Maori expert unhappy at Tyson tattoo

A New Zealand expert on Maori tattoos today criticised Mike Tyson for the design the boxer had had put on his face.

Peta Sharples, a Maori expert on the facial tattoos known as moko, said he did not like seeing a similar design on the former heavyweight champion, a convicted rapist.

The tattoo was “definitely Maori, but stylised,” Sharples said. “I just wish it was on somebody else.”

But Sharples said he was more disturbed by British singing star Robbie Williams’ arm tattoo “because there are definitely Maori characters of moko on his.”

Maori warriors’ traditional full-face moko has a set format with specific designs for the forehead, cheek, lips and mouth, he said.

Tyson’s tattoo – a swirling design around his left eye – was the centre of attention in Mississippi yesterday ahead of his fight with Clifford Etienne tomorrow night.

The American boxer said he got the tattoo last week, and that there would be more to come. “This isn’t even halfway done,” he said.

“I just wanted to put something on my face,” Tyson added. “I didn’t like the way my face was looking.”