Dwight Muhammad Qawi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwight Muhammad Qawi |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Camden Buzzsaw |
| Rated at |
|
| Height | 5 ft 6.5 in (169 cm) |
| Reach | 71 in |
| Born | January 5, 1953 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | July 25, 2025 (aged 72) Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 53 |
| Wins | 41 |
| Wins by KO | 25 |
| Losses | 11 |
| Draws | 1 |
Dwight Muhammad Qawi (born Dwight Braxton on January 5, 1953, and who passed away on July 25, 2025) was an amazing American professional boxer. He was known for his powerful fighting style. Dwight became a world champion in two different weight categories. He held the WBC and Ring magazine light heavyweight titles from 1981 to 1983. Later, he won the WBA cruiserweight title from 1985 to 1986. Because of his incredible career, Dwight Qawi was honored in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.
Early Life and New Beginnings
Dwight Braxton, who later became Dwight Muhammad Qawi, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in Camden, New Jersey. Early in his life, Dwight faced some tough challenges. While at a correctional facility, he discovered boxing. This sport became a turning point for him.
The facility had a strong boxing program. Dwight trained hard and found his true calling. When he left in 1978, he immediately became a professional boxer. Dwight's fighting style was often compared to the famous boxer Joe Frazier. This was because Dwight trained at Frazier's gym in Philadelphia. In the early 1980s, Dwight chose to convert to Islam. He then changed his name to Dwight Muhammad Qawi.
Becoming a Boxing Champion
Dwight's professional boxing journey began in 1978. After a few early fights, he quickly won 14 matches in a row. This helped him climb the ranks in the light heavyweight division.
On September 5, 1981, Dwight won an important fight against James Scott. This victory earned him a chance to fight for the world championship. On December 19, 1981, Dwight faced Matthew Saad Muhammad in Atlantic City. Even though many thought he might not win, Dwight surprised everyone. He won the fight by a technical knockout in the 10th round. This made him a world champion for the very first time!
Dwight successfully defended his light heavyweight title three times. He defeated Jerry Martin, Matthew Saad Muhammad again, and Eddie Davis. In March 1983, he had a big fight against Michael Spinks. Dwight lost this close match. He felt that staying at the 175-pound weight limit was too hard on his body. So, he decided to move to a new weight class called cruiserweight.
In the cruiserweight division, Dwight felt much stronger. He won several more fights. On July 7, 1985, he won the WBA cruiserweight title. He achieved this by knocking out Piet Crous in South Africa. He defended this title, even beating former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks.
A major challenge came on July 12, 1986, when he fought the Olympic star Evander Holyfield. It was a tough, long fight that went all 15 rounds. Holyfield won by a small margin. Dwight and Holyfield had a rematch in 1987, but Dwight lost in the fourth round.
Dwight continued to box for many years. He even fought the legendary George Foreman in 1988. Although he didn't win another world title, he had a long and impressive career. Dwight Muhammad Qawi retired from boxing in 1999. He had a record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, with 25 knockouts. After his boxing career, he became a boxing trainer in New Jersey.
Life After the Ring
After his boxing career, Dwight Muhammad Qawi continued to help others. Starting in 1998, he worked at a support center in Mays Landing, New Jersey. He dedicated his time to guiding both young people and adults. He was a strong supporter for those seeking help.
See also
- List of world light-heavyweight boxing champions
- List of world cruiserweight boxing champions
