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BROOKLYN, NY – JULY 29: Gervonta Davis answers questions during a media availability on July 29, 2017 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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BROOKLYN, NY – JULY 29: Gervonta Davis answers questions during a media availability on July 29, 2017 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Boxing legends like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson have not just fought battles in the ring; they’ve also navigated spiritual journeys. Ali, once Cassius Clay, found a new identity in Islam. Tyson followed a similar path, embracing the faith amid his tumultuous career. Now, another name joins this unique legacy: Gervonta Davis.
Known as ‘Tank’, Davis’ conversion to Islam has stirred curiosity. His choice is intriguing in a sport where personal and professional battles often intertwine. Fans were left wondering what his new name is gonna be, and let’s find out what it is.
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Gervonta Davis picks an interesting name
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Converting to Islam, Gervonta Davis adopted the name Abdul Wahid. This name, steeped in spiritual meaning, translates to “the servant of the One.” It reflects a deep reverence for the unique nature of Allah in Islamic belief.
Gervonta Davis chose the Muslim name Abdul Wahid (the slave of The One) today at Masjid Hidayah with Imam Hasan Somali & Raha Batts@hikmahpubs @RahaBatts @MasjidHidaayah @GtownMasjid pic.twitter.com/PtnfqIcG0Y
— DUS Dawah (@DusDawah) December 27, 2023
Imam Hasan Somali highlighted the significance of Davis’ choice. He stated, “The attribute that he chose, the name that he chose as a Muslim is Abdul Wahid. It means the servant of the one from the names of Allah, the name of God is Al Wahid.” This statement underscores the profound personal and spiritual transformation Davis has undergone.
Furthermore, adopting a new name in Islam, while not obligatory, signifies a significant shift in identity. It’s a choice that echoes the paths of other Muslim athletes, yet Davis’ journey remains distinct and personal. Similar transformations occurred in the lives of other boxing greats. Mike Tyson, known as Malik Abdul Aziz after converting, found stability and direction in Islam amidst a turbulent career. Matthew Loach, turning to Matthew Saad Muhammad, also embraced Islam, reshaping his personal and professional identity.
Tyson converted into a Muslim when he was in prison. It helped him be more calm and guided him through personal and professional challenges. He’s till date practicing and preaching Islam, and how it helped him in his darkest times. In an interview with Patrick Bet David he revealed, “I only knew worshiping myself because I was always told to believe in myself, and the connection with me and Allah is just what it is. It is who I am and that’s just what it is.”
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Former Heavyweight Champion, Mike Tyson, walks off the field at Hard Rock Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
As Davis continues his journey both in and out of the ring, it will be interesting to see how this spiritual shift influences his career and personal life.
Also Read: UFC Featherweight Welcomes Gervonta Davis To Islam Following His Conversion
How do you think this change might impact Davis’ approach to boxing and his role in the sports community? Does embracing a new faith or identity fundamentally alter one’s path, or does it enhance the journey already begun? Let us watch Abdul Wahid’s next steps in the ring with a deeper understanding of the man behind the gloves.
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Watch This Story: Gervonta Davis Pays For Thanksgiving Turkeys For The Homeless
