Mike Tyson is an American former professional boxer who holds the record for being the youngest boxer to win the WBC (World Boxing Council), WBA (World Boxing Association), and IBF (International Boxing Federation) heavyweight belts.
He is also known for the ‘face tattoo’ trend. Let’s read further to know more details regarding his tattoos along with their meanings.
1. ‘Tribal’ Tattoo
Tattoo: ‘Tribal’ Tattoo on the left side of his face.
Meaning: The boxer went under the needle in the year 2003 by the tattoo artist, Victor Whitmill. The tribal tattoo is inked on the left side of Tyson’s face. This unique design stirred some commotions like lawsuit and trials when ‘The Hangover’ movie doctor’s character ‘Stu Price’ depicted a temporary tribal tattoo with the same design as Tyson’s tattoo on his face.
According to the 2008 documentary ‘Tyson’, this tattoo represents the ‘warrior status’.
2. ‘Chinese Leader Mao’ Tattoo
Tattoo: ‘Chinese Leader Mao’ Tattoo on his right arm.
Meaning: Mike has the face of the Chinese leader, ‘Mao Zedong’ on his right arm. Mao Zedong was a Chinese communist revolutionary who became the founding father of the People’s Republic of China.
3. ‘Che Guevara Portrait’ Tattoo
Tattoo: ‘Che Guevara Portrait’ Tattoo on the left side of his ribcage.
Meaning: Tyson got the portrait of Argentina Marxist Revolutionary, ‘Che Guevara’ on his ribcage. In an interview, Tyson was asked about the reason for getting this tattoo inked, to which he replied,
”Che Guevara is an incredible individual. He had so much, but sacrificed it all for the benefit of other people.”
4. ‘Monica Turner Portrait’ Tattoo
Tattoo: ‘Monica Turner Portrait’ Tattoo on the left side of his forearm.
Meaning: On Mike’s left forearm, there is a tattoo of his ex-wife, Monica Turner, whom he married on April 19, 1997. However, the couple got legally separated on January 14, 2003. Monica had filed for divorce from Mike in January 2002, claiming that Mike had committed adultery during their five-year marriage.
5. ‘Dre Drocher’ Tattoo
‘Dre Drocher’ Tattoo on his right forearm
6. ‘DAYS OF GRACE-Arthur Ashe’ Tattoo
Tattoo: ‘DAYS OF GRACE-Arthur Ashe’ Tattoo on his right shoulder.
Meaning: Tyson wants to carry on his body, the memories of his spiritual heroes, and that’s why, after the two communist leaders, he got the portrait of the less known ‘Arthur Ashe’ who was a popular tennis champion, also well known for his efforts to important social causes and the founder of the ‘Arthur Ashe Foundation’ for the defeat of AIDS. His portrait and the words ‘days of grace’ are tattooed on Tyson’s left shoulder.
