Mike Tyson's tattoo and their meaning

Last Modified Nov 12, 2024 15:28 GMT
Mike Tyson Tattoos
Mike Tyson [Image via @miketyson on Instagram]

'Iron' Mike Tyson, born on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, is one of the most renowned and controversial figures in boxing. A problem child growing up, Tyson was always in various troubles. His life turned around when he met a trainer Cus D'Amato, who eventually took on the role of his mentor and father figure. Under D'Amato's tutelage, Tyson blossomed into a dangerous heavyweight with incomparable power and speed. Tyson’s amateur career showed his potential, winning gold at the Junior Olympics before turning professional in 1985 at just 18 years old.

Tyson’s rise in the professional scene was meteoric. His first 19 bouts were all won by knockout, including 12 in the first round. At age 20, Tyson became the youngest boxer to win a heavyweight title by defeating Trevor Berbick for the WBC title. Since then, ‘The Baddest Man on The Planet’ has gone on to compile a decorated record of 50 wins, six losses, and two no-contests (50-6-0, 2NC). Tyson retired in 2005, leaving behind a legacy as both a boxing legend and a polarizing figure. However, he is set to return to the ring at the old age of 58 to square off against the internet star, Jake Paul, in an eight-round professional bout on November 15, 2024.

Mike Tyson Tattoos

Mike Tyson’s face is well-known due to a widely recognized tattoo on the left side. This signature tattoo was inspired by the Māori tā moko style, a traditional tattoo style that symbolizes warrior heritage. It was designed by tattoo artist Victor Whitmill in 2003, and Tyson himself often refers to it as his “warrior tattoo,” symbolizing his respect for the Māori fighting spirit.

Tyson has three other tattoos worth mentioning, each carrying a different meaning. He has portraits of three men whom he finds very inspiring: Arthur Ashe, Che Guevara, and Mao Zedong. Tyson admires Ashe, the groundbreaking Black tennis player, actor, and activist; Che Guevara, the Marxist revolutionary; and Mao Zedong, the Chinese communist leader, as some of the most influential figures in his life.

Also Read: How many kids does Mike Tyson have?

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FAQs On Mike Tyson's Tattoo

A. Mike Tyson's face tattoo symbolizes the warrior fighting spirit.

A. Mike Tyson has four notable tattoos. A Maori face tattoo and three portraits of the men he is inspired by.

A. As of November 2024, Mike Tyson is 58 years old.

A. Mike Tyson got his iconic face tattoo in 2003.

A. Mike Tyson's face tattoo was designed by S. Victor Whitmill.

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