KSI’s boxing opponent Ivan Nikolov has responded to a backlash after images of his ‘white power’ tattoo surfaced, stating that he doesn’t have far right views and the tattoo has a personal meaning to him.
The Bulgarian boxer is set to fight British Youtube star KSI at the O2 in London next Saturday (August 27) but has faced a public backlash after a shirtless picture emerged of him at a football match in Bulgaria.
KSI is due to fight twice on the same show next weekend. He will first take on rapper Swarmz, who is a boxing novice without a competitive fight to his name, and then professional boxer Nikolov.
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Nikolov has won just three of his 21 bouts and has many tattoos, which some fans believe represent Nazi symbols. He has a ‘white power’ tattoo which is clearly visible across his stomach. In addition the Bulgarian boxer has the words “Blood & Honour” on his arm, which is the name of a neo-Nazi skinhead group.
Nikolov also has a “white madness” tattoo on top of his head and various symbols across his body which are believed to have the same far right connotations.
Replying to the criticism in a Facebook post, Nikolov said: “I have seen recent news regarding a tattoo referring to ‘white power’. This has absolutely no relevance to an outdated opinion, and simply refers to my own belief in my strength and power as an athlete.
“I have no criminal record, or involvement with the police, regarding any racial issues. I now understand how the tattoo can be misinterpreted, but I passionately distance myself from any other meaning it may have other than representing my force as a competitor.”
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