Dwight Muhammad Qawi
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Dwight Muhammad Qawi (Template:IPAc-en Template:Respell; born Dwight Braxton; January 5, 1953) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1978 to 1998. He was a world champion in two weight classes, having held the WBC and Ring magazine light heavyweight titles from 1981 to 1983, and the WBA cruiserweight title from 1985 to 1986. Qawi was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.[1]
Early life
Qawi, then known as Dwight Braxton, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but grew up in Camden, New Jersey, where he got involved with crime at a young age. He was eventually convicted of armed robbery and spent around five years in prison.[2]
It was in Rahway State Prison that Braxton found his place in life. The prison had an extensive boxing program and one of its inmates, James Scott, was a light heavyweight title contender who fought several times inside the prison itself. Braxton took up the sport, and when he was released from prison in 1978, immediately became a professional boxer. Qawi's style was most often likened to Joe Frazier and with good reason as he had trained in Frazier's Philadelphia gym as a professional. He converted to Islam in the early 80s and had his name changed from Dwight Braxton to Dwight Muhammad Qawi.
Professional career
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". He went 1-1-1 in his first three pro fights, but then reeled off 14 straight victories to move into the world rankings at light heavyweight. The last of those wins came on September 5, 1981, when Braxton returned to Rahway to fight Scott, with the winner promised a shot at Matthew Saad Muhammad's WBC world championship belt. Braxton won a unanimous 10-round decision.
On December 19 of the same year, Braxton faced Saad Muhammad in Atlantic City. Braxton was the underdog against Saad, one of the most popular fighters of his generation and a fellow future Hall of Famer, but Braxton defeated him on a 10th-round technical knockout and became a world champion for the first time.[3] It was shortly after this that he announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name.
He defended the title three times in the next 15 months, knocking out Jerry Martin, Saad Muhammad a second time and Eddie Davis. On March 18, 1983, he lost a close but unanimous decision to WBA champion Michael Spinks in a unification bout.
Qawi felt that making the division's 175-pound weight limit had drained him physically, and resolved to seek another world title in the newly created cruiserweight division. Freed of the need to fight to keep his weight down, Qawi reeled off another series of wins and claimed the WBA cruiserweight title on July 7, 1985, knocking out Piet Crous in Crous' native South Africa.
He won two more fights, including a victory over former world heavyweight titlist Leon Spinks, before accepting a challenge from Olympian Evander Holyfield on July 12, 1986. The fight, in Holyfield's hometown of Atlanta, went the full 15 rounds with Holyfield winning a split decision.
After the loss to Holyfield, Qawi fought off and on for the next 12 years, but never regained a world title. He rematched with Holyfield in 1987 for the WBA and IBF cruiserweight titles, but was stopped in the fourth round.
After a short stint in the heavyweight ranks, where in 1988 he lost to George Foreman by knockout in seven rounds, being forced to quit from exhaustion, he tried to regain the cruiserweight title. On November 27, 1989, he dropped a split decision to Robert Daniels for Holyfield's vacated WBA title.
Qawi retired in 1999 at the age of 46, with a career record of 41 wins, 11 losses and one draw, with 25 wins by way of knockout. Currently, he works as a boxing trainer in New Jersey.
Life after boxing
In 1998, Dwight began working at the Lighthouse, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Mays Landing, New Jersey. He works with both adults and adolescents and is a patient advocate.[4]
Professional boxing record
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | Loss | 41–11–1 | Tony LaRosa | UD | 8 | Nov 25, 1998 | Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 52 | Win | 41–10–1 | Tyrone Demby | TKO | 2 | Jun 27, 1997 | Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 51 | Win | 40–10–1 | Earl Clark | UD | 6 | May 8, 1997 | Boys and Girls Club, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 50 | Loss | 39–10–1 | Nate Miller | UD | 10 | Oct 13, 1992 | The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 49 | Win | 39–9–1 | Dave Fiddler | TKO | 2 (8), 2:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 18, 1992 | The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 48 | Loss | 38–9–1 | Arthur Williams | UD | 10 | May 8, 1992 | Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 47 | Win | 38–8–1 | Ric Lainhart | TKO | 1 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 7, 1992 | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 46 | Win | 37–8–1 | Ricky Parkey | RTD | 8 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 7, 1991 | Grand Hyatt, Washington, D.C., U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 45 | Win | 36–8–1 | Eddie Taylor | RTD | 4 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 23, 1991 | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 44 | Win | 35–8–1 | James Salerno | UD | 10 | Jun 11, 1991 | Tamiami Fairgrounds Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 43 | Win | 34–8–1 | Tommy Richardson | KO | 1 | Apr 20, 1991 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 42 | Win | 33–8–1 | Bert Gravley | TKO | 3 | Mar 2, 1991 | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 41 | Loss | 32–8–1 | Mike Hunter | UD | 12 | Mar 16, 1990 | Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 40 | Loss | 32–7–1 | Robert Daniels | SD | 12 | Nov 27 1989 | Pavillon Baltard, Nogent-le-Phaye, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For vacant WBA cruiserweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 39 | Win | 32–6–1 | Everett Martin | UD | 10 | May 22, 1989 | Circus Maximus Showroom, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 38 | Win | 31–6–1 | Andre McCall | UD | 12 | Apr 18, 1989 | Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won vacant WBC Continental Americas cruiserweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 37 | Win | 30–6–1 | Tyrone Booze | MD | 10 | Feb 15, 1989 | Pennsylvania Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 36 | Win | 29–6–1 | Olian Alexander | TKO | 3 (10), 0:53Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 