Leonard Ellerbe has landed himself in some hot waters with the boxing community after laughing at a consoling message from Gervonta Davis to a hardcore boxing fan. However, the CEO of Mayweather Promotions was clearly unaware of the fact that Davis’ message was genuine. Nevertheless, fans didn’t see it that way!

Everything began with a simple tweet from Ray Jackson, updating his followers about his father’s declining health. So, ‘Tank’ came to Jackson’s aid, comforting him with the message, but Ellerbe took the tweet from Davis as a joke and proceeded to laugh at it. When the boxing world found the tweet, they were quick to reality-check the CEO of Mayweather Promotions.

Gervonta Davis’ response to Ray Jackson

Earlier today, Jackson tweeted, “Just when things were starting to turn around for me, you get a phone call about your papa, life isn’t fair mane, im off this b***h see yall next year.” Later, Davis tweeted at Jackson, “@RayJack97010720 keep ya head up, bruv..” That’s when the CEO of Mayweather tweeted a laughing emoji, responding to ‘Tank.’Since Ellerbe’s tweet started circulating on X, it has collected nearly 15 K views and a plethora of comments.

While some were confused as to why Ellerbe laughed at the unfortunate news, others were not so kind. Most of the people were outraged by the tweet from Ellerbe, taking to the comment section to express their frustration.

Fan asks Leonard Ellerbe to delete the tweet

After the misunderstanding that ensued on X, things quickly turned serious as one fan asked Ellerbe to remove the tweet immediately. The user claimed that Ellerbe didn’t know anything about the situation.

Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis knocked Ryan Garcia out with a liver shot in his previous match, proving his insane punching power yet again. Despite being just 29 currently, Davis has amassed a record that boasts of winning championships across three weight divisions. This has also earned him a huge fanbase that often wants to know more about him. Well, a large chunk of his fans have often wanted to know about the Baltimore native’s religion as well.

Most fans might have guessed from ‘Tank’s’ name that he was born into a Christian family. Both his father, Garrin Davis, and his mother, Kenya Brown, are Christians. Gervonta also used to follow the religion that he was born in. But he decided to make a change and convert to Islam just a few hours back. A post from the combat sports covering Instagram account, ‘Full Violence’ revealed that ‘Tank’ converted to Islam recently. Their caption read:

Several boxers, including the Greats, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson, had also taken Davis’ path and accepted Islam previously. They believed joining Islam would help bring discipline into their lives and guide them on a better path. Well, most of his fans may know that Davis‘ life outside the boxing ring also packs several controversies. His nonchalant lifestyle may have prompted him to choose Islam as the guide to a better life.

When and whom is Gervonta Davis fighting next?

It’s quite apparent that a large chunk of Davis’ fanbase is also awaiting his return to the ring eagerly. ‘Tank’ had his last bout against the noted, Ryan ‘KingRy’ Garcia on 22 April, where he put up an awesome showcase of his skills. Both fighters matched each other up in terms of skills right from the opening seconds of the bout. But, the eighth round of the bout displayed ‘Tank’s’ insane punching power once more. He knocked down Garcia with a heavy liver shot, a blow from which ‘KingRy’ never recovered and lost the bout.

‘Tank’s’ previous KO victory has his fans even more hyped up for his next fight. Currently, three names might become the next obstacle in the Baltimore native’s way. There are talks of a Davis vs. Garcia rematch in the boxing community. However, a large chunk of boxing fans also see the multiple title-holding Devin Haney and the noted Shakur Stevenson as able rivals for Davis. But as of now, there’s no confirmation about ‘Tank’s’ next rival, which has his fans speculating about who it will be.

Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson’s conversion to Islam defined their careers in many ways. Now Davis has joined their path. Sweden-born WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack, shared a tweet early today. In the post, he welcomed lightweight champion and boxing star Gervonta Davis to Islam. His message read, “Welcome to Islam, brother Gervontaa. Alhamdulillah.” A half-minute-long video accompanied the tweet. It showed Davis 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, “Gervonta Davis BECOMES A MUSLIM; CONVERTS to Islam after taking SHAHADAH.” 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.”

As per several reports, Davis was Christian before converting to Islam. In fact, he even has a cross tattoo on his right arm. Did you know religion was one of the discussions leading up to the Davis and Ryan Garcia fight in April 2023? Garcia considers himself a devout Christian, but Davis thinks differently. “I praise God in everything, but he (Garcia) drink a lot, gamble a lot. He do all this stuff.”

