longtime fans remembered his intensity, humility, and unbreakable spirit.

Why His Story Still Resonates

Qawi’s life wasn’t just legendary for the fights he won—it was defined by transformation. From a troubled youth to a two-division world champion, his toughness in the ring mirrored his toughness in life. He turned personal mistakes into motivation, inspiring countless others that redemption and greatness are possible.

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