Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the renowned boxer who transitioned from prison to the boxing ring, has died at the age of 72. His sister, Wanda King, confirmed that Qawi passed away on Friday following a prolonged battle with dementia that lasted five years. Born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore, Qawi’s journey to boxing stardom began in Camden, New Jersey, where he first engaged with the sport while serving a sentence for armed robbery.
A Champion’s Rise from Adversity
Qawi participated in the boxing program at Rahway State Prison and turned professional shortly after his release in 1978 at the age of 25. His dedication and skill quickly paid off when, in December 1981, he captured the WBC light heavyweight title by defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad in a dramatic 10th-round stoppage. He showcased his prowess again eight months later, stopping Saad in the sixth round of their rematch.
After a loss to Michael Spinks, Qawi, who stood at 5 feet 7 inches tall, moved up in weight to compete in the cruiserweight division. In July 1985, he claimed the WBA cruiserweight title by defeating Piet Crous. His reign was challenged by the future heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, who defeated Qawi in a grueling 15-round match in July 1986. Qawi later ventured into heavyweight boxing, where he faced legends like George Foreman, who ended their bout in the seventh round.
A Legacy Beyond the Ring
Qawi retired in 1998 with an impressive record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, including 25 knockouts. His contributions to boxing were recognized with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004. After hanging up his gloves, Qawi dedicated his life to mentoring others, working as a boxing trainer, youth advocate, and counselor for drug and alcohol addiction.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and redemption, illustrating how Qawi transformed his life through sport. The boxing community mourns the loss of a fighter who not only achieved greatness in the ring but also made a significant impact outside of it.
