Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s life was anything but ordinary.
From a troubled youth in Baltimore to standing proudly as a two-weight world boxing champion, his journey is one that truly defied the odds.
This week, the boxing world is mourning his loss after Qawi passed away at the age of 72.
Discovering Boxing Behind Bars
Born Dwight Braxton in 1953, Qawi’s early years were far from stable.
He found himself on the wrong side of the law and ended up in prison after a conviction for armed robbery.
But it was behind bars where he discovered a new path—boxing. That new purpose would transform his life forever.
Just months after his release in 1978, he stepped into the ring as a professional fighter.
Although his early results were shaky—winning only one of his first three matches—he soon hit his stride.
Shocking the World and Becoming a Champion
It didn’t take long for Qawi to climb the ranks.
Competing as a light heavyweight, he built up a strong winning streak that landed him a title shot against WBC and Ring Magazine champion Matthew Saad Muhammad. Qawi stunned the boxing world by winning the fight via 10th-round TKO.
It was a remarkable achievement—going from prison to world champion in just a few years.
He held onto the title through three successful defenses before losing it to Michael Spinks in 1983.
Proving Himself All Over Again at Cruiserweight
Not one to settle, the 5-foot-6 fighter decided to test himself in a new division—cruiserweight.
Once again, he rose to the challenge. He beat South Africa’s unbeaten Piet Crous to become a two-weight world champion.
Qawi later defended that cruiserweight title in 1986 with a memorable knockout victory over Leon Spinks.
Going Toe-to-Toe with Evander Holyfield
Later that same year, Qawi faced off against a rising star—Evander Holyfield.
Despite being the shorter man by over six inches, Qawi fought with incredible heart and grit.
The bout, which aired on ITV in the UK, became an instant classic.
Though Qawi didn’t win, the 15-round thriller is still considered one of the final great fights from boxing’s 15-round era.
Final Battles and Retirement
Qawi bounced back in 1987 with a win against Narcisco Maldonado.
But when he met Holyfield again later that year, he came up short once more. A year later, he moved up to heavyweight and was stopped by a returning George Foreman.
After two decades of battles in the ring, Qawi retired in 1999.
Honoring His Legacy Outside the Ring
In 2004, Dwight Muhammad Qawi was rightfully inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, sealing his place in boxing history.
But his impact didn’t end there. In retirement, Qawi gave back to the community—as a boxing trainer, youth mentor, and counselor for those dealing with addiction.
He used his story to inspire others, proving that change is always possible no matter where you start.