Hall of Fame boxer ‘Camden Buzzsaw’ Dwight Muhammad Qawi dies at age 72 | International Sports News
Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the relentless fighter once known as “The Camden Buzzsaw,” has died at 72 after a five-year battle with dementia. A two-division world champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Qawi’s legacy extended beyond his boxing career. He was a symbol of redemption and, of course, second chances. His journey from prison to global boxing acclaim remains one of the most remarkable in sports history.
Hall of Fame boxer Dwight Muhammad Qawi , ‘The Camden Buzzsaw’ who fought his way out of prison, dies at 72
Born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore and raised in Camden, New Jersey, Qawi’s early life was marked by hardship and crime. At 20, he was convicted of armed robbery and sent to Rahway State Prison — but behind bars, he found boxing. The prison gym became his proving ground. After his release in 1978, he turned pro at 25.“He was a perfect example of someone who makes their mind up that they’re gonna walk the straight path,” said Larry Hazzard, New Jersey’s former boxing commissioner. “He used the sport of boxing. He realized that he had some skills and that he could make something of himself through the sport.”His breakout moment came in 1981 when he beat fellow ex-con and top contender James Scott in a nationally televised bout — from inside Rahway prison itself. That victory led to a title shot against Matthew Saad Muhammad, whom Qawi stopped in the 10th round to claim the WBC light heavyweight title. He defended it three times before losing to Michael Spinks in 1983.Short in stature but explosive in style, Qawi moved up to cruiserweight and won the WBA title by knocking out Piet Crous in 1985. His epic war with Evander Holyfield in 1986, a split decision loss, was later named the best cruiserweight fight of the decade by The Ring.“He always reminded me of a fire hydrant,” said Henry Hascup, president of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, told the Ring. “He was short, stocky and hard as nails… Evander Holyfield stated that he was his toughest opponent. That’s really saying something.”
Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s life outside the ring
After retiring with a 41-11-1 record and 25 knockouts, Qawi didn’t vanish. He became a boxing trainer, a youth mentor, and a drug and alcohol counselor in New Jersey.“He told them to stay off drugs and alcohol and stay out of trouble,” said his sister, Wanda King. “He was full of love… He went out like a champ, right to the end.”His demise is certainly a huge loss to the boxing world. Also Read: Bubba Wallace makes history as first Black driver to conquer Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s iconic oval stage
FAQs
When did Dwight Muhammad Qawi pass away?He died on Friday at the age of 72 after battling dementia for five years.What were Qawi’s major boxing achievements?He won world titles in two weight classes and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.What did Qawi do after retiring from boxing?He worked as a boxing trainer, youth advocate, and counselor, using his life story to inspire others.
