A look back at the career of Dwight Muhammad Qawi aka Dwight Braxton, who emerged from a 5 1/2 year prison sentence to become light-heavyweight champion of the world.
I was always a fan of Dwight Muhammad Qawi. But I had no idea he was such remarkable man who should be commended for turning his life around. He accomplished many great things. He deserves a lot of respect. I always appreciate your efforts Rich. But I really enjoyed this one in particular ! Thank you for your exceptional work.
@@mattysquizzato7094he put up a good performance against Foreman while he took the fight on short notice,at the end of his career and was on alcohol abuse,he also had variety ways to defend so yeah,i think he'll last longer.
I have a short reach and boy does it such to spar with guys much taller. But it feels good when I can get into position to jab them. Just takes enormous amount of work. Meanwhile people my own height, I can just reach my arm out and land easy jabs. @@RAHEEMMILLNER34
@@RAHEEMMILLNER34lol, that’s a bullshit comment. It usually gives you an advantage to have longer reach. But there are also disadvantages up close and it takes more time to get the arm fully extended. It’s also tiring to move long arms a lot for a long fight. It’s not as black and white, but of course a less skilled fighter will usually prefer reach advantage. More times than not, it’s an advantage in boxing. So if you combine skill with reach, it’s usually an even greater advantage. However if you’re a stockier and more explosive fighter, it can be a good thing to be able to throw fast combinations without spending too much time rotating and stretching out unnecessary long limbs.
@@romarioalvarez7397 oh yeah definitely amazing and I wasn’t meaning to sound like I was correcting you. I was just pointing out that they were wrong in the documentary when they said he was 5’5. Not that it’s much of a difference lol
Qawi was an absolute machine! He was a relentless puncher with a bottomless gas tank. He had underrated defense as well. He was great at mid range and excellent at infighting. His right uppercut at clinching range was deceptive and wobbled heads. Qawi would have been a hard fight for any light heavyweight in any era. I would have loved to see Qawi vs Ezzard Charles at light heavyweight.
And only with 2 weeks notice, I believe. If I remember correctly, he was drinking heavily at the time and overweight. He gassed out against the tank the was George.
I knew Dwight when he was starting out and although he was raw and unproven, he was still considered a great prospect because of his sparring wars with James Scott when they were both at Rahway State Prison. When he lost to Johnny Davis, a lot of people wrote him off, but Dwight was a man-o-war and stayed extremely busy feeling he had to make up for time lost in prison. He was a guy who really believed he was destined to be a champion and more importantly, that no one could beat him. Nevertheless, he really took his trade seriously and trained as if his future depended on it. Consequently, he came into his matches believing that he was the best boxer in the ring despite his size. It helped that he had developed into an exceptional boxer, with quickness, great footwork and a solid defensive that enabled him to operate within close range. Excellent documentary that captures Dwight Muhammad Qawi in his greatness. A true legend which illustrates, it's not over if you have faith
I've only been a fan of you recently Rich but I find it humorous how seeing dudes like Dwight Muhammad Qawi being covered on your channel are like Mini special events to more Hard core fans of boxing, despite more casual fans probably never hearing of his name.
Watching this, Rich, you kept me up late... Qawi lived up to his moniker, "Camden Buzzsaw", as a younger man, watching him fight was always an adrenaline- filled rough passage. Unmatched fierceness, self-will, with self- honed, dedication to improve on his natural gifts, abilities: a supple, laser guided advancing defense, that upper body, head & timing of his is still perfection to watch. That precise - sharp combination punching, with power. So good to know he's found a way to get out of the darkness of his past, and addiction! This one's special for this largely forgotten great! Great work as usual Rich. Keep on!
Another outstanding documentary! No one does it better than you. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Qawi 2 or 3 years ago. It was an absolute pleasure meeting him! He was a childhood heroe of mine. Thank you for making these short documentaries.
Dwight is one of my favorite fighters of all time, he was such a likable dude. If Dwight smiled at you, you where in trouble. His defense and pressure overwhelmed alot guys.
