Peter McNeeley

Peter McNeeley
Personal information
Nickname
  • Hurricane
BornPeter Smith McNeeley
(1968-10-06) 6 October 1968
Medfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
WeightHeavyweight
Boxing career
Reach77 in (196 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record[1]
Total fights54
Wins47
Win by KO36
Losses7
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
New England Golden Gloves
1989 Lowell Heavyweight

Peter McNeeley (born 6 October 1968) is an American former heavyweight boxer best known for his green shorts and 1995 fight with Mike Tyson.

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).[2] McNeeley grew up in Medfield, alongside his three brothers Brian, Tom, and Shawn.[3] 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.[2] McNeeley's grandfather, Thomas McNeeley Sr. was a New England boxing champion and fought on the 1928 Olympic boxing team.[4] McNeeley graduated from Bridgewater State College with a bachelors degree in political science.[5]

Introduction to boxing and Amateur boxing career

McNeeley first became interested in boxing when he was 7 years old he found an old boxes of his fathers boxing memorabilia, this included his fathers appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated from November of 1961 from here he became enthralled by the sport.[6] 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.[6]

McNeeley then stepped away from boxing during high school instead focusing his time playing on the schools football team. During his first year at Bridgewater State College he initially flunked out after partying to much. He was able to get back in on academic probation. This is when he decided to start boxing once again to help eliminate alcohol and drugs from his life.[6]

McNeeley had 21 amateur fights, finishing his amateur career with the record 15–6.[7] 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.[8] He won the New England Golden Gloves in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1989 and the New England Diamond Belt Tournament later that year.[8]

Pro career

During his last year of college in 1987 McNeeley met his manager Vinnie Vecchione who had been out of the fight game for nearly a decade. McNeeley stated "Vinnie basically taught me how to fight all over again. Between my heart and my determination and Vinnie's teaching, I got better even quicker now."[6]

McNeeley made his pro debut on August 23, 1991 at Nickerson Field in Boston, Massachusetts, where he defeated Van Dorsey by technical knockout in the first round after just 50 seconds.[9] 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.[9] He started out 1992 with another first round TKO over Phil Prince on February 15. This was shortly followed by two more round one TKO’s in his following bouts.[9] His next fight vs John Basil Jackson on June 13, was his first to go the distance and was won via PTS after four rounds breaking his streak of 13 straight Knockouts to start his career. His next fight came just 6 days later vs. Jimmy Harrison which he won via unanimous decision, he then rematched Harrison 2 months later and scored a third round TKO.[9]

McNeely fought 4 more times from September 28 to December 10, scoring 3 more KOs in the process and improving his record to 13-0.[9] His first bout of 1993 came on January 30, vs. Ron Drinkwater where he scored yet another first round TKO. His next 6 fights also ended via stoppage improving his record to 20-0.[9] He then fought three more times from September 10, to November 24 all resulting in unanimous decision victories.[9] Following a first round TKO victory vs. Larry Davis on January 21, 1994 Neely then got his first title shot vs. Stanley Wright for the then vacant USA New England heavyweight title. The bout which took place on February 18, seen McNeeley suffer the first loss of his career via a 8 round TKO.[9] McNeely then bounced back scoring 3 straight TKO victories bringing his record to 28-1.[9] In June of 1994 McNeely signed with Don King Productions,[6] he then followed this up with one of his biggest wins of his career on June 24, when he scored a second round RTD victory over the former WBC light heavyweight champ J. B. Williamson.[10] Following two more KO victories McNeely then faced Williamson in a rematch and once again beat him via first round KO.[9]

Following Williamson rematch McNeely won an additional 5 bouts all by TKO/KO, with a record of 36-1. During this time he also had his first nationwide exposure on Showtime, March 17, 1995. The St. Patrick's Day boxing special was held in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he faced Danny Lee Wofford and got a second round KO.[8] He also set a at the time world record for fastest knockout in a pro match on April 22, 1995 when he KO Frankie Hines in 6 seconds.[11]

McNeely 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 McNeely not being ranked in the top 10 at that point.[6]

Around the time of his fight with Mike Tyson he had gained a No. 7 ranking by the World Boxing Association and a No. 10 rank by the WBC by early 1995.[12]

