The boxing world mourns the loss of Dwight Muhammad Qawi, affectionately known as \"The Camden Buzzsaw,\" who passed away at the age of 72. Qawi's extraordinary life story is a testament to perseverance, transformation, and an unyielding spirit in and out of the ring. Rising from humble and challenging beginnings, including a period of incarceration, he defied expectations to become a two-division world champion, leaving an indelible mark on the light heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. His career was characterized by an aggressive, relentless style that saw him consistently conquer bigger opponents, establishing a legacy far beyond his physical stature. Beyond his boxing achievements, Qawi's later life was dedicated to helping others overcome addiction and personal struggles, reflecting a profound personal growth and commitment to community.

Born Dwight Braxton, Qawi's journey took an unexpected turn when, at 19, he served five and a half years for armed robbery. It was during this period of incarceration that he began to transform his life, pursuing education and discovering his innate talent for boxing. Upon his release, he wasted no time, making his professional debut just one month later. Despite an initially uneven start, marked by a 1-1-1 record in his first three fights, Qawi's dedication to the sport was unwavering. He meticulously honed his skills at Joe Frazier's Gym, enduring grueling training regimens and sparring with seasoned veterans like Willie Monroe, Bennie Briscoe, and Marvin Johnson. This rigorous training, coupled with a strategic refinement of his defensive techniques, including adopting a cross-and-block style and improving his head movement, allowed him to evolve into the formidable fighter he became.

Qawi's breakthrough came when he challenged Matthew Saad Muhammad for the WBC title. Despite Saad Muhammad's reputation as \"Miracle Matthew\" for his incredible ability to recover and win, Qawi’s meticulous preparation and understanding of his opponent's style proved decisive. He battered Saad Muhammad over ten rounds, marking a significant victory that ushered in a new era. Following this win, Dwight Braxton converted to Islam and changed his name to Dwight Muhammad Qawi, symbolizing a profound personal and spiritual transformation. He later defeated Saad Muhammad in a rematch, further cementing his dominance in the division. Qawi's career was also defined by his fierce rivalry with Michael Spinks, whom he fought in a highly anticipated light heavyweight bout. Though he lost the decision, this fight is considered one of the greatest in the division's history.

As the cruiserweight division emerged, Qawi embraced the opportunity to legitimize it. He captured the WBA cruiserweight belt and, in a strategic move to lure Michael Spinks back into the ring, he devastatingly defeated Michael's older brother, Leon Spinks. However, it was his epic 15-round battle with a young Evander Holyfield that truly showcased Qawi’s enduring legacy. Despite losing a controversial split decision in Holyfield's hometown, the fight is widely regarded as one of the greatest cruiserweight contests ever, effectively putting the division on the map. Qawi's relentless aggression and unyielding pressure cemented his reputation as a formidable opponent, embodying the very essence of a \"buzzsaw\" in the ring.

Beyond the bright lights of the boxing arena, Qawi faced significant personal demons, including battling depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction. These struggles often intertwined with his professional life, impacting his later career performances. Yet, in a testament to his resilience, Qawi ultimately achieved sobriety and dedicated his post-boxing life to helping others in similar situations. His work at The Lighthouse, assisting individuals with addiction and difficult living circumstances, brought him immense satisfaction and allowed him to transform his own experiences into a source of inspiration and guidance for others. His commitment to advocating for a fighters' union and a pension fund also highlighted his enduring concern for the welfare of his peers. Dwight Muhammad Qawi's life was a powerful narrative of triumph over adversity, a journey that saw him evolve from a troubled youth to a boxing icon and, ultimately, a compassionate mentor, leaving behind a legacy of both sporting greatness and profound human resilience.