The boxing world recently observed the passing of Dwight Muhammad Qawi, a figure whose life story transcended the ropes of the boxing ring. At 72, the former two-weight world champion, known as `The Camden Buzzsaw,` concluded a battle with dementia, leaving behind a legacy forged in transformation, grit, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
A Phoenix from Rahway: The Path to Greatness
Born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore, Qawi`s journey to pugilistic fame was anything but conventional. His early life took a stark turn, leading to a five-year incarceration for armed robbery in his hometown of Camden, New Jersey. It was within the confines of Rahway State Prison, at the age of 25, that Qawi discovered a new discipline and purpose: boxing. This period marked a profound pivot, transforming an individual grappling with societal challenges into a formidable athlete.
Upon his release in 1978, Qawi`s professional debut was less than stellar, with only one win in his initial three bouts. Yet, this shaky start belied the storm that was brewing. By December 1981, his relentless pressure style culminated in a dramatic upset. Facing Matthew Saad Muhammad for the WBC light-heavyweight championship in Atlantic City, Qawi, the underdog, delivered a punishing performance, stopping the reigning champion in the 10th round. This victory not only secured his first world title but also signaled the arrival of a truly unique force in boxing.
The `Camden Buzzsaw` Cuts Through Divisions
Following this triumph, Dwight Braxton converted to Islam and legally adopted the name Dwight Muhammad Qawi. His ferocious, relentless forward-moving style earned him the fitting moniker `The Camden Buzzsaw` from local reporter Phil Marder. He solidified his dominance over Saad Muhammad just eight months later, achieving a quicker sixth-round stoppage in their rematch.
Qawi`s self-admitted pursuit of perfection during this era was palpable. “Back then, in 1982, everything was going right for me – I was unstoppable,” he once reflected. “I was so disciplined then, hungry and unstoppable. If I’d stayed so disciplined, I’d have been at least a three or four-time champ – not just a two-time champ.” This sentiment offers a poignant, if somewhat ironic, reflection on the demanding nature of peak performance, a discipline he admirably sought even behind bars.
His unification bout against 1976 Olympic gold medalist Michael Spinks, a fighter with whom Qawi had sparred countless rounds, presented a different challenge. Despite a valiant late rally, Qawi succumbed to a unanimous decision loss. He later attributed his subdued performance to a severely damaged septum, an injury that forced him to deviate from his signature aggressive style. “I had to wait and box. Even a touch to my nose hurt bad. I can’t even describe the pain,” he recalled, highlighting the unseen battles even a `buzzsaw` must contend with.
Clash of Titans: Defining Moments in the Ring
Undeterred, Qawi moved up to cruiserweight, seizing the WBA title from Piet Crous in Sun City, South Africa. It was a grueling contest, yet Qawi`s relentless pressure ultimately wore Crous down, leading to an 11th-round stoppage and his second world title.
A measure of familial retribution followed in March 1986, as Qawi delivered a brutal beating to Michael Spinks` older brother, Leon, another 1976 Olympic gold medalist. Qawi`s tactical superiority and taunting display culminated in a sixth-round stoppage, demonstrating his continued prowess and psychological edge.
However, it was his July 1986 clash with rising star Evander Holyfield that etched Qawi`s name firmly into boxing lore. Just 11 fights into his professional career, Holyfield challenged Qawi for the cruiserweight title in what is arguably considered the division`s greatest fight. In a relentless slugfest, both fighters unleashed a staggering volume of punches—Holyfield with 1,290, Qawi with 1,018, landing at an even higher connect rate. Holyfield ultimately won a split decision, but the physical toll was immense, requiring hospitalization for headaches and dehydration, and treatment for a kidney issue. The rematch in December 1987 saw a more polished Holyfield stop Qawi in the fourth round, marking the first time Qawi had ever been knocked down in his career.
Beyond the Ropes: A Champion`s Enduring Impact
An unsuccessful foray into the heavyweight division saw Qawi stopped by George Foreman in March 1988, a fight Qawi candidly admitted was impacted by a decline in his disciplined lifestyle. “I was drinking and not training properly,” he confessed, acknowledging the human element in even the most robust fighting machines. Despite this, he maintained, “I hurt him, and up until the end of the fight he was very conscious of my power.”
Qawi continued to fight intermittently until 1998, including a final, unsuccessful world title challenge against Robert Daniels. He retired with a professional record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, with 25 knockouts.
Beyond his formidable in-ring achievements, Dwight Muhammad Qawi dedicated his post-fighting life to giving back. He worked as a boxing trainer, a youth advocate, and a drug and alcohol counsellor, embodying the very transformation he experienced. His profound impact on the sport and beyond was formally recognized in 2004 with his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Dwight Muhammad Qawi’s life serves as a powerful narrative of redemption and relentless ambition. From the confines of a prison program to the pinnacle of professional boxing, his journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines true champions. He was not merely a fighter but a force of nature, whose `buzzsaw` approach to life and boxing left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