23, 1988 | Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 35 | Loss | 28–6–1 | George Foreman | TKO | 7 (10), 1:51Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 19, 1988 | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 34 | Loss | 28–5–1 | Evander Holyfield | KO | 4 (15), 2:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 5, 1987 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For WBA and IBF cruiserweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 33 | Win | 28–4–1 | Lee Roy Murphy | TKO | 6 (10), 1:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 15, 1987 | Parking du Nouveau Port, Saint-Tropez, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 32 | Loss | 27–4–1 | Ossie Ocasio | MD | 10 | May 15, 1987 | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 31 | Win | 27–3–1 | Narcisco Maldonado | TKO | 4 (10), 1:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 6, 1987 | Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 30 | Loss | 26–3–1 | Evander Holyfield | SD | 15 | Jul 12, 1986 | Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost WBA cruiserweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 29 | Win | 26–2–1 | Leon Spinks | TKO | 6 (15), 2:56Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 22, 1986 | Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBA cruiserweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 28 | Win | 25–2–1 | Rick Enis | KO | 1 (10), 1:54Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 8, 1986 | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 27 | Win | 24–2–1 | Piet Crous | KO | 11 (15), 1:47Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 27, 1985 | Superbowl, Sun City, South AfricaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won WBA cruiserweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 26 | Win | 23–2–1 | Michael Greer | UD | 10 | Feb 27, 1985 | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 25 | Win | 22–2–1 | Stanley Ross | UD | 10 | Dec 12, 1984 | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 24 | Win | 21–2–1 | Pat Cuillo | UD | 10 | Mar 21, 1984 | Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 23 | Win | 20–2–1 | Johnny Davis | SD | 10 | Sep 17, 1983 | Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 22 | Loss | 19–2–1 | Michael Spinks | UD | 15 | Mar 18, 1983 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost WBC and The Ring light heavyweight titles; For WBA light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 21 | Win | 19–1–1 | Eddie Davis | TKO | 11 (15), 0:28Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 20, 1982 | Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBC and The Ring light heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 20 | Win | 18–1–1 | Matthew Saad Muhammad | TKO | 6 (15), 1:23Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 7, 1982 | Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBC and The Ring light heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 19 | Win | 17–1–1 | Jerry Martin | TKO | 6 (15), 2:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 21, 1982 | Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained WBC and The Ring light heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 18 | Win | 16–1–1 | Matthew Saad Muhammad | TKO | 10 (15), 2:54Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Dec 19, 1981 | Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won WBC and The Ring light heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 17 | Win | 15–1–1 | James Scott | UD | 10 | Sep 5, 1981 | Rahway State Prison, Woodbridge, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 16 | Win | 14–1–1 | Mike Rossman | KO | 7 (10), 1:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | May 31, 1981 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 15 | Win | 13–1–1 | Al Bolden | UD | 10 | Mar 5, 1981 | Pennsylvania Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 14 | Win | 12–1–1 | Johnny Davis | MD | 10 | Jan 8, 1981 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 13 | Win | 11–1–1 | Tony Mesoraca | TKO | 6 (10) | Nov 6, 1980 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 12 | Win | 10–1–1 | Rick Jester | TKO | 3 (10) | Aug 14, 1980 | International Amphitheatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 11 | Win | 9–1–1 | Charles Smith | TKO | 4 (10) | Jun 5, 1980 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 10 | Win | 8–1–1 | Leonard Langley | TKO | 2 (8), 2:47Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | May 8, 1980 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 9 | Win | 7–1–1 | Cornell Chavis | TKO | 1, 1:12Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 29, 1980 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 8 | Win | 6–1–1 | Theunis Kok | KO | 10 (10) | Feb 4, 1980 | Kings Park Stadium, Durban, South AfricaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 7 | Win | 5–1–1 | Johnny Wilburn | UD | 8 | Nov 14, 1979 | Civic Center, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 6 | Win | 4–1–1 | Donald Biff Cline | TKO | 1, 1:48Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 26, 1979 | Civic Center, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 5 | Win | 3–1–1 | Louis Butler | PTS | 8 | Jul 3, 1979 | Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 4 | Win | 2–1–1 | Louis Butler | UD | 6 | May 25, 1979 | Civic Center, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 3 | Loss | 1–1–1 | Johnny Davis | SD | 6 | Nov 2, 1978 | Audubon Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 2 | Win | 1–0–1 | Lou Benson Jr. | PTS | 6 | Jun 3, 1978 | Civic Center, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 1 | Template:DrawDraw | 0–0–1 | Leonard Langley | PTS | 6 | Apr 19, 1978 | D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
See also
References
External links
Template:S-sportsTemplate:S-textTemplate:S-vacTemplate:S-vacTemplate:S-end- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Pages with script errors
- 1953 births
- Living people
- American male boxers
- African-American boxers
- African-American Muslims
- Converts to Islam
- Sportspeople from Camden, New Jersey
- Boxers from Baltimore
- Boxers from New Jersey
- International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees
- World light-heavyweight boxing champions
- World cruiserweight boxing champions
- World Boxing Council champions
- World Boxing Association champions
- The Ring (magazine) champions
- 21st-century African-American sportsmen
- 20th-century African-American sportsmen
- Muslims from Maryland
- Muslims from New Jersey