From prison to world champion, the ‘Camden Buzzsaw’ leaves behind a legacy of grit, love, and inspiration
(BALTIMORE – July 26, 2025) — Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the fierce two-division world champion who rose from the prison yard to boxing immortality, passed away yesterday, Friday, July 25, 2025, at the age of 72 following a five-year battle with dementia.
Born Dwight Braxton on January 5, 1953, at Baltimore’s historic Provident Hospital, Qawi was raised in Camden, New Jersey, where early hardship and bullying shaped the fire within him. “He was hungry to win,” said his sister Wanda Marvay King, recalling how being bullied as children gave him the drive to succeed.
That determination would take him far. While serving time in Rahway State Prison, Qawi discovered boxing and committed himself to the sport. He went on to do the unthinkable—defeating the then-unbeatable James Scott inside the very prison where they had both been incarcerated. Upon his release in 1978, he launched a professional career that would span two decades.
Known as “The Camden Buzzsaw” for his relentless pressure-fighting style, Qawi captured the WBC Light Heavyweight Championship in 1981 with a dramatic 10th-round TKO of Matthew Saad Muhammad. After defending the title three times, he moved up in weight and won the WBA Cruiserweight Championship in 1985, knocking out Piet Crous in South Africa.
In 1986, Qawi fought Olympic gold medalist Evander Holyfield in one of the greatest cruiserweight battles of all time, going 15 hard rounds in a split-decision loss that only further cemented his legend.
He retired in 1999 with a record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, including 25 knockouts, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.
Beyond the ring, Qawi was a loving and family-oriented man. He lived at 704 West Lafayette Avenue near Baltimore’s Lafayette Square and remained deeply connected to both Baltimore and Camden throughout his life. He was a devoted son who helped care for his mother, a proud father and grandfather, and a guiding light to young people in trouble.
After retiring from boxing, he dedicated himself to service, working as a drug and alcohol counselor and youth advocate at The Lighthouse, a recovery home in Mays Landing, New Jersey. “He told them to stay off drugs and alcohol and stay out of trouble,” his sister said. “He was full of love.”
Even in his final years, Qawi fought dementia with the same heart and courage that defined his boxing career. “He fought dementia just like he fought in the ring,” said King. “He never gave up.”
A public memorial service and funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Wanda King
Ph.: 443-251-8614
