“They mean everything to me. My tattoos remind me of a certain stage in my life,” is what Conor Benn told VICE in 2017. Just like when Mike Tyson stands out due to his tribal Māori tā moko facial tattoo, Benn is known for being covered in body art from head to toe. For those who think they’re merely scribbles, there’s actually more to their meaning.

One could even take a peek into the undefeated 23-0 boxer’s mind through the words and designs. All of them are extremely specific and tell a different story. If everything were to be pieced together, you’d know the fighter’s mental fortitude, his values, and where he gets the motivation to uphold and surpass the Benn legacy.

Mind you, maintaining the spot he’s provided is not an easy task. Son of the retired two-weight champion Nigel Benn, the 28-year-old now sees it as his responsibility to continue his father’s legacy. Taking steps in that direction, he’s already all set to lock horns with Chris Eubank Jr. on April 26, Saturday night. It is a non-title grudge match, continuing the family rivalry their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr. started with a bout in 1990 and a 1993 draw.

Want to know what will go on in Benn’s mind when he steps into the ring in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London? Well, before you watch him in the middleweight bout tomorrow, here’s the meaning behind the tattoos that keep him going.

What is tattooed on Conor Benn’s back?

On his back, Conor Benn has his nickname Destroyer printed across his shoulders. He’d gotten it in his 20s, and it’s in place reminding him of his knockout boxing persona and aggressive style. According to The Sun, Benn had gotten it when he was solidifying the welterweight division. Most likely after high-profile fights like the 2019 victory he had over Jussi Koivula.

Apart from that, his lower back is covered in a montage of several other overlapping designs that he’s not quite mentioned. Additionally, a snake, one rose, a ferocious wild cat, a religious or mythical figure, and some leaves are also visible. But like we mentioned, he’s not mentioned these tattoos in any interviews whatsoever, so it could be that they’re just there for the aesthetic appeal.

Conor Benn’s neck tattoo and face ink for his son

Just above the crowded tattoos on his back, his neck has “Fear is a Lie” written on it. Benn has been vocal about this tattoo previously, discussing it in detail before the 2022 fight with Chris Eubank Jr. got cancelled due to failed drug tests. It’s recent, as one can predict. As per reports from The Sun, Benn took the time to explain what the phrase means to him.

”Fear to me is a lie,” he said. “I mean, fear is an illusion. You can fear something that doesn’t even happen. How can you give something some power or fear something that hasn’t even happened yet? It only exists in your head. And, 9 times out of 10, it doesn’t happen anyway.” So, this is what the undefeated champion thinks. As he should, as an athlete, he has at least that much figured out—control the mind, instead of the other way around.

Relating handling fear to sport, the British boxer continued, “Me fearing losing is why I train so hard. I love winning. Don’t get me wrong, but I probably fear losing a bit more. I train out of fear…I don’t think I could deal with losing. I fear it so much, I get scared…I have my reasons…Fear is what gets me out of the bed in the morning at 5am.” Considering how Benn has navigated his relationship with fear, it seems like that is the psychological tool for his mindset in boxing. So, with a high stakes match around the corner, we know that Conor Benn sure isn’t one to accept losing.

If we talk about face tattoos, the Londoner does not have any. He had to actually call his mom and ask her permission for that. “I always promised her I would never get one on my face,” he confessed to The Sun. “I was never going over the eyebrow, or doing a Mike Tyson. I had thought about a facial one before, but don’t think I have it in me,” he added. But, he does have his son’s (Eli Clay), first name tattooed near his ear, on the side of his face. Benn said that that way, Clay is never far from him. Some of his tattoos then, are for sentimental value.

What do Conor Benn’s chest tattoos mean?

Spread across his torso, Benn has a large cross tattooed on his sternum. This is the one tattoo that the boxer sees central to his identity, since he’s grown with a Christian upbringing, just like his father Nigel Benn, who too had turned to being religious after overcoming personal struggles. “Christ, church, and clean living,” that’s what the boxer believes in. It is likely that this tattoo was there when he entered boxing, and it could’ve been his first tattoo too.

Accompanying the cross are the words “Fear God” wrote across Benn’s stomach. Again, his reverence for God as a guiding principle is clearly evident. And, these words complement the disciplined life he lives as a boxer. He got it early on, and even though he’d fell off his path for sometime, struggling to stay clean, he’s back on the tracks.

Other tattoos on Benn’s body

Apart from the most meaningful tattoos that touch the core of Benn’s belief system, there’s another tattooed on his arm. It’s the logo “CB” which represents Conor Benn’s personal brand and identity as a professional boxer. It is likely that as Benn gained momentum in his career, he sought to build a face outside the ring too.

While Conor Benn’s tattoos speak out the mindset he has regarding the sport and life itself, it’s safe to say that that’s what he’ll be bringing to the ring Saturday night. Though he is returning to the ring after a two-year suspension, the strong set of beliefs and disciplined demeanor is what could bring him a victory.

What do you think about the ‘Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves’ main card? Will Conor Benn overpower Eubank Jr.?