Dwight Muhammad Qawi Dies At 72 After Dementia Battle

Dwight Muhammad Qawi, the two-weight world champion, has died after battling dementia for five years at the age of 72. 

His sister, Wanda King, confirmed the news, which has shook the boxing fanbase. Qawi had a remarkable career, as boxing played a pivotal part in rehabilitating him from his struggles outside the ring. He first started boxing in 1973 after he was incarcerated for armed robbery. He learned his trade under the Rahway State Prison’s boxing program. Five years later, he turned professional. Qawi moved up the ranks very quickly, fighting for the WBC light-heavyweight title against Matthew Saad Muhammad in 1981. He came out victorious with a sixth-round knockout win.

Qawi made three successful defenses before losing a unification in 1983 against Michael Spinks. Qawi then made his move to cruiserweight, as he defeated Piet Crouse to secure the vacant WBA Cruiserweight Belt in 1985. He also had the chance to share the ring with the undisputed cruiserweight champion Evander Holyfield. While he lost both times, Qawi had done enough to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004 with a 15-1-1 record. The news has understandably drawn a strong reaction. 

“He was a great father, a great Pop-Pop to his grandchildren. 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,” Wanda King (Qawil’s sister)