A Life Reclaimed: From Prison to World Titles

Dwight Muhammad Qawi, also known as “The Camden Buzzsaw,” died at 72 years old after a five-year battle with dementia, according to his sister Wanda King.  Born Dwight Braxton on January 5, 1953, in Baltimore and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Qawi transformed his rough beginnings into a spectacular boxing adventure that continues to inspire.

While serving a sentence for armed robbery at Rahway State Prison, Qawi discovered boxing through the prison’s program and trained alongside fellow inmate James Scott.  After being released in 1978, he pursued a professional career and aimed for greatness.

A Champion Is Forged

In December 1981, Qawi surprised boxing by defeating WBC light heavyweight champion Matthew Saad Muhammad in the tenth round, earning the championship in one of the sport’s most shocking upsets.  He established himself as a world-class fighter eight months later with another stoppage victory over Saad Muhammad.

Qawi, who struggled to hit the 175-pound limit, went up to cruiserweight and won the WBA championship in July 1985 by beating Piet Crous.  His reign includes a historic 15-round slugfest against Evander Holyfield in 1986, which was recognized as one of the best cruiserweight fights ever.

Despite losing a split decision rematch against Holyfield in 1987, Qawi remained a force before going up to heavyweight and facing George Foreman in 1988.  Despite his small stature (5’7″), he pushed Foreman to his limits before withdrawing in the seventh round.

Career Stats & Legacy

Professional record: 41–11–1, with 25 knockouts 

World titles:

WBC Light Heavyweight Champion (1981–83)

WBA Cruiserweight Champion (1985–86) 

Hall of Fame inductions:

New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame (1997)

International Boxing Hall of Fame (2004) 

Despite fighting in categories loaded with larger guys, Qawi’s pressure fighting, persistent bodywork, and harsh approach gained him comparisons to Joe Frazier.  Evander Holyfield, former IBF champion, described Qawi as his hardest opponent.

Life After Gloves: Mentor, Advocate, and Survivor

Following his retirement in 1998, Qawi focused on training future boxers and assisting with rehabilitation efforts.  He worked as a boxing trainer and at The Lighthouse, a drug and alcohol recovery clinic in New Jersey, assisting several people enduring difficulties. His sister noted that despite his dementia, he remained compassionate and caring, offering counseling to others.

What the Boxing World Is Saying

Ring Magazine praised Qawi’s life journey: “He redeemed himself after prison… one of boxing’s most memorable redemption stories“  .

Reuters noted: “He fought his dementia illness like he fought in the ring… He was a great father, a great Pop‑Pop. He had a heart of gold“.

The WBC, BoxingScene, and global boxing outlets sent condolences, calling him legendary, resilient, and a role model both inside and out of the ring.

Fan forums remembered him as “one of boxing’s consummate tough guys” and recognized his ferocity despite physical disadvantages.

A Final Round for a True Warrior

Qawi’s life story is more than just an underdog story; it’s a story of change.  From prison walls to world titles, comebacks to community service, he personified redemption.  In the ring, he defied expectations with his violent manner; outside of it, he became a mentor and healer.

He lived long enough to disprove his doubters, but not so long that he forgot his origins.  His struggle with dementia was discreet but prolonged, most likely due to his hard-hitting battles.  Even yet, his dying years did not surpass the legacy he established through tenacity, humility, and love.

Final Tribute

Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s life exemplified the value of second chances.  His career compelled larger men to respect him, fans to adore him, and communities to believe in him.  He passed “right to the end, like a champ,” according to his sister.  Boxing now remembers him as more than simply a champion; he battled for redemption, legacy, and hope.

May Dwight Muhammad Qawi rest in peace, as he was the essence of perseverance and redemption.