Dwight Muhammad Qawi has died at the age of 73 following a five-year battle with dementia. The former two-division world boxing champion's passing was confirmed by his sister, Wanda King.
Born as Dwight Braxton in Camden, New Jersey, Qawi's path to boxing greatness began in an unlikely place – behind bars. He first started boxing while serving a five-year sentence for armed robbery in Rahway prison. Not exactly a conventional start to a Hall of Fame career, right?
After his release, Qawi quickly rose through the professional ranks. His breakthrough came in 1981 when he captured the WBC light heavyweight championship by defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad via technical knockout in the tenth round.
"My brother fought until the end, just like he did in the ring," King reportedly told family members when announcing his passing.
Qawi's career reached another peak in 1985 when he claimed the WBA cruiserweight title. However, many boxing fans remember him most for his legendary 1986 battle against Evander Holyfield – a fight so impressive that "The Ring" magazine named it the division's best contest of the decade. Worth mentioning that Qawi later lost the rematch to Holyfield before eventually retiring in 1998 with a respectable professional record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, including 25 knockouts.
Following his boxing career, Qawi dedicated himself to helping others by working as a consultant for drug and alcohol addiction – a remarkable transition from his troubled early years.
The boxing world recognized his contributions in 2004 when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. How many fighters can claim championships in two weight classes and such lasting impact on the sport?
Qawi's journey from prison to boxing greatness to helping others remains one of boxing's most compelling life stories.
