Just Like Muhammad Ali, Will Gervonta Davis Also Be Referred by His Muslim Name or Will He Take the Mike Tyson Route?
Follow Us
Gervonta Davis made waves in the boxing community when he transitioned from Christianity to Islam. Surprisingly, Davis had kept his beliefs private until his friend, Badou Jack, shared the news on social media. This shift in faith isn’t unique to Davis; legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson have taken a similar route.
Recently, in a heartfelt ceremony at Masjid Al-Hidaayah in Woodlawn, Davis, a Baltimore native, publicly declared his new faith. With Imam Hassan Abdi guiding him, Davis recited the Shahada, signifying his conversion. To symbolize this change, Davis now goes by the name of Abdul Wahid.
The future path for Gervonta Davis
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a significant turn of events, on December 24, the 29-year-old made this announcement, revealing his new Muslim name, Abdul Wahid, which signifies ‘The Slave of the One’. Thus he will now be known by his new name. The Islamic community quickly extended its warm embrace towards Davis. Many took to social media to express their support.
This transition for Davis aligns with the choices made by other renowned American boxers in the past. Like Muhammad Ali who embraced Islam after getting in touch with the Nation of Islam. His meeting with Malcolm X also helped in his decision. Meanwhile, Tyson too took to Islam after getting influenced by Malcolm X when he was serving his sentence. While Tyson retained his original name post the conversion, it seems that Davis will be following Ali’s footsteps and might stick to his new name. The Baltimorean has inspired another champion to follow suit.
Trending
Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia Rematch in Four Words
May 01, 2024 02:25 PM EDT
“It’s Just Too Much for Me”: Jermall Charlo Contemplates Retirement as Rivalry With Caleb Plant Reaches Boiling Point
May 01, 2024 04:02 PM EDT
Controversial Boxing Insider Confirms Floyd Mayweather Fans’ Worst Fear Amidst Dubai Debacle
April 29, 2024 09:21 PM EDT
Terence Crawford Responds to Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Diss Track With Bold Declaration
May 02, 2024 03:35 PM EDT
A Far Cry From Floyd Mayweather’s Treatment of Him, Gervonta Davis Applauds Kevin Durant’s Support for Anthony Edwards
April 30, 2024 09:32 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Another boxer follows the footsteps of Davis
The ex-WBC light-middleweight champ Tony Harrison followed the footsteps of Davis and embraced Islam as well. Former Australian titleholder Billy Dib recently shared his thoughts on Tony Harrison. Dib, who has endured his own share of hardships after losing his wife to cancer and later battling the disease himself, found solace in faith. Expressing his joy, he commented, “Both Gervonta Davis and now Tony Harrison have embraced Islam. It’s heartwarming to see.”
In less than a week 2 brothers from the boxing fraternity have embraced the faith of Islam AL-HUMDULILAH My brother @Gervontaa and now brother @Iamboxing Mashallah. pic.twitter.com/qbo0kBJhga
— Billy Dib (@BillyDib) December 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The boxing community’s reaction has been supportive. With Davis already taking the Muslim name Abdul Wahid, there’s curiosity about Harrison’s choice. Will he follow a similar path? It seems the camaraderie among Muslim boxers is growing, with many welcoming their brothers warmly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As the community expands, it’ll be interesting to see how names and faith intertwine in the world of boxing.
Watch This Story: Gervonta Davis Makes Bold Remarks on Mike Tyson Comparison
Edited by:
Snigdhaa Jaiswal