Honestly this man is a huge inspiration to short people. I’m 5’9 and although I’m not as short as him my dream is to become a heavyweight boxer and that is extremely hard at 5’9. I really hope I grow a little bit but if he could be at heavyweight at 5’5 and actually do it decently then anyone can.
I was always a Dwight Braxton aka Qawi fan. A fighter who gave it everything he had in the ring and proved you can change your life outside the ring. Well done Champ!
This was one of my dad's favorite fighters. He always told me the story about how he watched Quawi vs Matthew Saad Muhammad live. He said they both were great fighters who were always ready for war 😎
Took me a while to come around on Qawi. It was hard to watch a beloved champ like Saad take those merciless beatings. Qawi seemed so mean and ruthless. But I came to really like him--his craft, his toughness, and how he fought so hard. And that Ocasio fight was a total robbery.
I knew him before Saad,but after knowing who Saad was it's hard to watch that fight again, it's like seeing your favorite character in a show dying,but after those i still think Qawi was nice..
I always likened him to Joe Frazier because of his Non-Stop forward motion and aggressive style that consisted of non-stop punches. It's cool that he comes from Camden, New Jersey because that is where the great Jersey Joe Walcott is from as well, and I wonder if they crossed the paths.
Was Qawi left handed he had a very strong jab but in saying that his right hand and uppercuts were lethal fully deserves his induction at ibhof brilliant documentary as usual rich
I was waiting for this one, thanks Rich! (I thought he beat Holyfield in their first fight but knew there was no chance he was going to get the decision against the Olympian in his home town.)
@@doseloverstar1183 He was totally classless against Leon Spinks. I never liked Qawi but I think he beat Holyfield. I think the ref saved Holyfield in his fight against Bert Cooper, too, jumping in to give Holyfield a rest when he was completely gassed. Fighting Holyfield in Atlanta was just a bad idea. The incredible thing about the Qawi fight is that it was on free afternoon tv. The eighties might not have been a golden age for boxing, but it was certainly a golden age for free tv boxing.
@@johnjamele I loved how he put the heat to Leon's cake. I met Mills Lane in midtown NYC back in late 02 early 03 was with his wife. Wasn't well. I asked him about the Bert Cooper Holyfield debacle. He just rubbed the broad I was with cheeks and that was it. Then I read about his stroke
Thanks for posting the film. Late 70's, early 80's was a great era for the light heavyweight division with some great Philly area fighters. Quai was a buzz saw! Brings back memories of my dad and I watching the fights.
Dwight "The Camden Buzzsaw" Qawi - PRO record: 41-11-1, KO's 25 / World title record: 6-4-0, KO's 6. - 2 Weight Division World Champion. # Lineal/WBC World Light Heavyweight Champion: 1981-1983 (4-1-0, KO's 4). # WBA World Cruiserweight Champion: 1985-1986 (2-1, KO's 2). # 2-time WBC Continental Americas Cruiserweight Champion: 1989-1990 & 1991. # Defeated 7 recognized world champions: Matthew Saad Muhammad x2, Leon Spinks, Ricky Parkey, Mike Rossman, Piet Crous, Lee Roy Murphy & Tyrone Booze + top contenders; James Scott, Eddie Davis etc. # Lost to 7 recognized world champions: Evander Holyfield x2, George Foreman, Michael Spinks, Ossie Ocasio, Robert Daniels, Arthur Williams & Nate Miller.
His win over Saad was impressive and heartbreaking, it's hard to watch Saad Muhammad,my favourite that was able to take many punishment and pull out a big comeback later,got destroyed like that and he was never the same after that too,but the torch has to be passed,and Qawi deserved the torch.
Rich,you are an absolute gem. The attention you give to these sometimes forgotten warriors is very much appreciated by this old man.Thank you for another ride on Rich's Time Machine 👏
It’s crazy i was just talking about Qawi on Twitter right now and this comes up. Someone said Roy Jones Jr was unbeatable in his prime and i said there’s four Light-Heavyweights that would have beaten him. Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, Micheal Spinks & Dwight Muhammad Qawi. They must have forgotten how great Qawi was. He’s a forgotten legend.
