MIKE Tyson rose to fame for his boxing skills but is also instantly recognisable because of his face tattoo.
The star has revealed in the past what his iconic tattoo means to him, but what does it represent?
1
When did Mike Tyson get a face tattoo?
Mike Tyson got his iconic face tattoo when he had his fight with Clifford Etienne.
He got the ink in 2003 after his 50th victory.
What does Mike Tyson's face tattoo represent?
During an interview in 2012, Mike explained what the meaning behind his face tattoo is.
He said: "I just thought it was a cool tattoo. I was going to get a bunch of hearts and stuff. That would have been really stupid. I was going to be the man of hearts, baby. I was very close. Victor Perez, the tattoo artist, said, I ain’t doing that. I can’t do that.
"I said, 'what do you think I should get?' Because I was confused. Victor Perez is a good guy and said, 'come back in a couple of days. I’m going to try and write up some stuff.'
"I waited around, and two days later, he called and said, 'Mike, I’ve got some tribal stuff.' I said, 'Woah, put another one over there.' I was like, 'this is cool; I like this.' So he did it."
The tattoo takes inspiration from the traditional Maori tribe from New Zealand.
Tyson’s tattoo covers the left side of his face and features tribal symbols.
Most read in Boxing
Russian warship blown up by kamikaze Ukrainian drone leaving huge hole in side
It is also thought to represent strength, courage, and resilience.
Does Mike Tyson have any other tattoos?
Mike has some other tattoos as well as his face ink.
He has the face of the Chinese leader Mao Zedong on his right arm as well as the portrait of Argentina Marxist Che Guevara on his ribcage.
On Mike’s left forearm there is a tattoo of his ex-wife Monica Turner.
The pair got married on April 19, 1997 but they 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.
On his right shoulder, Tyson has Arthur Ashe who was a popular tennis champion, also known for being the founder of the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the defeat of AIDS.
FAQs
What does Mike Tyson's face tattoo represent? ›
The design is not based on any specific moko and was created directly on Tyson's face. Tyson saw the tattoo as representing the Māori, whom he described as a "warrior tribe", and approved of the design, which consists of monochrome spiral shapes above and below his left eye.
What does a tattoo on the face mean? ›Historically, the meanings and designs varied for each group, but they typically represented family heritage, social status and a connection with the spiritual world. For women, they also signified important life accomplishments like one's first menstrual period.
What do face tattoos say about a person? ›Face tattoo
Facial artwork is a way for individuals to show off their rebellious side while also being mysterious and intimidating. Those with face tattoos like to go against social norms and consider themselves to be edgy and unique.
According to the man himself in his 2008 documentary Tyson, the tattoo represents his 'warrior status'. It's similar to the ones that members of the Māori tribe, a warrior-like tribe in New Zealand, wore to scare people in battle. Not that he needed anything more to make him scary.
What happened to Mike Tyson's face tattoo? ›The tweet ended up being an April Fool's joke, and the boxing legend continues to wear the tattoo on his face proudly up to this day. In 2016 interview with Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated, Tyson shared that he has no regrets in getting the face tattoo: "No.
What does 3 lines tattoo on chin mean? ›The 3 lines tattooed on the chin is a common sight in many cultures. In some societies, the lines represent the three stages of a woman's life: maiden, mother, and crone. In others, the lines stand for the three elements of nature: earth, air, and water.
What does 3 dots tattoo on face mean? ›The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life.” It's not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes.
What kind of people have face tattoos? ›Inuit and Alaskan and Canadian Natives
Facial tattoos were practiced among Inuit women, but this practice was suppressed by missionaries. Yidįįłtoo are the traditional face tattoos of the Hän Gwich'in, who are indigenous to Alaska and Canada.
A teardrop tattoo is a small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes. It is closely associated with gang and prison culture, where it often indicates one has served time, one has been humiliated, or one has killed. Others may get such a tattoo to represent sorrow or loss.
What do tattoos say about a person psychology? ›Getting a tattoo, especially the first one, is a new experience. So it is not surprising that these psychologists discovered that tattooed people tend to be more open to experiences and actively seek them. They are more adventurous and uninhibited people who seek adventure and excitement.
Why did Tyson get a face tattoo? ›
During an interview in 2012, Mike explained what the meaning behind his face tattoo is. He said: "I just thought it was a cool tattoo. I was going to get a bunch of hearts and stuff. That would have been really stupid.
What do Mike Tyson's face tattoos say? ›Originally, he wanted his face to be covered in heart tattoos - so he would be recognised as 'The Man of hearts. ' However, Whitmill strongly advised against that idea and instead gave him the tribal design. In the 2008 documentary 'Tyson' the former heavyweight champ says it represents his 'warrior status.
What is Mike Tyson's famous quote? ›"I'm a dreamer. I have to dream and reach for the stars, and if I miss a star then I grab a handful of clouds." "I'm the best ever. I'm the most brutal and vicious, and most ruthless champion there's ever been.
Is Mike Tyson's face tattoo trademarked? ›The Missouri-based artist, S. Victor Whitmill, created and copyrighted the design called “Tribal Tattoo” back in 2003 when he applied it to the left side of the boxer's face.
What culture is Mike Tyson's tattoo? ›MIKE TYSON's FACIAL tattoo has been described as one of the most distinctive tattoos in North America. It has attracted controversy as an example of the cultural appropriation of ta moko, the sacred culturally embedded tattooing practice of the Maori people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
What does a heart tattoo around the eye mean? ›Some people choose to get a heart tattoo under the eye as a symbol of love or devotion to a romantic partner or family member. Others may get this tattoo as a way to honor a loved one who has passed away.
What does the tattoo under the eye mean? ›A teardrop tattoo is a small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes. It is closely associated with gang and prison culture, where it often indicates one has served time, one has been humiliated, or one has killed. Others may get such a tattoo to represent sorrow or loss.
What does a womans face tattoo mean? ›The Lady head tattoo is classic imagery in tattooing. It can have various meanings for different people. It can be an image of beauty, femininity, romance, a heroine, a muse, desire, independence, or good luck. This style of tattoo dates to traditional sailor tattoos.
What does the tattoo down the chin mean? ›The chin tattoo has different meanings depending on what tribe you are from in California. This indelible marker of identity denoted coming of age, status within the tribe and tribal affiliation. Historically the tattoo was given during a puberty ceremony and could be modified after significant life events.
What does the line tattoo on the chin mean? ›The first lines tattooed on the chin marked a girl who had come of age and was now an adult. That was celebrated. Tattoos symbolized moments in a woman's life, reflecting things like marriage and children. More tattoos meant a woman was older and had accomplished more, which was also celebrated.