Fight with Mike Tyson

Main Article Mike Tyson Vs. Peter McNeely

Following getting denied a title shot Don King then offered McNeely a bout vs. Mike Tyson who was set to be released from prison.[6]

McNeeley is best known for his bout with Tyson that took place on August 19, 1995, Tyson’s first fight after being released from prison, before which McNeeley had said he would wrap Tyson in a "cocoon of horror."[13][14] 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.[15]

Despite losing the bout McNeely gained decent exposure and started appearing in TV commercials and making speaking appearances.[16]

Post Tyson fights

Following his bout with Tyson, McNeely 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.[9][17] He then fought 3 more times between December 12, 1995 and June 22, 1996 winning all 3 fights by KO.[9] his win streak was then stopped on July 13, 1996 when he was stopped by club fighter Louis Monaco in the fifth round.[18] McNeely 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.[9] This brought his record to 43-3 overall.

McNeely then flew to Denmark for his first international bout to challenged at the time undefeated 47-0 fighter Brian Nielsen on February 12, 1999. He lost the bout via third round KO.[19] He then dropped his following bout to Eric Esch better known as Butterbean on June 26, via first round TKO.[20] McNeely then took five months off before returning to the ring to face Jeff Jones and quickly won the bout via first round knockout. McNeely didn’t fight again to June of 2000 when he faced Joe Siciliano once again winning by first round KO, this would mark the final win of his career.[9]

McNeely then faced Henry Akinwande on March 17, 2001 for the vacant WBC International heavyweight title he lost the bout via second round KO.[21] On June 1 of the same year McNeely 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.[22]

Personal life

McNeely has one daughter named Nadiya.[5] His wife Annarita Petrosillo-McNeeley died unexpectedly in 2023.[23] He still resides in Massachusetts and is involved with the local boxing scene.[24]

In 1995, McNeeley was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.[25] In March 2006, McNeeley was arrested in Norwood, Massachusetts, after he punched a man and stole his wallet containing $200.[26] 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.[27] The charges were later reduced to larceny.

Titles in boxing

Regional titles

  • USBF heavyweight Champion (one time)

