Peter McNeeley

Peter McNeeley (born 6 October 1968) is an American former heavyweight boxer. He is best known for facing Mike Tyson in Tyson's first fight after his release from prison in 1995.

Early life John Peter Smith McNeeley was born on 6 October 1968 in Medfield, Massachusetts, U.S.; the child of Nancy McNeeley, (née Gray) (1944–2018) and Tom McNeeley (1937–2011). McNeeley grew up in Medfield, alongside his three brothers Bryan, Tom, and Shawn. His father was a former heavyweight contender who challenged Floyd Patterson for the world heavyweight championship, and later served eight years as the boxing commissioner of the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission. McNeeley graduated from Bridgewater State College with a bachelors degree in political science.

Early boxing and amateur career McNeeley became interested in boxing at age seven after finding a box of his father cover. His parents split when he was 10 years old, during his visits with his father he began getting involved in sport of boxing with his father taking him and his younger brother to the Catholic Youth Organization program in Newton, Massachusetts, additionally he would train with the equipment his father had at his house. Albeit a brief amateur career, he successfully represented the United States, wherein he defeated Wayne Bernard, the world Maritime heavyweight champion; and the first round knockout of No. 1 ranked US amateur James Johnson. He won the New England Golden Gloves in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1989 and the New England Diamond Belt Tournament later that year. McNeeley fought two more times in 1991, both in his home state of Massachusetts. The first came on October 24, where he got a first round TKO of Fabian Arroyo, he then scored another first round TKO vs. Kevin Chisolm on December 7. Following two more KO victories McNeeley then faced Williamson in a rematch and once again beat him via first round KO.

McNeeley was originally scheduled to get a WBC World Heavyweight title shot vs Oliver McCall following McCall’s upset win over Lennox Lewis, however organization blocked the bout due to McNeeley not being ranked in the top 10 at that point.

Fight with Mike Tyson Main Article Mike Tyson Vs. Peter McNeeley

Following getting denied a title shot Don King then offered McNeeley a bout vs. Mike Tyson who was set to be released from prison. McNeeley fought aggressively but was knocked down twice within the first two minutes. McNeeley was disqualified after his manager Vinnie Vecchione stepped into the ring to stop his fighter from taking any more punishment after the second knockdown. TV Guide included the fight in their list of the 50 Great TV Sports Moments of All Time in 1998.

Despite losing the bout McNeeley gained decent exposure and started appearing in TV commercials and making speaking appearances.

Post Tyson fights Following his bout with Tyson, McNeeley returned to the ring on October 27, 1995 at the TD Garden where he defeated Mike Sams via second round KO to win the USBF heavyweight title. He then fought 3 more times between December 12, 1995 and June 22, 1996 winning all 3 fights by KO. McNeeley then went on another win streak which was started on August 12, 1996 in a DQ victory over Domingo Monroe an additional four wins came from then till October 8, 1998 three coming via unanimous decision and one by DQ. He then dropped his following bout to Eric Esch better known as Butterbean on June 26, via first round TKO. McNeeley then took five months off before returning to the ring to face Jeff Jones and quickly won the bout via first round knockout. McNeeley didn’t fight again to June 2000 when he faced Joe Siciliano once again winning by first round KO, this would mark the final win of his career. On June 1 of the same year McNeeley travelled to South Africa for his final bout vs. Mike Bernardo for the WBF heavyweight title however he lost the match via first round KO. Putting a end to his 10 year career, he finished with a total record of 47-7 with 36 knockouts.

Personal life McNeeley has one daughter named Nadiya. He still resides in Massachusetts and is involved with the local boxing scene.

In 1995, McNeeley was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. In March 2006, McNeeley was arrested in Norwood, Massachusetts, after he punched a man and stole his wallet containing $200. In June 2006, McNeeley was arrested for driving the getaway car used in a robbery of a Walgreens in Stoughton, Massachusetts. After searching the car, police recovered $180 in cash and a black fanny pack which had also been stolen from the store. The charges were later reduced to larceny.

Titles in boxing

Regional titles

USBF heavyweight Champion (one time)

Amateur titles

New England Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion 1989 New England Diamond Belt Tournament Champion 1989

Professional boxing record

Pay-per-view bouts