Gervonta Davis Adopts New Name Like Muhammad Ali
In keeping with the traditions of other great American boxers, Gervonta Davis has decided to complete his conversion to Islam by taking on a new Muslim name.
On December 24 of this year, the 29-year-old fighter from Baltimore, Maryland, officially changed his name to reflect his newfound Muslim faith. Henceforth, Davis will be addressed by his new name, Abdul Wahid, which means “The Slave of the One.”
The insight, which came via a video that fellow fighter Badou Jack uploaded on X, marks a significant turning point in his religious journey. After word leaked out about his choice, he was immediately greeted with support from the Islamic community and received comments on social media.
“May Allah make it easy for you and keep you on the straight path,” said former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was among those paying tribute, upon learning of his new religion. The Russian featherweight responded, “Welcome to Islam, brother @Gervontaa.”
Also Read: Gervonta Davis, Convert, Welcomed By Islamic Community
Gervonta Davis is the next Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali.
With a perfect career record of 29-0, Davis has yet to win a unified title. He most recently fought Ryan Garcia via TKO in April 2023. He was reared as a Christian, but he has not yet made any remarks about his intention to become a different faith in public.
Nevertheless, he is not the first boxer to follow the path of Islam; Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali are among the exclusive group he joins.
The most famous winner in the sport is Ali, who once went by Cassius Clay. When they entered the ring, it resulted in an unforgettable conversation between Ali and Ernest Terrell, who addressed Ali by his given name.
Like Davis and Ali, Tyson also made the decision to devote himself to Islam, although he did not formally convert by assuming a Muslim name. Devin Haney practices the faith and, like the “Tank,” is unbeaten.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, an NBA player, is another well-known athlete who changed his name from Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. to his Muslim name.