Amateur titles

Professional boxing record

54 fights 47 wins 7 losses
By knockout 36 6
By decision 9 0
By disqualification 2 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
54 Loss 47–7 Mike Bernardo TKO 1 (12), 0:41 8 Jun 2001 Grand West Casino, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa For WBF heavyweight title
53 Loss 47–6 Henry Akinwande KO 2 (12), 2:05 17 Mar 2001 The Moon, Tallahassee, Florida, U.S. For WBC International heavyweight title
52 Win 47–5 Joe Siciliano TKO 1 (4), 2:57 17 Jun 2000 Leominster Armory, Leominster, Massachusetts, U.S.
51 Win 46–5 Jeff Jones TKO 1 (10), 1:05 18 Nov 1999 Gold Strike Tunica, Tunica Resorts, Mississippi, U.S.
50 Loss 45–5 Eric Esch TKO 1 (4), 2:59 26 Jun 1999 Mandalay Bay, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
49 Loss 45–4 Brian Nielsen KO 3 (8), 1:54 12 Feb 1999 Falkoner Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
48 Win 45–3 Harry Funmaker UD 6 8 Oct 1998 Harrah's North Kansas City, North Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
47 Win 44–3 Dan Kosmicki UD 6 17 Apr 1998 Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S.
46 Win 43–3 Larry Menefee DQ 8 (8), 2:19 10 Jan 1998 Sportsmen's Lodge, Studio City, California, U.S.
45 Win 42–3 Doug Davis UD 6 5 Dec 1997 The Roxy, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
44 Win 41–3 Domingo Monroe DQ 4 (10), 1:03 12 Aug 1996 Saratoga City Center, Saratoga Springs, New York, U.S.
43 Loss 40–3 Louis Monaco TKO 5 (6), 2:57 13 Jul 1996 Mammoth Events Center, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
42 Win 40–2 Marc Machain TKO 1 (6) 22 Jun 1996 Whitman Armory, Whitman, Massachusetts, U.S.
41 Win 39–2 Juan Quintana KO 2 (6), 0:46 27 Apr 1996 Whitman Armory, Whitman, Massachusetts, U.S.
40 Win 38–2 Harold Reitman TKO 1 (10), 2:32 12 Dec 1995 Charlotte Memorial Auditorium, Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S.
39 Win 37–2 Mike Sams KO 2 (12), 1:43 27 Oct 1995 TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Won USBF heavyweight title
38 Loss 36–2 Mike Tyson DQ 1 (10), 1:29 19 Aug 1995 MGM Grand Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. McNeeley was disqualified after his manager entered the ring
37 Win 36–1 Frankie Hines TKO 1 (10), 0:06 22 Apr 1995 Hot Springs Convention Auditorium, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
36 Win 35–1 Danny Wofford RTD 1 (10), 3:00 17 Mar 1995 Worcester Memorial Auditorium, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
35 Win 34–1 Jerry Barnes KO 1 (8), 2:38 10 Feb 1995 Fort Smith Convention Center, Fort Smith, Arkansas, U.S.
34 Win 33–1 Kevin Wyrick TKO 1 (8), 1:22 20 Jan 1995 Foxboro Raceway, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
33 Win 32–1 Lorenzo Boyd TKO 1 (8), 1:22 11 Nov 1994 Foxborough Raceway, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S.
32 Win 31–1 J.B. Williamson TKO 1 (8), 1:01 8 Oct 1994 Whitman Armory, Whitman, Massachusetts, U.S.
31 Win 30–1 Quinton Hardy KO 1 (8), 2:50 29 Aug 1994 Louisville Gardens, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
30 Win 29–1 Dwayne Hall TKO 1 (8), 2:25 22 Jul 1994 Memorial Hall, Plymouth, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Win 28–1 J.B. Williamson RTD 2 (10), 3:00 24 Jun 1994 Foxborough Raceway, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S.
28 Win 27–1 Wayne Perdue TKO 1 (6), 1:20 30 Apr 1994 Whitman Armory, Whitman, Massachusetts, U.S.
27 Win 26–1 Lopez McGee TKO 1 (8) 13 Apr 1994 The Ritz, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.
26 Win 25–1 Herman Jackson TKO 2 (8) 8 Apr 1994 Fort Smith, Arkansas, U.S.
25 Loss 24–1 Stanley Wright TKO 8 (10), 1:49 18 Feb 1994 Westin Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. For vacant USA New England heavyweight title
24 Win 24–0 Larry Davis TKO 1 (8), 1:40 21 Jan 1994 Sheraton Inn, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
23 Win 23–0 Howard Kelly UD 8 24 Nov 1993 Robarts Arena, Sarasota, Florida, U.S.
22 Win 22–0 Dwayne Hall UD 6 6 Nov 1993 Foxborough Raceway, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Juan Quintana UD 8 10 Sep 1993 Wonderland Greyhound Park, Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
20 Win 20–0 Robert Pagan Perez RTD 2 (6) 14 Aug 1993 Whitman Armory, Whitman, Massachusetts, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Miguel Rosa TKO 2 (8), 1:55 7 Jun 1993 Wonderland Greyhound Park, Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Marc Machain KO 7 (8), 1:40 8 May 1993 Foxborough Raceway, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Phil Prince TKO 1 (6) 9 Apr 1993 Whitman Armory, Whitman, Massachusetts, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 John Basil Jackson TKO 5 (6), 2:55 5 Mar 1993 Whitman Armory, Whitman, Massachusetts, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Jesus Rohena TKO 2 (6), 1:11 20 Feb 1993 Foxborough Raceway, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Ron Drinkwater TKO 1 (8), 2:08 30 Jan 1993 National Guard Armory, Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Jimmy Harrison UD 6 10 Dec 1992 Teachers Union Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Lorenzo Poole KO 2 (6) 13 Nov 1992 Foxborough Raceway, Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Shawn Bryant TKO 1 (6) 21 Oct 1992 Westin Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Van Dorsey TKO 1 (5), 1:02 28 Sep 1992 Vista International Hotel, Waltham, Massachusetts, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Jimmy Harrison TKO 3 (6) 12 Sep 1992 Wonderland Greyhound Park, Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Jimmy Harrison UD 4 19 Jun 1992 Somerville, Massachusetts, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 John Basil Jackson PTS 4 13 Jun 1992 Mount Carmel Recreation Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Jerry Arentzen TKO 1 (4), 2:15 23 Apr 1992 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, Connecticut, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Jesus Rohena TKO 1 (4), 0:40 28 Feb 1992 Westin Hotel, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Phil Prince TKO 1 (4), 2:39 15 Feb 1992 Brockton High School Gymnasium, Brockton, Massachusetts, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Kevin Chisolm TKO 1 (4), 1:51 7 Dec 1991 Bank Street Armory, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Fabian Arroyo TKO 1 (4), 0:24 24 Oct 1991 DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Van Dorsey KO 1 (4), 0:50 23 Aug 1991 Nickerson Field, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.

