Boxing world mourns the loss of Dwight Muhammad Qawi at the age of 72. A top 5 list of his fights and a summary of his legacy inside and outside the ring.
Boxing World Mourns the Loss of Legend Dwight Muhammad Qawi: 5 Greatest Fights and Hall of Fame Legacy originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The boxing world mourns the loss of boxing hall-of-famer Dwight Muhammad Qawi. Qawi passed away on Sunday, July 27, at the age of 72 after a five-year battle with dementia, according to his sister, Wanda King, who told Associated Press.
Born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore and raised in Camden, New Jersey, his early years were marked by hardship, including a prison sentence for armed robbery.
Yet, behind bars, he discovered boxing, the sport that would define his legacy and transform his life forever.
Qawi turned professional in 1978 and quickly rose through the ranks with his aggressive, pressure-fighting style, earning the nickname "The Camden Buzzsaw." Listed at just 5 feet and 6.5 inches, Qawi earned multiple titles in the light heavyweight division, defeating men much larger than he was, showcasing an otherworldly fearlessness, durability, and skill even as he fought far beyond his natural weight class.
Here are five of his most legacy-defining fights:
5. Dwight Muhammad Qawi vs. Evander Holyfield (July 12, 1986)
Result: Qawi loses by split decision for the WBA cruiserweight title
Qawi pushed Holyfield to the limit in a grueling 15-round war, ultimately losing a split decision.. Despite the loss, his heart and toughness shone against a future legend in a classic still regarded as one of the greatest cruiserweight fights of all time.
4. Dwight Muhammad Qawi vs. Michael Spinks (Mar 18, 1983)
Result: Lost via unanimous decision for the WBC and The Ring light heavyweight titles
Going up against an all-time great, Qawi lost a close, high-stakes unification bout. Qawi showed incredible skill, especially with his jab.
3. Dwight Muhammad Qawi vs. Piet Crous (Jul 27, 1985)
Result: Won via 11th-round KO for the WBA cruiserweight title
In this fight, Qawi traveled to South Africa to knock out the unbeaten Crous and become a two-division champion.
2. Dwight Muhammad Qawi vs. Matthew Saad Muhammad (Dec. 19, 1981)
Result: Won via 10th-round TKO to win WBC and The Ring light heavyweight titles
His breakout win, Qawi stopped a dominant champion in Saad Muhammad to claim two light heavyweight titles.
1. Dwight Muhammad Qawi vs. Leon Spinks (Mar. 22, 1986)
Result: Won via 6th round TKO to win WBA cruiserweight title
Easily his most impressive win of his career. Qawi’s showmanship was on full display, smiling, dropping his hands, and sticking his tongue out at Spinks as he dodged punches while moving forward. He triumphed over the former heavyweight king, defending his cruiserweight crown.
Qawi retired from boxing in 1999 with a career record of 41 wins, 11 losses, 1 draw, and 25 knockouts.
After his career, Qawi was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004. He dedicated his post-boxing life to helping others, working as a drug and alcohol counselor, youth advocate, and boxing trainer.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
