Zhang wasted no time in introducing the London crowd to his power as he rocked Joyce with a crushing left hook, to which his opponent replied with a swooping overhand right of his own to impose his knockout credentials. But back came Zhang, breaching Joyce’s defences once more with an uppercut to snap the Brit’s head back, leaving him with something to think about as the pair split at the end of the opening round.
“For my last fight, 60 million people in China tuned in to watch that, I believe we’ll make more history this time, I’m expecting 100 million, I have 1.4billion people behind me and supporting me, let’s make it happen. I’m fighting for my country.”
Etienne’s life tragically spun out of control in a way many feared Tyson’s would after he finished fighting. But at least Etienne got to share the ring with one of the most feared and famous heavyweights of any era – even if the whole event is mainly remembered for just how bizarre it all was.
As boxing fans eagerly anticipate the exhibition match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and professional boxer Jake Paul, scheduled for July 20, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and streamed globally on Netflix, there’s more to Mike Tyson than his legendary status in the ring.
While the range of tattoo designs among boxers is vast, certain motifs consistently appear. Traditional symbols of strength and power, such as eagles, lions, and ravens, are frequently chosen by fighters. Additionally, religious imagery, including crosses and praying hands, holds great significance for many boxers. These designs reflect the fighters’ desire to display their inner beliefs and forge a deeper connection with their spirituality.
On the left side of Tyson’s torso is a tattoo of another communist leader, this one being the great Che Guevara. The tattoo is a copy of the famous Guerrillero Heroico photograph taken by Alberto Korda on March 5, 1960. It’s quite a large tattoo that takes up a lot of space on the left side of Tyson’s body.
In fact, Tyson credits his bullying for his own ferocity in and out of the top rank boxing boxers ring. “I am just afraid of being treated that way again, of being physically victimized on the streets again,” he said in Tyson: The Movie. “I was just afraid, so afraid.”
The tribal face tattoo on Tyson’s face is a powerful symbol that marks a milestone in his life. Furthermore, he got the tribal design in 2003, right before his fight against Clifford Etienne. In addition, the tribal design is a unique Maori design from New Zealand.
Zhang considered turning professional at 25 years of age after the 2008 Olympics, but could not until 2014. Dino Duva and Don King were the first promoters to approach Zhang. In August 2009, Duva and King arranged for Zhang to train at the Poconos. In September 2010, Duva arranged for Zhang to train in the Poconos to prepare him for the 2010 Asian Games. The highlight of that training were 11 bouts between the Chinese and American national boxing teams in Manhattan promoted as “Empires Collide”, which Zhang defeated Danny Kelly Jr 16:8 in the main fight. Zhang dominated in all domestic amateur heavyweight competitions from 2005 until 2013. He was finally released by the Henan Provincial Combat and Weightlifting Center after he competed in the 2012 Olympics and won the gold medal for 2013 National Games of China.
George liked China, so much so that when Zhang turned pro and moved to New Jersey, George stayed behind. Three years later, in 2017, Zhang, his career floundering, asked him to become his head trainer and George agreed.
Tyson has another tattoo that perfectly matches the Maori martial ornament on his face – the image of an aggressive tiger preparing to jump. The drawing evokes Eastern traditions, reminiscent of the idea of the dragon, which signifies nobility, bravery, strength, and power.
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.
“The tattoo artist said, ‘no, I’m not doing it,” Tyson continued. “I said, ‘what do you think I should get,’ because I was confused.” Within a few days, Whitmill had drawn up the tribal design we all know and love.”
Tyson’s new trainer, the legendary Freddie Roach, actually pleaded with his fighter to postpone the event billed as ‘Back to Business’ due to his poor conditioning. Tyson had gone through a messy divorce in January and has since admitted he’d been hanging out in drug dens, taking coke and weed, in the aftermath of his fight with Lewis. Roach feared that a defeat to Etienne could end Tyson’s career.
It’s important to note that the interpretation of a tattoo can be deeply personal and subjective. Tyson’s face tattoo carries different meanings for different people, and its significance may have evolved over time. Regardless of the specific meaning, Tyson’s tattoo has left a lasting impact on popular culture and has become an integral part of his identity as a boxer and public figure.