Following in Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson‘s footsteps, Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis has converted to Islam. The Baltimore native, who was last seen in the ring against Ryan Garcia this year, was seen taking his shahadah (affirmation of Islamic faith) in a video posted by boxer Badou Jack on social media.

‘Tank’, who was raised a Christian, has not yet spoken on the reasons behind his conversion nor were there indications that he was positively inclined towards Islam, which is why the conversion caught fans by surprise. This has prompted good wishes from all directions for the boxer, including Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s camp.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager reacts to Gervonta Davis’ conversion

In the video shared by Badou Jack, Gervonta Davis and two of his friends recite the Islamic testimony declaring their faith in Allah and Prophet Muhammad as his messenger. With this declaration, Davis is officially a Muslim and will be expected to keep the five pillars of the faith. WBC lightweight champion and rival Devin Haney, who is often compared to Davis had also converted to Islam two years ago.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s former manager Ali Abdelaziz reacted to UFC fighter Movsar Evloev’s tweet congratulating Gervonta Davis for converting to Islam.

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

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

Controversial Boxing Insider Confirms Floyd Mayweather Fans’ Worst Fear Amidst Dubai Debacle

April 29, 2024 09:21 PM EDT

“I Shouldn’t Have Took This”: Ryan Garcia Comes Clean on Failed Drugs Test as Devin Haney Breaks Silence

May 02, 2024 04:07 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“May Allah make it easy for you and keep you on the straight path. Welcome to Islam brother @Gervontaa,” the Russian featherweight wrote. And Abdelaziz added his own congratulatory message to it and wrote “Mashallah,” which translates from Arabic to ‘God has willed it’ and is a common expression used to convey wonder or awe.

The boxer seems to be following the path set by Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Ali converted to Islam in 1964, and it was one of the most defining moments of his career. His decision enraged his critics. Owing to his religion, Ali also refused to serve in Vietnam- a stand that cost him his titles and career. 28 years later, Mike Tyson converted to Islam. He converted before serving his sentence in prison.

Now further, Davis has already gotten started on charity, one of the five tenets of his new faith.

Davis purchased Baltimore property for the needy; Caught fire

Davis’ attempts to give back to his childhood community faced a setback. ‘Tank’ grew up in poverty in Baltimore’s Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood and recently bought a block there to try to redevelop and improve it. The houses were to be used for the welfare of the community. However, right after he bought the entire block, a few of the houses caught fire.

All We Know About Tony Ferguson and His Time at Harvard University? What Did the UFC Veteran Study?

Fans had a field day and made wild speculations about the incident. However, it has been reported that the fire was caused by electrical malfunction and there are no suspicions of it being arson.

On the boxing front, Davis awaits his next challenge in the ring. Do you think this new path will help him on his journey? What are your thoughts on this surprise announcement from the undefeated star? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Conor McGregor Beefs With Nate Diaz, Dustin Poirier, Joe Rogan & Tony Ferguson On The Same Day