Peter McNeeley is an American former heavyweight boxer who gained widespread recognition in the 1990s, particularly for his fight against Mike Tyson in 1995.
Known for his aggressive style and quick knockouts, McNeeley’s career was marked by both notable achievements and memorable defeats.
Here we will take a look at Peter McNeeley’s net worth, career earnings, career highlights, boxing record, and more.
Peter McNeeley’s Biography
| Name | Peter McNeeley |
|---|---|
| Born | October 6, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Medfield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Reach | 76 in (193 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Debut | August 23, 1991 |
| Total Fights | 54 |
| Wins | 47 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Nickname | “Hurricane” |
Peter McNeeley was born on October 6, 1968, in Medfield, Massachusetts. He comes from a boxing family, with his father, Tom McNeeley, being a former professional heavyweight boxer who fought Floyd Patterson for the world title.
Peter followed in his father’s footsteps and built a professional career of his own, fighting many times in the heavyweight division.
Professional Career
Peter McNeeley turned professional in 1991 and quickly became known for his aggressive style and ability to overwhelm opponents in the early rounds.
Out of his 47 victories, 36 came by way of knockout, with many of these knockouts occurring in the first round. McNeeley built a reputation for his power and fast starts, earning him the nickname “Hurricane.”
The most notable fight of McNeeley’s career occurred on August 19, 1995, when he faced Mike Tyson in Tyson’s comeback fight after serving a prison sentence.
McNeeley entered the fight with confidence, but Tyson knocked him down twice in the first round, leading McNeeley’s corner to throw in the towel just 89 seconds into the bout.
Although McNeeley did not last long in the fight, it propelled him into the spotlight.
Despite this loss, McNeeley continued to fight in the heavyweight division and achieved several victories in the years that followed.
However, he never reached the same level of fame as he did during the Tyson fight. McNeeley’s career record of 47 wins and 7 losses remains a testament to his strength as a heavyweight contender.
Peter McNeeley’s Net Worth Details
Peter McNeeley’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025.
McNeeley’s net worth has fluctuated over the years, largely due to his short time in the spotlight. His fight against Mike Tyson in 1995 earned him an estimated $540,000, which was the largest payday of his career.
In the years following his boxing career, he stayed connected to the sport through local appearances and boxing commentary. Though his earnings dwindled, collectors and fans still seek memorabilia—like his signed gloves and worn fight shorts—keeping his name alive in boxing circles.
Fight Purse
| Fight | Opponent | Year | Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter McNeeley vs. Mike Tyson | Mike Tyson | 1995 | $540,000 |
| Peter McNeeley vs. Donnie Penelton | Donnie Penelton | 1996 | $50,000 |
| Peter McNeeley vs. Larry Holmes | Larry Holmes | 2002 | $100,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $700,000 |
| 2021 | $850,000 |
| 2022 | $900,000 |
| 2023 | $950,000 |
| 2024 | $1,000,000 |
Pro Boxing Record
| Total Fights | Wins | Losses | KO Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 47 | 7 | 36 |
FAQs
1. Who is Peter McNeeley?
Peter McNeeley is a former American heavyweight boxer born on October 6, 1968, in Medfield, Massachusetts. He is best known for his 1995 fight against Mike Tyson, Tyson’s first bout after being released from prison. McNeeley gained fame for his aggressive style and his “cocoon of horror” pre-fight statement.
2. What was Peter McNeeley’s boxing record?
Peter McNeeley had a professional boxing career spanning nearly ten years, amassing a record of 47 wins (36 by knockout) and 7 losses. His career highlights include several first-round knockouts, though he is most remembered for his fight with Mike Tyson.
3. What happened during Peter McNeeley’s fight with Mike Tyson?
In their August 19, 1995 fight, McNeeley was knocked down twice within the first two minutes. The fight ended when his manager, Vinnie Vecchione, entered the ring to stop further punishment, leading to McNeeley’s disqualification in what became a controversial and widely discussed match.
4. What is Peter McNeeley’s family background in boxing?
Peter McNeeley comes from a family with a strong boxing legacy. His father, Tom McNeeley, was a heavyweight contender who fought Floyd Patterson for the world title. His grandfather, Thomas McNeeley Sr., was a New England boxing champion and part of the 1928 U.S. Olympic team.
5. What is Peter McNeeley’s educational background?
Peter McNeeley graduated from Bridgewater State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He balanced his education with his early boxing career before turning professional in 1991.
6. How did the public react to the Tyson-McNeeley fight?
The Tyson-McNeeley fight drew criticism from fans and media, with many feeling it was a mismatch. Despite this, it became one of the most-watched pay-per-view events at the time and was later listed among TV Guide’s “50 Greatest TV Sports Moments of All Time.”
7. What legal issues has Peter McNeeley faced?
McNeeley has had several legal troubles post-boxing. In 2006, he was arrested for punching a man and stealing his wallet and later for driving a getaway car used in a robbery. These incidents marked challenging periods in his personal life.
8. How did Peter McNeeley perform as an amateur boxer?
As an amateur, Peter McNeeley had a record of 15–6 and won notable tournaments like the New England Golden Gloves and New England Diamond Belt in 1989. He also represented the U.S., defeating top-ranked opponents like Wayne Bernard and James Johnson.
9. How did Peter McNeeley’s wife’s passing affect him?
Peter McNeeley’s wife, Annarita, passed away unexpectedly in June 2023 at age 53. He described her death as devastating but received emotional support from Mike Tyson during this difficult time, highlighting their unexpected friendship.
10. What is Peter McNeeley’s legacy in boxing?
Peter McNeeley’s legacy lies in his exciting yet controversial career marked by his aggressive fighting style and resilience. Despite setbacks like the Tyson fight and personal challenges, he remains a memorable figure in heavyweight boxing history for his determination and colorful personality.