You don't think Bob Foster would've beaten Roy Jones jr.? I also would have picked light heavyweight Floyd Patterson over Roy, most likely. Although it is hard to say when you're talking about fighters who were essentially generational talents. It is always hard to know how guys with such rare physical tools and refined skills will matchup against one another.
Y'all must of forgot! Roy was a bad boy at 179, but I think he was even better at 168 maybe even untouchable. At light heavyweight, he still gives all the Guys named an extremely tough fight. One things for sure, no-one in history was able to match his athleticism.
@@brocklanders3616 Roy Jones jr. was absolutely AMAZING. A one of a kind talent. But that said, there are some other amazing fighters that have graced the light heavyweights who shouldn't be counted out against Jones jr.
@@jeremyseaton4898 Bob Foster was an all-time great L-HW. The reason i don’t have him beating RJJ is because he was a KO artist. He didn’t have the skillset those other guys had, Archie Moore was also a KO artist and he was defensively skilled. Ezzard Charles also had power but not on those two level’. However he was the most skillful Light-Heavyweight of all-time. He was the most complete fighter. I’d favour The Cincinnati Cobra to beat any L-HW in history. I Rarely call fighters perfect, but Charles was close to one. Also Floyd Patterson accomplished more and much better at HW. He only beaten the top contenders at L-HW, there’s no notable wins.
i enjoyed this very much sir i have always been a Fan of DWIGHT QAWI I have the ultimate respect for any man that steps into the ring but QAWI turned his life around through our beloved sport he was like a mini FRAZIER but with a better jab
The first time I saw this guy on TV he became an instant favorite. Those wars with Saad Muhammad were spectacular and when he destroyed Rossman, the fight in Rahway. His whole life and career is a movie.
Just over halfway through the video but I had to stop to say THANK YOU for the amazing work you do telling these fighters stories... Best content on the interwebs!!!
Just when I was hoping this would be one of the few documentaries of a boxers life that has a good ending, this was the one. Great film Rich! And yes this man had a beautiful upper cut!😎
Wow! Really enjoyed this one. Dwight was a banger, and his jab was lethal. Good to hear and see Carlos Padilla. Mills Lane, Tony Perez, Tim Ryan, Gil Clancy, Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell, Ed Darion, and Charlie Steiner. Looking forward to the next documentary Rich!
I remember when Dwight was in prison...followed his whole career...if he was fighting I was watching....Another great job Rich....Please keep them coming!! :)
@@kevindean1327 He took up boxing when he was at Rahway during the period that James Scott was there.....He didn't turn pro until he was out of prison.
Holyfield and Qawi...it still makes my jaw drop. Greatest Cruiserweight fight ever, bar none. It's amazing to think that Holyfield went on to have such a stellar career after that fight. A whole lot of guys would've been ruined by those 15 hellish rounds.
I had that Sports Illustrated issue as a kid, I've still got it with the article on Dwight and his brothers. I've liked him since then. Great guy!!! That Foreman punch that pretty much ended their fight landed to Dwight's back.
The king is dead. Long live the king. But what an incredible reign Dwight had after his redemption from prison. He ultimately won at the end of his career in the most important ring. That of recovery. Another classic Rich. Thanks for sharing!
Good job Rich for uploading the documentary of Dwight Muhammad Qawi one of my favorite little big man fighter in heavier weight divisions. He had the similar style to Joe Frazier and he went to fight taller and bigger opponents, it goes saying "don't let the short size fool you" as Qawi would chop them down to size. Anyways, thanks Rich for uploading after giving you my request.
YESSS SIR RICH, I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE SO GLAD YOU MADE A VIDEO ABOUT QAWI, FROM RAHWAY STATE PRISON, I LIVE IN NEWARK NJ AND TRAVEL TO CAMDEN SOMETIMES I THINK THAT'S WHERE HES FROM.
