Former world boxing champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi has died at the age of 72.
His sister, Wanda King, confirmed he passed away on Friday, July 25, after a five-year battle with dementia.
“He had a heart of gold, and he fought his dementia illness just like he was fighting in the ring. He went out like a champ. Right to the end,” she said.
Qawi, born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore, grew up in Camden and began boxing while serving time in prison for armed robbery. He turned professional in 1978 after his release and quickly rose through the ranks.
In December 1981, he won the WBC light heavyweight title by stopping Matthew Saad Muhammad in the 10th round. He beat Saad again eight months later, this time in the sixth round.
After losing to Michael Spinks in 1983, Qawi moved up to the cruiserweight division and claimed the WBA title by defeating Piet Crous in July 1985. He later lost the belt to Evander Holyfield in a 15-round match in July 1986.
Nicknamed “The Camden Buzzsaw,” Qawi was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame for his achievements in the sport.
