Boxing legend Dwight Muhammad Qawi has died at the age of 72. He was a Hall of Fame fighter who started boxing while in prison and later became a world champion in two different weight classes.

His sister, Wanda King, said he died on Friday, July 25, after battling dementia for five years.

She said he had a good heart and fought his illness with the same strength he showed in the ring. According to her, he remained strong until the very end.

Qawi was born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore and raised in Camden. While in prison for armed robbery, he joined a boxing program and discovered his talent. After leaving prison in 1978, he became a professional boxer at age 25.

In December 1981, Qawi defeated Matthew Saad Muhammad in the 10th round to win the WBC light heavyweight title. He changed his name to Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1982 after becoming a Muslim. Eight months after their first match, he defeated Saad again, this time in the sixth round.

Qawi lost a fight to Michael Spinks in 1983 and then moved up to the cruiserweight division. In July 1985, he won the WBA cruiserweight title by defeating Piet Crous. A year later, he lost that title in a tough 15-round match against Evander Holyfield, who later became a heavyweight champion.

Qawi also tried fighting as a heavyweight. He faced George Foreman, who stopped him in the seventh round.

Qawi retired from boxing in 1998 at the age of 46. He finished his career with 41 wins, 11 losses, 1 draw, and 25 knockouts.

In 2004, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame to honor his success in the sport.

After retiring, Qawi worked as a boxing coach. He also helped young people and worked as a drug and alcohol counselor.

Since his passing, many tributes have been shared. The WBC said they are praying for his peaceful rest. They praised him for finding boxing during his time in prison and becoming a champion. They also described him as a great father, grandfather, and positive example in society.