The stories behind Mike Tyson's six interesting tattoos

Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has provided an interesting insight into his various tattoos.

The infamous boxer is known for his tattoos, specifically one on the side of his face, but the meanings behind the ink have emerged.

‘Iron Mike’ has six tattoos, but very few know what they mean and what the personal link to the boxer is - until now that is.

In 2003, the now 53-year-old went under the needle for the first time with artist Victor Whitmill providing the art.

The tribal marking has become infamous to Tyson now, but he originally wanted his face to be covered in heart tattoos so he could be referred to as ‘The Man Of Hearts’.

Whitmill advised against the idea, though, encouraging Tyson to accept the more commonly known warrior art.

Another tattoo features the Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong; an ideology Tyson is reported to have identified with when serving a prison sentence for rape.

He also has a printing of the Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara on his ribcage.

Asked why he has Guevara printed on his body, Tyson said: "Che Guevara is an incredible individual. He had so much, but sacrificed it all for the benefit of other people."

On his forearm, Tyson has a printing of his ex-wife Monica Turner - the pair married in 1997, but divorced five years later.

Tyson has never spoken publicly about the dragon tattoo on his right forearm, but in Chinese culture the symbol represents strength, wisdom and freedom.

Another surprising mark on his body is Tyson’s decision to have three-time Grand Slam winner Arthur Ashe imprinted on his shoulder.

Above the tennis champion's face features the words, ‘DAYS OF GRACE’.

Away from tennis, Ashe set up the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of Aids and was a well known social activist.

Tyson has followed in the Grand Slam winner’s footsteps by becoming a supporter of holistic lifestyles.

So there you have it, there are the inside stories into Mike Tyson's six rather interesting, yet random, tattoos.

Which one is your favourite?