Clearly, religion and spirituality have a deep meaning in his life. He has now joined many other boxing legends, such as ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, and others, who embraced Islam.

Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Clay. After the first Sonny Liston fight on February 25, 1964, he announced his conversion 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 Quran. 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.

When Mike Tyson converted to Islam

Twenty-eight years later, Mike Tyson followed Ali and converted to Islam in 1992. He was born a Catholic. But reportedly, his curiosity about Islam increased after reading through ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’. As per sources, his mentor and guide, Cus D’Amato, gave him the book.

It’s often reported that it was while serving sentence for the Desiree Washington case that ‘Iron’ Mike took a step towards becoming a Muslim. But during an interview a few years ago, he clarified that he had converted before he went to prison.

Gervonta Davis is thus following the path of other legends. Like Tyson was entangled in a legal issue, Davis too has has faced legal issues. However, the reason behind his conversion isn’t yet known.

Aside from his accomplishments in boxing, Davis is well known for his charitable work. Last week, he even bought nine properties in the neighborhood where he grew up. After refurbishment, they will be used for affordable housing.

What do you think about Davis’ decision to convert to Islam? Moreover, what do you think about Gervonta’s charity work?

Gervonta Davis encountered a major setback as sections of the affordable housing he recently acquired lay in ruins following a destructive fire.

‘Tank’ generously reinvested in the community where he grew up. The 29-year-old returned to his childhood neighborhood of Sandtown-Winchester in Baltimore and acquired an entire block consisting of nine houses. Through his GTD Development, the boxing superstar planned to renovate these properties, transforming them into affordable housing for the local community.

However, shortly after Davis celebrated this philanthropic act, Calvin Ford, his longtime trainer, shared a video on Instagram that revealed a fire engulfing a part of the newly purchased building. Fortunately, firefighters seem to have successfully managed the situation, though the exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

Fans responded to the fire incident with a diverse range of reactions.

Gervonta Davis is giving back to the community he once grew up in.

Tank is one of the biggest names in boxing after defeating Ryan Garcia in a PPV blockbuster earlier this year.

But despite his rising celebrity status and ever-increasing bank account, Davis has not forgotten where he came from.

This week, the 29-year-old returned to his Baltimore roots to buy a nine-house block in his old childhood neighbourhood of Sandtown-Winchester.

The boxing superstar’s GTD Development will then renovate these buildings to create affordable housing for the local community.

“I definitely want to thank everybody that was included and helped us make this happen,” Davis said.

“I feel as though when I was coming up, we didn’t have somebody to be hands-on with us.”

According to the Baltimore Banner, Davis believes the key to improving the city as a whole is by investing in its youth.

Tank’s generous donation will lead to renovations starting with the vacant building at 1542 North Woodyear Street.

“Tank, when he goes around the world, he literally carries the city of Baltimore on his back,” Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby said at a press conference with Gervonta in attendance.

“For you to come back, invest in your hometown, invest in your community, and invest in your block – is truly, truly special.”

Needless to say, Davis’ incredible gesture has gone down a storm with boxing fans online who praised the 29-0 fighter for his philanthropic efforts.

“I’m definitely proud of my favourite boxer giving back to his city,” one person said.

“Amazing inside the ring and outside the ring. ‘Tank’ is more than an athlete now. He’s a role model, and this is only the beginning of his story,” another person said on Instagram.

“Name another doing things like this without bragging about it… shows how real Tank is,” added a third.

This isn’t the first time Davis has been praised for giving back to his home city.

Earlier this year, he was widely lauded for his turkey giveaway to Baltimore natives during Thanksgiving.

He has also been known to hold backpack giveaways for students before the school year starts.

Davis’ net worth is approximately $4million (£3.2m) and it’s great to see him putting it to good use.

Earlier this year, boxing superstar Gervonta Davis gained the praise of fans for his turkey giveaway to Baltimore natives during Thanksgiving. Now, the boxer has once again received applause for another credible endeavor.

This Thursday, Davis returned to Baltimore to buy a nine-house block in his old childhood neighborhood of Sandtown-Winchester. ‘Tank,’ who bagged a massive payday of $30 million for his fight with Ryan Garcia earlier this year, is planning to renovate and create affordable housing on the block.

Suffice it to say boxing fans are happy with their superstar’s actions and rushed to social media to note their appreciation for Davis.