Pay-per-view bouts

Date Fight Billing Buys Network
August 19, 1995 Tyson vs. McNeeley He's Back 1,600,000[28] Showtime/King Vision

References

  1. ^ "Boxing record for Peter McNeeley". BoxRec.
  2. ^ a b "Never-give-up puncher McNeeley dies at 74". YourArlington. 21 June 2018. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  3. ^ Humes, Mike (16 June 2011). "CWS CP McNeeley's family ties". ESPN Front Row. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  4. ^ Bandy, Steve (13 July 1995). "McNeeley enjoys break from intense training session here". The Rayne Acadian-Tribune. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  5. ^ a b Thomas, Mike. "Whatever Happened To: Peter McNeeley". Wicked Local. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g "Sports Illustrated Vault mcneeley-tyson".
  7. ^ Peter McNeeley Amateur Record at the BoxingRecords. Last updated : March 1, 2006.
  8. ^ a b c "Peter McNeeley - Biography". Peter McNeeley. 28 June 2017. Archived from the original on 21 July 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Peter McNeely Boxing recs.com".
  10. ^ "Peter McNeeley News: McNeeley TKOs Foe". www.hurricanepetermcneeley.com. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  11. ^ "Hurricane Watch: The Peter McNeeley Website". www.hurricanepetermcneeley.com. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  12. ^ Gallo, Bill (16 August 1995). "Blow Hard". Denver Westword. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  13. ^ "Usa: Boxer Mike Tyson Comeback Fight Preview". YouTube. 24 July 2015. Archived from the original on 10 May 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  14. ^ "The Big Question". Sports Illustrated. 21 August 1995. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2010.
  15. ^ "50 Greatest TV Sports Moments of All Time", TV Guide, July 11, 1998
  16. ^ Desborough, James (1 November 2024). "Mike Tyson showed true colors after wife of fighter he beat in 89 seconds' died". The Mirror US. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  17. ^ "Hurricane Watch: The Peter McNeeley Website". www.hurricanepetermcneeley.com. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  18. ^ "Just Don't Call Him Loser Mcneeley's Life Hardly A Picnic '". Spokesman.com. 11 January 1997. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  19. ^ Juipe, Dean (17 June 1999). "Butterbean, McNeeley plan to steal show". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  20. ^ Norris, Luke (6 May 2020). "The Crazy and Controversial Fight That Was Butterbean vs. Peter McNeeley". Sportscasting | Pure Sports. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  21. ^ Kleintjies, Lennie (4 June 2000). "SA heavyweight needs solid victory". IOL. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  22. ^ "Mike Bernardo vs. Peter McNeeley, K-1 | Boxing Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  23. ^ "Obituary for Annarita Petrosillo-McNeeley at George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc". www.dohertyfuneralservice.com. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  24. ^ Our Bleepin' City - W/Mikey2Gunzz (31 August 2025). Peter “Hurricane” McNeeley talks legacy, family, career, and more in my exclusive interview!. Retrieved 21 December 2025 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ Ellement, John (15 November 1995). "McNeeley pleads not guilty to Roxy assault". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2011.
  26. ^ "'Hurricane' McNeeley arrested for assault". USA TODAY. 2 March 2006. Retrieved 30 May 2009.
  27. ^ "'Hurricane' McNeeley arrested in holdup". USA TODAY. 29 June 2006. Retrieved 30 May 2009.
  28. ^ "The Montgomery Advertiser from Montgomery, Alabama". Newspapers.com. 5 April 1998. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
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