Good to see him making something out of his life after boxing and addiction. He's was an absolute beast in his prime. Short but could cutt the distance like nothing and had murderous punches.
What a great doco yet again by RTFH I have Dwight down as an All Time Great Fighter. If memory serves, he was actually a Middleweight that bulked up to Light Heavyweight I thought the first Holyfield fight was a draw at worst for Dwight to be honest. That fight ? Made Holyfield the fighter he went in to be. Brilliant footage of long long forgotten fighters ( unless you know your boxing history), of the Davis Brothers, Jerry Martin and the late, Great Matthew Saad Muhammad. I hope Dwight is doing well today 🥊🥊💥💥🥊🥊
One of my favorites fighters ever. Even though I don't normally like pressure fighters you couldn't help like Qawi, he was a real handful. Like the love-child of Joe Frazier and Pernell Whitaker.
👏👏👏. Bravo Rich. Absolutely loved every minute of that. Once again I know Dwight's career quite well, but knew very little of his story. Terrific stuff. Bless up bro 👊
I was a big Matthew Saad Muhammad fan back then. Saad Muhammad would get behind but always come back. But during the fight with the man who would become Dwight Muhammad Qawi, I kept waiting for Saad Muhammad to start his come back but he never was able to mount any offense against The Camden Buzzsaw. Word was that Saad Muhammad had a hard time makimg weight and he was drained by fight time. I eagerly awaited the rematch but it was even worse for Saad Muhammad. Can't say I was ever a fan of Qawi but I thought he was as fearsome as anyone out there. Great job on the doc, enjoyed revisiting the career of Qawi
This is my guy. I’m the same height and same build and years ago when I walked into the boxing gym I use to attempt mimic his fighting style!!! Big mistake!!! I use to get my ass kicked in sparring!! 😂🤣😂🤣
ah man i been waiting for this one in my opinion one of the most underrated ever i was born in the 90's the only reason im so familiar with him is bc my angel of a mother is a boxing nerd her side of the family have always been involved in boxing gym's so i thank my beautiful mother for giving me the knowledge of watching these legends her dad would film every boxing match he could its a dame shame majority of them are destroyed
Rich the Fight Historian always bringing home the goods-I just finished the excellent Jerry Quarry vid now you’ve brought us Dwight Qawi/Braxton-as an old school boxing fan that could only read about guys like this in boxing publications-I hope the RU-vidrs know how lucky they are that this channel exists
Although he beat one of my all time favorite fighters in Saad I always liked Dwight. Always seemed genuine and a good guy. I was rooting for him against Spinks
I have always loved watching Dwight. His ferocity was incredible! The punches he landed on Leon Spinks and Saad Muhammad were truly devastating. Thanks so much, Rich!! You videos are always gems!!
Finally the great Dwight Muhammad Qawi only boxing fans know this man true boxing fans I bring his name up all the time and people don't even know who I'm talking about some fans,SMH 👊👊
Great Job, loved this episode. Great memories. I forgot how bad that Rossman beating was. It was like Qawi could not miss with a power shot. Mike took some hard accurate shots. Many thanks!
LOVED watching Braxton fight in the 80s. In his prime with focus and no booze, he had one of the best chins in boxing. That first fight with Holyfield was an absolute war
Amazing human being,,,never thru the towel in,,,Dwight is a teacher for all of us couch potatoes,you can turn your life around if you really want to,,he's a prime example. ..cheers to you Rich.
I really enjoyed your story Dwight. I had seen some of your brutal, badass fights. I started the documentary and for the first half thought I had hit the wrong button and it was another boxer. I wasn't aware of name change, but it made your story all the more interesting. Loved your story, your pure heart, and that you ended giving yourself to others from a wise stance of goodwill. Great days ahead for you my brother!!!
As ever very grateful for your diligence Rich. I remember the up and coming Dwight as `the other one from Rahway`. Quite the life- thanks for telling it - and as I have said before, keep going and going Sir !
