Former two-weight boxing world champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi has died at the age of 72.
Born Dwight Braxton in Baltimore, Maryland in 1953, Qawi would spent time in prison after being convicted of armed robbery as a youth.
It was during this time that Qawi found boxing, and he made his debut in 1978 just months after being released.
After winning just one of his first three fights in the professional ranks Qawi quickly amassed an impressive winning streak at light heavyweight that earned him a shot at then WBC and Ring Magazine champion Matthew Saad Muhammad.
Qawi defeated Muhammad by 10th round TKO to become world champion just years after being released from prison and went on to defend the belt three times before being defeated by Michael Spinks in 1983.
After moving up to cruiserweight the 5ft 6in Qawi would once again defy expectations, stopping the previously undefeated South African Piet Cous to become a two-weight world champion.
Former two-weight boxing world champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi has died aged 72
Qawi became WBC light heavyweight champion by defeating Matthew Saad Muhammad just four years after being released from prison
The International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee is also remembered for his two fights with Evander Holyfield
Qawi defended his title by knocking out Leon Spinks in 1986 before again putting the belt on the line later that year, this time against up-and-coming star Evander Holyfield.
Despite giving up more than six inches in height against Holyfield, Qawi produced and impressive performance against the Olympic bronze medallist.
While he ultimately did not do enough to get his hand raised, the fight – which was broadcast on ITV in the United Kingdom – earned a cult following and is regarded as one of the last great 15-round bouts.
The following year Qawi rebounded with a win over Narcisco Maldonado, but was unable to defeat Holyfield in a 1987 rematch and was stopped by a returning George Foreman after moving up to heavyweight the following year.
Qawi finally hung up his gloves in 1999 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.
After his retirement from the sport he worked as a boxing trainer, youth advocate and drug and alcohol counselor.Â
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Dwight Muhammad Qawi dead at 72: Boxing legend who fought George Foreman and Evander Holyfield – and served time in prison – passes away