Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the former two-division world champion known as 'The Camden Buzzsaw,' has died at age 72. The boxing Hall of Famer passed away after battling dementia for over a decade, according to family members who confirmed the news.
"He was full of love. He never gave up, not even at the end," his sister Wanda King told Ring Magazine, noting that Qawi faced his health condition with the same determination that defined his boxing career.
Qawi's journey from prison cell to boxing glory stands as one of the sport's most remarkable stories. Born as Dwight Braxton in Baltimore and raised in Camden, New Jersey, he discovered boxing while serving time at Rahway State Prison for armed robbery. What began as a way to pass time became his ticket to an extraordinary career.
Fans will remember his legendary 1986 clash with Evander Holyfield as one of boxing's greatest cruiserweight battles. Though Qawi lost by split decision after 15 grueling rounds, the fight cemented his reputation as a formidable competitor who never backed down.
Interestingly, Qawi later tested himself in the heavyweight division, facing future champion George Foreman in 1988 before retiring in 1999 with an impressive record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, including 25 knockouts.
The International Boxing Hall of Fame recognized his contributions to the sport by inducting him in 2004. In recent years, Qawi had largely stayed out of the public eye while dealing with his health challenges.
Beyond his achievements in the ring, Qawi's legacy includes his work as a trainer and mentor in his community after retirement. His story of transformation – from incarceration to world champion – inspired countless young fighters.
Can any modern boxing story match the raw resilience of Qawi's journey? His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in boxing history, but the impact of 'The Camden Buzzsaw' will continue to resonate throughout the sport for generations to come.
