Mike Tyson is undoubtedly one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. He held the undisputed Heavyweight championship from 1987 to 1990. The youngest Heavyweight champion in boxing history won his first title at twenty. People knew ‘Iron’ Mike for his powerful punches and aggressive fighting style inside the ring. But, outside, a controversial lifestyle and behavior consistently grabbed headlines. Despite his troubled personal life and several legal issues, Tyson remains a beloved figure in boxing. His matches continue to be popular among fans.

Even though he retired in 2005 after the fight against Kevin McBride, trouble brewed since the infamous “Bite Fight” against Evander Holyfield on June 28, 1997. With his license revoked, ‘Iron’ Mike could resume boxing only by 1999. He won quite a few fights. However, his last shot at a world title dashed against Lennox Lewis three years later. Eight months later, he was to face Clifford Etienne at The Pyramid, Memphis, on February 22, 2003.

Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson got a tattoo on his face

But just before the fight, he got himself one of the most noticeable features about him. Today. on Facebook, @stayskrt shared two pics of the living legend getting the famous tattoo on his face!

As the story goes, ‘Iron’ Mike planned to get heart tattoos all over his face and be known as “The Man of Hearts.” However, renowned tattoo artist Victor Whitmill dissuaded him from that idea and gave him a tribal pattern. Mike Tyson reportedly talked about the tattoo in a documentary titled ‘Tyson,’ and said it symbolized his ‘warrior status.’

During an interview with Graham Behich, which is available on YouTube, 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 significance of Mike Tyson’s Maori warrior tattoo

For Mike Tyson, the tattoo holds a significant meaning. The tattoo takes inspiration from the traditional Maori tribe from New Zealand, known for their fierce warrior spirit and intricate facial tattoos. Tyson’s tattoo covers the left side of his face and features spirals, ferns, and other tribal symbols. In addition, the tattoo symbolizes Tyson’s warrior spirit, representing his strength, courage, and resilience.

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It has become an iconic part of his image and has helped him stand out as one of the most recognizable figures in boxing.

Millions of others followed the former champion’s lead seeing the results on his face. ‘Iron’ Mike commented on it saying, “I love this tattoo. Over a million people got it now, so I did a good thing. This is good.”

Apart from the one on his face, the most famous Heavyweight boxer of our time sports quite a few well-recognizable tattoos, like the face of Chairman Mao Zedong on the right arm. Then there’s a ‘Che’ Guevara done on the left side of his stomach-rib cage. Next, his left arm has the tattoo of legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe with the ‘Days of Grace’ written above it. Finally, his former wife, Monica Turner’s face covers the left forearm.

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What is your take on the whole tattoo story? Do share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.