Boxing tattoos can be divided into two broad categories. One will include famous boxers with their inked body while the other will include tattoos inspired by the legendary MMA sport. Boxing is arguably the first sport of history that gained worldwide attention.
The famed sport gathered millions of viewers across the globe during the early 1900s. The physically demanding sport did get competition from other sports like soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball, and cricket but nevertheless, it has stayed at the core of the most loved sports in the world.
Given the high popularity of Boxing, it was not surprising to see a great demand for boxing-inspired tattoos among the ink-loving community. Boxing tattoos are in trend since the classical era of body art. It was during the first world war that boxing tattoos became a symbolism of bravery and never back down attitude. Tattoos of Boxing gloves and fighting rings were so common among soldiers that armies of various countries banned visible tattoos in their terms and conditions. Their logic was that it distract a soldier from his mission to serve the nation.
The popularity of boxing tattoos saw a dip in the 50s and 60s but rose again in the 70s and 80s – Thanks to the success of Sylvester Stallone’s epic sports movie ROCKY. After that Boxing tattoos craze never faded down. In fact, in an online poll conducted on Facebook, 40% of people voted Boxing-related tattoos as their favorite sports tattoo designs.
Boxing Tattoo Ideas
If you also have locked on the idea of getting a boxing tattoo then we will help you to find the perfect design that will suit (or define) your personality. There are several boxing tattoo ideas you can try. Some really popular are –
Boxing Glove tattoos – These tattoo designs will suit people who are seeking a career in professional boxing. It pays homage to your dedication to the sport.
Boxer Portrait Tattoo – From Muhammad Ali to Tyson to Floyd Mayweather Jr, the boxing ring has seen many great legends. If you have any favorite boxers then you can get their portrait inked on your body. Interestingly Muhammad Ali is one of the most popular sports icons whose portrait is inked on thousands of tattoo lovers.
Boxing Quotes – “Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee” – Muhammad Ali. Ain’t that a quote to live by? Boxing is not only famous for the physical fight but also for the verbal slurs that often become iconic sayings. You can search for such quotes and get them inked on your body.
Boxing Tattoo Placement
I would strongly advise you to try boxing tattoos in small or medium sizes. If you are going for a portrait tattoo then you can choose between the medium to large size range but for any other design always go minimal.
This is because boxing is considered a sport where you have to walk the talk. You have to focus more on your work ethics to earn respect as talks will take you nowhere. The size of your tattoo design will also resemble your ego.
The most popular choice for boxing tattoo placement is bicep but you also go for back, chest, forearm, wrist, neck shoulder, arms, and even on thighs.
Boxing Tattoo meanings
The meaning of boxing tattoos can vary from tattoo to tattoo. However, the overall theme would be the same i.e. a Fighting spirit. Here are some common meanings that can be attributed to your boxing tattoo design –
Fearless – Boxers rarely get scared. Your tattoo design can signify the same.
Hard Work – Ask any boxer about the work they put in to become an elite class professional boxer.
Dedication – You can not learn a martial art as tough as boxing without showing any dedication. Your spirit will be broken so many times on the way. But as they say in Boxing – it is not how hard you hit but it is how hard you take and bounce back.
Consistency – Bruce Lee once said that he doesn’t fear a man who has practiced thousands of kicks but he will be afraid of a man who has practiced one kick thousands of times. This is because the consistent hard work in that one kick will make it invincible.
The same goes for boxing. A boxer is required to punch the hook and cut perfectly. For this, they spend thousands of hours punching bags.
Take a look at these 170+ boxing tattoo designs
Boxing Tattoo Designs
Boxing Tattoos For Women
Boxing Tattoos For Men
Boxer Portrait Tattoos
Boxing Glove Tattoos
Simple Boxing tattoos
Also Read: Old School Cool tattoos
Conclusion
Boxing is not a part time hobby. it is a commitment for lifetime. Same goes with the tattoo art. Which tattoo design from the above photo gallery you liked the most? Which design you can commit to for the rest of your life?
References: History of Boxing