Yuri Boyka’s Tattoos
Scott Adkins World 2017 - 2025
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.
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.
"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.