Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Boxing Legend, Passes Away at 72

CAMDEN: Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the Hall of Fame boxer who transitioned from boxing in prison to becoming a world champion in two weight divisions, has passed away at the age of 72, according to international reports on Monday.

Reports indicate that his death followed a five-year battle with dementia. Qawi’s sister also verified that the iconic fighter died on Friday.

Qawi’s sister shared, “He was an amazing father, and a wonderful Pop-Pop to his grandkids.”

She added, “He possessed a heart of gold, and he confronted his dementia with the same tenacity he displayed in the boxing ring.”

Born in Baltimore, Muhammad Qawi began his boxing journey in Rahway State Prison while serving time for armed robbery. He turned professional at 25.

In 1982, Qawi legally changed his name upon embracing Islam. In December 1981, he secured the WBC light heavyweight title by defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad with a 10th-round knockout, and later triumphed over Saad again in a six-round decision.

He then claimed the WBA cruiserweight title from Piet Crous in July 1985 but lost it the following year to heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield in a 15-round match.

Subsequently, Qawi competed as a heavyweight, where George Foreman stopped him in the seventh round.

Qawi retired in 1998 at 46, holding a record of 41-11-1 with 25 knockouts.

He received induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.

Following his retirement from boxing, he dedicated himself to working as a boxing trainer, youth advocate, and drug and alcohol counselor.