Stockholm, Sweden- Born WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack shared a tweet early today. In the post, he welcomed lightweight champion and boxing star Gervonta Davis (tagged) to Islam.
Jack’s message read, “Welcome to Islam, brother Gervontaa. Alhamdulillah.” A half-minute-long video accompanied the tweet. It showed him and a few of his companions reciting after the elder. A few channels on YouTube, such as FightHype.com, had also shared the short clip a few hours ago, “Gervonta Davis BECOMES A MUSLIM; CONVERTS to Islam after taking SHAHADAH.” Thus, Gervonta Davis would be joining many other boxing legends, such as ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, and many others, who embraced Islam. In one of the biggest fights of the year, ‘Tank’ defeated another rising star of boxing, Ryan Garcia, via a seventh-round knockout.
Akhi TV also welcomed the young boxer’s decision and pinned a message on their channel, “Alhmdallah Gervonta is now a MUSLIM Mashallah. Welcome Tank to the brotherhood.”
It was after the first Sonny Liston fight, February 25, 1964 that Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, announced that he had converted to Islam. He later refused to join the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Calling himself a ‘conscientious objector,’ he reportedly said, “War is against the teachings of the Holy Koran. I’m not trying to dodge the draft. We are supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger.” As a result of the stand he took, he lost his titles and stayed out of boxing for over three years.
Twenty-eight years later, Mike Tyson followed him and converted to Islam in 1992. He was born a Catholic. But reportedly his curiosity towards the religion increased after going through the book, his trainer and guide Cus D’Amato gave, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” It’s often reported that it was while serving sentence for the Desiree Washington case that ‘Iron’ Mike took the step towards becoming a Muslim. However, during an interview a few years ago, he clarified that he had converted before he went to the prison.
Since fighting ‘KingRy’ Gervonta Davis hasn’t returned to the ring. Though training footages do filter in once in a while. Off-later, his name has rather been making it to the headlines for the Devin Haney fight controversy. Both sides have been on an attacking mode over claims-counter claims, allegations, and even fight offers.
Aside from his accomplishments in boxing, the Baltimore-born boxer is well known for his charitable work. Last week, he even bought nine properties in the neighborhood where he grew up. After refurbishment, they could be provided with affordable housing.
Read More: After Spending 44 Days In Prison, Disheartened Gervonta Davis Makes Brutal Claim Against Judge After Being Denied His Request On Christmas
Who would you want Gervonta Davis to go against in the upcoming year? Please share your views with us in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Gervonta Davis Pays For Thanksgiving Turkeys For The Homeless
The post Gervonta Davis Joins Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson, Converts to Islam, Becomes Muslim appeared first on EssentiallySports.
