Peter McNeeley (born October 6, 1968) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1991 to 2001. Nicknamed "Hurricane," he is primarily known for being the first opponent of Mike Tyson following Tyson's release from prison in 1995.
Early Life and Career
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, McNeeley came from a boxing family. His father, Tom McNeeley, was also a professional boxer who notably fought Floyd Patterson for the world heavyweight title in 1961. Peter McNeeley followed in his father's footsteps, turning professional in 1991. He quickly amassed a seemingly impressive record, fighting frequently and often against less formidable opponents. By the time he faced Mike Tyson, his record stood at 36 wins and 1 loss, though critics often pointed out the low quality of his opposition.
Fight with Mike Tyson
McNeeley's career-defining moment came on August 19, 1995, when he was selected to fight Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The fight was highly anticipated as it marked Tyson's return to boxing after more than four years due to his incarceration. McNeeley's aggressive, if somewhat unskilled, fighting style and his willingness to take on Tyson despite being a massive underdog garnered him significant media attention and a reported purse of $540,000.
The fight itself lasted only 89 seconds. Tyson immediately charged McNeeley, knocking him down twice. After the second knockdown, McNeeley's manager and trainer, Vinny Vecchione, stepped into the ring to prevent McNeeley from continuing, resulting in a disqualification loss for McNeeley. The quick stoppage was controversial but widely seen as a protective measure for McNeeley against Tyson's overwhelming power.
Post-Tyson Career
Despite the brevity of the Tyson fight, McNeeley's notoriety allowed him to continue boxing for several more years. He fought another 20 times after facing Tyson, compiling a professional record of 47 wins, 7 losses, and 1 no contest. While he never again reached the same level of prominence or faced opponents of Tyson's caliber, he continued to be a recognizable figure in the sport, often leveraging his association with the famous bout. He retired from professional boxing in 2001.
Legacy
Peter McNeeley is largely remembered as a footnote in Mike Tyson's illustrious career, but his willingness to step into the ring with one of boxing's most feared heavyweights at the height of his power earned him a certain level of respect. His participation in such a high-profile event secured his place in boxing history, even if not for his athletic achievements, then for his part in one of the sport's most significant comeback stories.