Unforgotten: Dwight Muhammad Qawi

Published on 5 April 2023 at 09:00

Dwight Muhammad Qawi, formerly known as Dwight Braxton, was a boxing legend with an impressive career spanning over two decades. He was born on January 5, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, and started his professional boxing career in 1978. Qawi fought in the light heavyweight and cruiserweight weight classes and stood at a height of 5 feet 7 inches.

 

Qawi's boxing career was characterized by his fearless and unyielding style in the ring. In his early career, he claimed the U.S. Boxing Association light heavyweight title and the North American Boxing Federation cruiserweight title. In 1981, he faced off against top-rated contender Matthew Saad Muhammad in Atlantic City. Qawi won the fight via a 10-round unanimous decision and claimed the WBC light heavyweight title.

 

Qawi's most notable fight occurred in 1982 when he challenged Michael Spinks for the undisputed light heavyweight championship in a brutal 15-round battle. Despite being outweighed by 25 pounds, Qawi pushed Spinks to the limit and put up a strong fight. The fight ultimately came down to the 15th round, where Spinks emerged victorious via a controversial split decision.

 

After his loss to Spinks, Qawi moved up to the cruiserweight division, where he challenged Evander Holyfield for the WBA title. In a grueling 15-round battle, Qawi lost via a unanimous decision. However, he made a comeback in 1986, defeating Lee Roy Murphy to claim the WBA cruiserweight title.

 

Throughout his career, Qawi's tenacity and physical toughness made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring. He was known for his expert body punching and his ability to take a punch. Qawi retired from professional boxing in 1998, with a record of 41 wins, 11 losses, and a draw.

 

In conclusion, Dwight Muhammad Qawi's life and boxing career was marked by dedication, skill, and perseverance. His impressive achievements in the ring have earned him a place in boxing history as one of the greatest fighters of his time. Despite his relatively short stature, he was often described as a 'giant killer' due to his victories over much larger opponents. Qawi's legacy as a boxing icon will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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