Jake Paul tattoos, explained: The meanings behind boxing star's ink all over body

David Suggs

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Jake Paul tattoos, explained: The meanings behind boxing star's ink all over body image

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Jake Paul's boxing career has proven notable for a number of reasons. The internet-personality-turned-prizefighter has authored an impressive record — albeit against a motley crew that consists mostly of athletes past their primes and other streaming stars.

Nevertheless, his embrace of the sweet science has introduced viewers to another prominent part of his outsized persona: his tattoos. Like many famous athletes, Paul has reinvested many of his earnings into artwork, decking out his limbs in a wall of color.

Some of his looks are more memorable than others, marked by their intricate handwork and use of line and space. Others, meanwhile, reflect his interests — be that business or otherwise.

Nevertheless, when he takes to the ring and the spotlight shines atop his hulking build, viewers are left to ponder just what do the dozens of tattoos he wears mean.

So, what's the deal with Paul's tattoos? Here's what you need to know.

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How many tattoos does Jake Paul have?

It's unclear how many tattoos are scattered across Jake Paul's body. His first piece of ink was placed on the inside of his lip — inconspicuous enough to hide from his family.

At his surprise 21st birthday party, Paul added another piece of artwork to his collection. The famed internet personality snuck away as attendees filled their stomachs with alcohol, getting an image placed on his hip. His dad approved of the look. His mom? Not so much.

“It was all downhill after that," Paul told DAZN in 2023.

He has accrued a mosaic of drawings in the years since, pieces that have grown all the more prominent throughout his prize-fighting career.

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Jake Paul before and after tattoos

Jake Paul's body has been scrawled in markings for much of his life in the spotlight. Still, the images have multiplied over the years — something his longest-serving fans have certainly noticed.

Jake Paul tattoos meanings

Given the amount of pieces littered across his body, many of Jake Paul's tattoos lack sentimentality. But a fair few are notable — be that for their inspiration or the process by which he received them.

Among the most prominent pieces of artwork on Paul's body the "Bayou Boys" tag, an inside joke between him and his best friend, Jasper.

Few pieces are as sentimental to Paul as the "1:59" ink he got in honor of his former bodyguard, Shadow. Ahead of his April 2021 fight with Ben Askren, Shadow implored Paul to get a piece commemorating the time he would finish Askren in during the first round.

Shadow died before he could see his friend take the ring. Paul kept his promise to his beloved bodyguard, sending Askren to the canvas for good at the 1:59 mark in the first round. He proceeded to get the time etched on his skin.

Here's a look at some of the more notable pieces Paul has gotten over the years, segmented by body part.

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Jake Paul head tattoos

Jake Paul's actual face is largely lacking in artwork, save for a small star located on the left side of his forehead. But he has a fair few images on the temples of his head and behind his ears. Included in the mess of art that features on his head are images of a tiger and butterflies.

Jake Paul arm tattoos

A great many of Jake Paul's tattoos are located on his arms. Here's a look at some of the more iconic images that have found their home on the limbs.

  • Woman's face
  • "GOAT"
  • "Karma"
  • Snake
  • Spartan warrior with 1:59 located inside shield
  • Butterfly
  • Bug
  • Tribal pattern

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Jake Paul leg tattoos

Some of Jake Paul's biggest pieces are located on his legs, including the following:

  • Skeletal man
  • Angel
  • Nike swoosh
  • Betr logo
  • Tribal pattern
  • "GOAT"
  • Assault rifle with snake on inside
  • Arrow
  • Butterfly 

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