From 1992 to 1995, while in prison for the rape of Desiree Washington, Tyson read a large number of books, including works by Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong. Spike Lee sent Tyson a copy of tennis player Arthur Ashe’s deathbed memoir, Days of Grace. Tyson was moved by the book and respected Ashe’s ability to be nonconfrontational and admired his political views and his success as a black athlete in a white-dominated world. Tyson got prison tattoos of both men on his biceps: A portrait of Mao, captioned with «Mao» in all-caps, on the left; a portrait of Ashe beneath the words «Days of Grace» on the right. Gerald Early views the Mao and Ashe tattoos as together «symboliz both newfound self-control and his revision of black cool», with Mao representing strength and authority. Clifton Brown in The New York Times describes the Ashe tattoo as «a contradiction» with Tyson’s «fits of rage». Early and biographer Richard Hoffer cast the two bicep tattoos as an unusual combination of, in Hoffer’s words, «alternate icons».
Perhaps the most famous of Tyson’s tattoos is the tribal design that swathes the left side of his face. Inked in 2003, shortly before a comeback fight against Clifford Etienne, this tattoo was a spontaneous decision that Tyson made during a turbulent period in his life.
Mike Tyson’s face tattoo first came into the public eye in 2003 when he revealed it during a press conference for his upcoming fight with Clifford Etienne. The tattoo, which covers Tyson’s left eye and cheek, features a tribal design that incorporates swirls, arrows, and other intricate patterns. At the time, many people were taken aback by the tattoo’s boldness and unusual placement on Tyson’s face, but over time it has become one of his most recognizable features.
But can skin really count as a «tangible medium?» Yes, according to James Silverberg, director of litigation for the Intellectual Property Group, PLLC, which represents professionals in the art, design, entertainment and media fields. «Since 1976, under Title 17 of the United States Code, which outlines U.S. copyright laws, any artwork that is put down on paper or some other canvas automatically has a copyright,» he said.
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 03: Former boxer Mike Tyson performs during his one-man show «Mike Tyson UNDISPUTED TRUTH – Live on Stage» at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on March 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
Mike Thomas spent 23 years on staff and 16 years as the sports editor at The Herald News in Fall River, Mass., before joining Sportscasting in 2020. Mike has a deep knowledge of and passion for the NFL and NBA, and he excels at interviewing sports celebrities to find out their Super Bowl picks. A New England Newspaper and Press Association award-winning columnist and an avid sports memorabilia collector, Mike enjoys keeping up with all the sports news and the works of former Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly. You can find more of Mike’s work on Muck Rack.
However, over time, Tyson has explained that the tattoo is not meant to be a direct copy of traditional Maori moko but rather a personal interpretation of the design. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Tyson stated that the tattoo is meant to represent his own struggles and battles in life, as well as his inner strength and warrior spirit.
Contrary to what is 8th division in boxing one might expect, the tattoo was not planned to carry a deep spiritual meaning. Initially contemplating a design of multiple hearts, Tyson was steered towards a tribal pattern by his tattoo artist, Victor Perez, who suggested something that would be visually striking and more suited to Tyson’s fierce image. Mike Tyson’s face tattoo design draws inspiration from Maori tribal markings, which are traditional symbols of strength and courage — qualities that Tyson resonated with.
It’s not a dragon on his right forearm, it’s a tiger. I worked with the artist who did the tattoo at Diversity tattoo in Las Vegas (right next to the Stratosphere) on the strip near Sahara Street. We were all using stripper names so I never got the artist’s real name. He was a funny guy. He complained once about not having a girlfriend and always having to «pay for it». Cracked me up!
In 2009, Tyson infamously beat up seven sex workers in Las Vegas while high. Calling it his «lowest point,» Tyson told Las Vegas Weekly in 2012 that he felt paranoid that they were going to try and rob him.
However, allegations of spousal abuse began to surface in the media in June 1988, and Givens and her mother demanded access to Tyson’s money for a down payment on a $3 million home in New Jersey. That same year, police were called to Tyson’s home after he began throwing furniture out of a window and forced Givens and her mother to leave the home.
Tyson’s face tattoo is a striking and unconventional form of self-expression that reflects his desire to stand out from the crowd. As an individual who has always been in the spotlight, it’s understandable that he would want a tattoo that is completely distinctive and instantly recognizable.