WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is set to face one of boxing’s most promising prospects, Floyd Schofield Jr., on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated matchup will see Stevenson defend his WBC title for the second time as he makes his first ring appearance of 2025.

However, before fight night arrives, fans are eager to learn more about the undefeated Olympic silver medalist. One topic that has sparked particular interest is the collection of tattoos adorning Stevenson’s body. Each tattoo carries a unique meaning, and today, we’re diving into the stories behind them.

What do Shakur Stevenson’s ‘Olympics’ & ‘Lion’ tattoos mean?

Shakur Stevenson has always embraced self-expression through tattoos, with his earliest ink paying tribute to both his personal journey and hometown pride. Among his first tattoos were the ‘Rio 2016 with rings’ tattoo on his back and the ‘Lion’ tattoo on his arm. In a 2019 interview with Top Rank, Stevenson explained the deeper meaning behind these designs and why body art is significant to him.

“Rio 2016 with rings—I was getting ready to win the gold medal, so it meant a lot to me,” Stevenson said, reflecting on his Olympic experience. Though he fell short of gold, earning a silver medal, the tattoo remains a powerful reminder of his dedication and the momentous occasion that helped shape his boxing career.

The ‘Lion’ tattoo, meanwhile, represents both his personality and his roots. “Lion is my favorite animal, and it has Brick City on it. Brick City is in New Jersey, so I basically rep my city,” Stevenson shared. The symbolism of the lion aligns with his fighting spirit—strong, fearless, and dominant in the ring—while ‘Brick City’ serves as a constant tribute to Newark, the place that molded him into the fighter he is today.

Beyond individual pieces, Stevenson also spoke about his love for tattoos and how each one holds a deeper meaning. “It means a lot to me,” he said. Unlike those who get inked purely for aesthetics, he views tattoos as a way to tell his story and carry reminders of what matters most.

“Putting something that means something to me on my body. It’s not like normal tattoos. Certain people get regular tattoos with no meaning, but all my tattoos got meaning to me. I don’t think I will stick with these three, I will get more,” Stevenson said.

Other tattoos on Stevenson’s body

As promised, Shakur Stevenson has expanded his collection of tattoos, adding more meaningful ink to his body. One of his most personal tattoos is a pair of boxing gloves inscribed with his mother’s name, a tribute to Malikah Stevenson, who played a pivotal role in shaping him into the fighter he is today.

Even when Stevenson was competing in the Olympics, his mother made sacrifices to support him—overcoming her greatest fear in the process. Malikah has a deep fear of flying, but when her son needed her by his side, she didn’t hesitate. She told NJ.com, “My baby wants me to go, so I said I’ll go. I’m still scared, but I’ll go.”

Beyond honoring his mother, Stevenson also pays tribute to one of his boxing idols, Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker. Recognized as one of the greatest lightweights in boxing history, Whitaker left a lasting impact on the sport. To show his admiration, Stevenson has a tattoo of the legendary fighter on his leg—a permanent reminder of the excellence he aspires to achieve.

That said, Shakur Stevenson has a couple more tattoos on his body, but little is known about their meaning. If you know the story behind Stevenson’s other tattoos, let us know in the comments below.