Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the grear two-division world champion known as “The Camden Buzzsaw,” has died at the age of 72. According to multiple reports and confirmed by family members, Qawi died after a long and brave battle against dementia, a condition he has been fightinh like a soldier for over a decade.
The boxing industry is crying the loss of a man whose journey from prison inmate to Hall of Fame champion is still one of the sport’s most inspirational and passionate stories.
From prison cell to hall of fame
Born as, Dwight Braxton in Baltimore, he was raised in Camden, New Jersey, and spent nearly a decade in the Rahway State Prison after declared guilty of armed robbery. It was behind these bars that he discovered what will be his live-saver, boxing. He did not know it by then but, that decision would change his life compleately.
Generational rivalries
One of Among Qawi’s most memorable fights was his legendary 1986 clash with Evander Holyfield, populary seen as one of the greatest cruiserweight battles in boxing history. Though Qawi lost by split decision after 15 tough rounds, his performance proved his relentless status as one of the sport’s most formidable warriors.
He later tried his skills in the heavyweight division, where he faced futurere champion Gaeorge Foremn in 1988.
Qawi later retired in 1999, holding a professional record of: 41 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, including 25 knockouts. He was selected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame five yars later, in 2004.
His last round before the bell
Qawi had purposely stayed out of the public eye and the media in recent years as he was dealing wth his health issues and disabilities. His sister, Wanda King, confirmed that dementia was in his life for a good time, but he did not fall, she noted that he faced the condition with the same grit and resilience that defined his boxing career.
“He was full of love. He never gave up, not even at the end.” King told Ring Magazine.
A legacy longer than 10 rounds
Qawi’s legacy is far more than just a win-loss record where you can judge freely. He will be remembered as a man who made sure he could turn his life around, and used boxing as a method to start again. His story and personality inspired countless young fighters, and also with his toughness and determination. After he retired, he continued performing as a trainer and mentor for everyone in his community.
Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s life story is all about transformation and perseverance. From the lowest pint possible to the pinnacle of life and boxing, his legacy is based not just in boxing belts and titles, but in the success on pursuing his dreams, with which he lived and fought for. His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in boxing history, but The Camden Buzzsaw will never be forgotten.
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