Rising from the West Midlands in the UK, Ben Whittaker has electrified the boxing scene with his distinctive, flamboyant style, drawing comparisons to the legendary Naseem Hamed. As “The Surgeon” prepares for his upcoming fight on October 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against Liam Cameron, fans are not just buzzing about his boxing prowess but also the intriguing ink that adorns his skin. Benjamin Whittaker sports two prominent tattoos, one across his back and another as a sleeve on his left arm, each sparking curiosity about their origins and significance. For those wondering about the stories behind Ben Whittaker’s tattoos, we delve into the meanings and inspirations embedded in his body art.
The Whitebeard Back Tattoo: A Deep Dive into Anime Inspiration
The most striking piece of Benjamin Whittaker Tattoo art is undoubtedly the expansive design across his back. This tattoo, surprisingly, is a tribute to the globally popular Japanese anime series, “One Piece.” Specifically, it mirrors the tattoo of Portgas D. Ace, a central character within the anime’s narrative. However, the symbol itself carries a much richer meaning rooted in the legacy of Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate.
Whitebeard, a revered pirate captain in “One Piece,” is known for his unwavering loyalty, immense strength, and protective nature towards his crew. The tattoo serves as the emblem of his pirate crew, proudly worn by his captains and high-ranking members. For Whittaker, while a confessed fan of the anime, the tattoo resonates with deeper personal values. It’s an homage to Whitebeard’s code of honor – loyalty, power, and guardianship. By inking this emblem onto his back, Benjamin Whittaker tattoo choice becomes a personal statement reflecting these admired qualities.
Beyond character traits, Whitebeard’s legendary resilience further amplifies the tattoo’s meaning. Dubbed “the strongest man in the world” within the anime, Whitebeard faced unimaginable hardships and battles without ever retreating. This aspect likely fuels Whittaker’s own aspirations in his boxing career. As he confronts each opponent in the ring, the Benjamin Whittaker tattoo on his back could serve as a constant source of motivation, pushing him towards his goal of becoming the best in his division.
Adding another layer to the symbolism, “One Piece” lore recounts that despite enduring countless injuries – 267 sword wounds, 152 bullet wounds, and 46 cannonball hits – Whitebeard never sustained a single wound on his back. This remarkable detail might inspire Whittaker to confront challenges head-on, embodying courage and resilience in the face of adversity. For the 27-year-old boxer, this Benjamin Whittaker tattoo transcends mere fandom, evolving into a profound and personal symbol that fuels his drive and determination.
Decoding the Sleeve: Anime Characters and Life Lessons
Moving to his left arm, Benjamin Whittaker tattoo collection continues with a sleeve that intricately blends characters from various beloved anime series. Each figure represents specific insights and lessons Whittaker has absorbed throughout his life. The sleeve opens with a depiction of Sasuke and Itachi Uchiha from the iconic anime “Naruto.”
In a Sky Sports interview from December of the previous year, Whittaker elaborated on the significance of this particular Benjamin Whittaker tattoo, stating, “It’s a really important scene for me because the older brother does a lot for the younger brother [in the anime]. But the younger brother [didn’t realize] it until that moment. It’s quite nice because my brother does a lot for me and it’s only now I’ve realized it. So, I thought it was nice to get it tattooed.” This Benjamin Whittaker tattoo serves as a tribute to the bond with his own brother and the appreciation for sacrifices made in familial relationships.
Venturing further down his forearm, the sleeve incorporates Vegito from “Dragon Ball Z,” another cornerstone of anime culture. Whittaker explained, “It’s a person called Vegito, like I said, touching back to one of my favorite sagas. It’s the Majin Buu Saga.” While Vegito’s appearance in the main “Majin Buu Saga” storyline is debated, his inclusion in this Benjamin Whittaker tattoo sleeve points to Whittaker’s deep connection with this particular narrative arc within “Dragon Ball Z.”
Adjacent to Vegito, Benjamin Whittaker tattoo sleeve also showcases Sasuke and Naruto Uzumaki, again from “Naruto.” This pairing likely signifies the complex dynamic between rivals and friends, a theme prevalent in “Naruto” and possibly reflecting aspects of Whittaker’s own journey and relationships.
Finally, the sleeve culminates with a tattoo of Ippo Makunouchi from the boxing anime “Fighting Spirit” (Hajime no Ippo). Ippo’s story revolves around a young boy’s dedication and passion for boxing. Whittaker revealed his connection to this character, saying, “It’s actually a really good anime, like the run in the morning, the train hard, the make weight. So, me as a boxer, watching that I’m like, ‘They’re going through it as well,’ It’s quite nice.” This Benjamin Whittaker tattoo resonates with his professional life, drawing parallels between the anime character’s rigorous training and his own demanding boxing career.
In conclusion, Benjamin Whittaker tattoo choices are far from random. They form a narrative tapestry reflecting his values, inspirations, and personal growth. Through anime characters, he embodies loyalty, resilience, brotherly love, and dedication – qualities that likely fuel his ambition both inside and outside the boxing ring. Whether these anime-inspired tattoos give him an edge in the ring remains a matter of speculation, but they undoubtedly offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind and motivations of “The Surgeon,” Ben Whittaker.
