Scott Adkins World 2017 - 2025
BOYKA’ TATTOOS
The Meaning Behind Boyka’s Ink
Yuri Boyka has tattoos on his chest, back, neck, arm, pecs, shoulders, and forearm. Besides looking tough and
rugged and contributing to Boyka's badass image, they may also hold deeper meanings.
The two Star tattoos at the top of Boyka’s left and right arm are probably influenced by Russian prisons,
where tattoos tell stories and signify the “rank” or status of the prisoner. Two matching 8-point stars on the
prisoner’s shoulders mean that he is a professional criminal. Depending on the location on the body, the stars
convey a prisoner’s status. When worn on the knees, the stars are a sign of a prisoner who commands
respect. The implied meaning is “I will never get on my knees in front of anyone.
”But Boyka has them on the chest and they mark a higher rank. Only the most respected can wear the thieves’
stars in that area of the body. The tattoos must be earned, and an inmate wearing an undeserved tattoo risks
a beating or worse.
The “Q” looking tattoo on his chest looks like a Japanese symbol enso. It symbolizes enlightenment, elegance,
strength, the universe, and mu (the void). In Zen, it is a circle drawn in one or two brushstrokes to express a
moment when the mind is free to let the body create.In Russian prisons, barbed wire tattooed across the
forehead signifies a life sentence without possibility of parole.
On Yuri Boyka's shoulder, he has a tattoo of a star, which appears to be surrounded by barbed wire. This star
symbolizes his past as a prisoner and the years he spent behind bars. It serves as a constant reminder of his
turbulent past and the journey he has taken to get to where he is now.
The tattoo on Yuri Boyka's neck displays the word
БОГ in Cyrillic, which means "God" in Russian. This
is a direct reference to his deeply rooted religious
beliefs and his faith in God. The addition of the
cross in the middle further emphasizes his
devotion to Christianity, which is an important
theme in Boyka's character.
Boyka’s barbed wire tattoo is on his arm has an
adapted meaning. In general, a barbed wire tattoo
is a way to express strength and that one has
overcome a particularly hard experience, as well as
religious faith.
Boyka also has religious tattoos, such as the Virgin
Mary with the Christ Child.These types of images
are often associated with protection, love, and
devotion.
Similar to the cross of Christ on his neck, it shows
that Boyka is a deeply religious person.
The snake on Yuri Boyka's back is a striking tattoo with
powerful symbolism. While its exact meaning is not
explicitly explained in the films, we can offer possible
interpretations based on the general symbolism of
snakes and its connection to his character.
In many cultures, a snake represents transformation or
renewal, as snakes shed their skin. For Boyka, this
could symbolize his personal struggle to reform
himself and overcome his past, especially considering
his complex background as a fighter and a prisoner.
A snake is also a symbol of strength and danger. This
could reflect Boyka’s combat skills and his menacing
presence in the ring. He is both deadly and calculating,
much like a snake.
In religious contexts, a snake can have various
meanings, such as temptation or evil (as in the Biblical
story of Adam and Eve). For Boyka, however, it might
also represent duality: his struggle between good and
evil, faith and his harsh life.
The tattoo perfectly complements Boyka's raw, layered
character, who is both physically and emotionally
complex.
"Next to his navel, Yuri Boyka has another tattoo of
a cross, slightly different in design from the one on
his neck. This cross also symbolizes his spirituality
and faith. Despite his dark past as a criminal,
Boyka finds solace and redemption through his
unwavering belief in a higher power. The cross
represents his desire for forgiveness and a new
beginning, highlighting his quest for personal
redemption.
On Yuri Boyka's right forearm, he has a tattoo of a
winged skull. This tattoo exudes strength and
fearlessness. It symbolizes Boyka's resilience and
determination to overcome any obstacle in his
path. It reflects his relentless pursuit of greatness
in the world of underground fighting, where he
strives to be the best, unyielding and unbeatable.
Closing Thoughts
Boyka’s tattoos are far more than body art – they are a map of his soul. Each symbol tells a story of his past as a
prisoner, his struggles inside and outside the ring, and his unshakable faith in God. They reflect pain, strength,
respect, and redemption, mirroring the journey of a man torn between darkness and light. Together, these
tattoos make Boyka not only the most complete fighter, but also one of the most complex and compelling
characters in modern action cinema.