Gervonta Davis, a world-renowned boxer from Baltimore, converted to Islam in a ceremony at a Maryland mosque. In the ceremony at Masjid Al-Hidaayah in Woodlawn, Davis performed the shahada – the Islamic testimony of faith – and embraced a Muslim name: Abdul Wahid, which means “the servant of the one.”
The revelation was made through a video posted by fellow boxer Badou Jack on X, gaining attention.
Breaking News: Gervonta Davis @gervontaa chose the Muslim name Abdul Wahid (the slave of The One) today at Masjid Hidayah with Imam Hassan Somali and Raha Batts. May Allah preserve them all pic.twitter.com/VUmpUwRO6g
— Mutah Beale مطاع بيل (@MutahNapoleon) December 28, 2023
The post received a warm response from the Islamic community, with congratulatory messages and welcoming remarks.
Boasting an undefeated record of 29-0, Davis is a highly popular boxer. Despite his success, he has yet to win an undisputed lightweight title or become a unified champion. His last fight was in April last year, where he secured a TKO victory over Ryan Garcia.
While his future opponents remain uncertain, there are rumors of a rematch with Garcia or potential bouts against Haney or Shakur Stevenson. As the newly promoted WBA lightweight champion, Davis is expected to defend his title in 2024.
Davis isn’t the only noteworthy boxer to have converted to Islam. The most famous pugilist in the sport’s history was a Muslim, with Muhammad Ali’s name change being a focal topic in his infamous bout with Ernest Terrell, who insisted on referring to his opponent by his birth name, Cassius Clay.
Another famous Muslim boxer is Mike Tyson, one of the most feared heavyweights of all time. Despite converting to Islam before his stint in prison in 1992, Tyson never formally adopted a Muslim name. However, there were rumors that he had adopted Malik Abdul Aziz as his name.
