Gervonta Davis, the highly acclaimed world-class boxer hailing from Baltimore, made headlines on Sunday as he embraced Islam in a heartfelt ceremony at Masjid Al-Hidaayah in Woodlawn, Maryland.
The ceremony witnessed Davis performing the shahada, the Islamic testimony of faith, marking a significant spiritual milestone for the undefeated boxing champion.
During the ceremony, Davis chose the name Abdul Wahid, which translates to “the servant of the one.” While he has not legally changed his name, the symbolic adoption reflects his commitment to his newfound faith.
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 announcement, made via social media, garnered a warm and welcoming response from the Islamic community. Numerous congratulatory messages and expressions of support flooded the comments, with many extending blessings and prayers for Davis’s journey in Islam.
“Alhamdulillah,” wrote one social media user. “Welcome to the Ummah brother. We ask Allah to keep you steadfast on the siratul mustaqeem.”
Another follower expressed their wishes, saying, “May Allah protect him from evil and guide him towards the best this life and the hereafter has to offer him. Ameen.”
While the majority of responses were positive, there was a subset of individuals who expressed skepticism and criticism, questioning Davis’s sincerity and raising concerns about his personality.
Gervonta Davis, with an unblemished record of 29-0, is a highly popular and successful boxer. Despite his achievements, he has yet to secure an undisputed lightweight title or become a unified champion. With Devin Haney’s departure from the division in 2023, new opportunities have arisen for Davis to pursue these coveted titles.
His last fight, in April, resulted in a TKO victory over Ryan Garcia. Speculation now surrounds Davis’s future opponents, with rumors suggesting 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, and fans eagerly await his continued success in both the boxing ring and his newfound spiritual journey.
