Mike Tyson’s itch to fight, superstardom and the significant tattoo on his face, are the three things that still replicate his aura. Mike Tyson has featured a tattoo on his face for quite some time. Tyson’s tattoo is also a popular symbol world-wide, especially after it was used by actor Ed Helms in ‘The Hangover’.
However, rather than shying away from the attention or criticism, Tyson embraced his new look and even defended it in interviews. He explained that the tattoo was a tribute to Maori culture and that he had gotten it after visiting New Zealand. He also said that he had wanted to get a tattoo on his face for years, but had been dissuaded by his advisors and trainers.
The most puzzling pre-fight antics have come courtesy of Jake Paul, which we kind of expect from the guy who is the first 8 division world boxing champion illegally touts cryptocurrencies and once got married purely for social media engagement. This time, his stunts are focused squarely on his imminent opponent, with Paul recently revealing a facial tattoo identical to Tyson’s.
By the end of 1987, Tyson was being hailed as the most exciting champ since Muhammad Ali, an example for ghetto kids, and indeed all kids, to aspire toward. Interestingly, he was surrounded by white men, including his co-managers Jim Jacobs and Bill Cayton, and so he seemed to embody racial harmony and a “we can all get along” spirit that only added to the allure of the “reformed” delinquent. In 1988, it all began to go wrong.
Over the course of his career in the ring, Tyson experienced both tremendous success and debilitating setbacks. He became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20, but also faced numerous controversies and personal struggles, including prison time for rape.
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)
Former heavyweight boxing king Mike Tyson is making his way back into the ring. But, the biggest question surrounding his combat sports comeback is regarding his age — how old is “Iron Mike”? Also, when was the last time he laced up gloves ahead of a sanctioned bout?
Mike Tyson’s face tattoo is iconic, steeped in mystery. But why did he choose it? As Tyson prepares to face Jake Paul on July 20th, intrigue intensifies. Beyond his face, Tyson’s skin tells stories. Mao Zedong on his arm, Che Guevara on his ribcage.
In 2020, while Zhang made a rare visit back home the day after Chinese New Year, his father died of a sudden cardiac arrest at home during COVID-19 lockdown in China. Zhang mistakenly believed his father to be choking and attempted the Heimlich maneuver to no avail.
During the design process, Tyson and Whitmill collaborated with each other, with Tyson making suggestions on the imagery and symbolism he wanted to incorporate into the design. After several iterations, they settled on the final design, which has since become iconic.
In 1995, Zhang was called up to the Shenqiu County canoe sprinting team by coach Li Guofeng. When Zhang injured his leg during a tryout for the provincial canoe sprinting team, he was referred to the provincial boxing coach Gu Ganqing. In 1998, Gu signed him to the Combat and Weightlifting Center in the Henan Provincial Department of Sports, headed by center chief Li Yan in Shangjie. From 1998 until he was released from his sporting obligations, he was coached by Gu. This was the first time Zhang had lived away from his family.
On September 7, 1996 Tyson knocked out Bruce Seldon in 109 seconds. Many spectators and fans watching the pay-per-view event thought the fight was fixed because few saw Tyson punch Seldon, but Sel-don’s trainer said that his man was so scared that he may have had a nervous breakdown. Seldon would never box again and Tyson had won back one of his championship belts: the WBA.
Given the controversy that both parties tend to attract, the bout is one of the most anticipated events on this year’s sporting calendar, not least because the pair have traded some pretty public barbs in the lead-up to the event.
In interviews, Tyson has described the tattoo as a “warrior mark” that signifies his readiness to face any challenge that comes his way. He sees it as a tribute to his own strength and determination, as well as a reflection of his deep respect for the warrior tradition that he feels a part of.
Over the years, there have been rumors that Tyson was going to get the tattoo removed, but that’s not likely to happen. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the boxer said he likes the ink. “A lot of stuff happened out of this tattoo, a lot of good stuff, Tyson said. “Other young athletes come to me and say, It’s because of you they call it the Mike Tyson.”
O.K. So how is it that Zhang, 40 years old and more than a decade into his pro career, is suddenly one of boxing’s best big men? For that you have to go to George, a fringe cruiserweight who retired in 2009. At the urging of his manager—Duva’s father, Lou—George decided to get into training. Lou invited George to a U.S.–China national team dual meet in New York and pointed out Zhang. “Watch this guy,” he told George. “He’s going to be heavyweight champ.”