Standing at 169 centimeters tall, Dwight Muhammad Qawi was consistently “smaller” than the opponents he faced in the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. However, his determination, courage, relentless pressure, granite chin, and extraordinary ability to thrive in close-range exchanges made him “great,” allowing him to cover himself in glory between the ropes. Sadly, Qawi has passed away at the age of 72. As we offer our condolences to his loved ones, let’s say a few words about his fascinating boxing career.
Born Dwight Braxton, the former American boxer had a troubled childhood and youth, and at the age of twenty he was arrested and convicted for armed robbery. It was during the five years he spent in prison that he learned the basics of boxing through a specific sports program for inmates, and so, once he regained his freedom, he decided to become a professional boxer without ever having fought a single amateur bout.
His climb to the top of the sport was quick and thrilling. After seventeen fights, fifteen of which he won, Dwight got the opportunity to challenge the fearsome WBC light heavyweight world champion Matthew Saad Muhammad, who had been reigning for two and a half years and had made eight title defenses. The challenger shocked the world by dominating the bout and winning by technical knockout in the tenth round.
After capturing the world title, Braxton converted to Islam and legally changed his name to Dwight Muhammad Qawi, then went on to score three consecutive knockouts in his first three title defenses.
His winning streak came to an end in March 1983, when WBA champion Michael Spinks defeated him by decision in a highly anticipated world unification bout. Although Qawi knocked Spinks down in the eighth round, he was unable to solve his elusive style and long reach.
But his glory days in boxing were not yet over. Qawi moved up to the cruiserweight division and won the WBA world title by stopping South African Piet Crous on foreign soil. After defending the belt by destroying former heavyweight world champion Leon Spinks in six rounds, Qawi then reached the most legendary fight of his career — the one against the mighty Evander Holyfield.
The two battled at center ring for fifteen rounds, exchanging furious punches without a moment’s pause. Holyfield emerged victorious by Split Decision in what is still considered by many experts to be the most spectacular cruiserweight fight in history.
Defeated again in the rematch, this time by a fourth-round knockout, Qawi even attempted to move up to the heavyweight division. But the decision proved too bold, and George Foreman — who was piling up victories after a stunning comeback — forced him to retire after seven rounds.
Despite collecting a few more commendable wins, Qawi never returned to his former levels and soon began to decline. After hanging up his gloves at the age of 45, he remained involved in boxing as a trainer and later found work at a rehabilitation center for drug addicts.
Afflicted by dementia in the last five years of his life, the small-great champion stopped fighting yesterday. Goodbye, Dwight — we’ll miss you.