UK Boxing
It is summed up by Mike Tyson’s phone call to his former opponent after his wife’s death
Mike Tyson defeated Peter McNeeley in his comeback fight (Photo: Getty Images)
Mike Tyson’s intimidating personality may still be getting ahead of him, but a former opponent has shared a heartwarming story about the boxing legend’s compassionate side.
Peter “The Hurricane” McNeeley, who faced Tyson in the ring in 1995, spoke warmly about how the former heavyweight champion provided emotional support during a particularly tough time in his life.
In an exclusive interview ahead of his upcoming fight with Jake Paul, McNeeley revealed Reflect American sports how Tyson was a pillar of strength following the sudden death of his wife Annarta in June 2023. Despite his turbulent past in the ring, Tyson expressed his condolences and support.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Mike Tyson attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s “Starting 5” on September 23, 2024 at the Egyptian Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles, California. (Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) (Photo: Getty Images)
McNeeley’s wife, Annarita, tragically passed away at her home on June 14, 2023 at the age of 53, leaving her 56-year-old husband in a tough situation. But Tyson’s thoughtful gesture helped lift his spirits during shadowy times.
“It was tough when my wife died. It’s still tough to talk about it,” McNeeley admitted. “And she didn’t die for two days and Mike Tyson called me. Now, because he’s a West Coast guy now, when he called me, I didn’t understand because my phone was turned off and I was already in bed and sleeping on the East Coast.”
“But the next day I saw missed calls and didn’t recognize the number he was calling from. Then he texted me to send his condolences and I called him right away. He answered and said, “What’s going on, brother… I’m so sorry for your loss.
Choking up as he said this, McNeeley remarked, “Such class and respect from a two-time champion. It just meant a lot to me.”
McNeeley said he preferred to keep details of their candid conversation private out of respect for their bond, but revealed: “People don’t know this side of Mike Tyson. He does a lot of work for good causes. he looks after his friends. He is very steadfast.”
Peter McNeeley unfortunately lost his wife (Photo: McNeeley)
He continued to talk about their relationship, saying, “It’s nice to have a friend like Mike. The fact that we don’t talk to each other for a few years doesn’t make any difference. He became like a brother. Mike is not a bad person. Grief is a process. Mike understands what it’s like to grieve the loss of his 8-year-old daughter. This puts the man to a mental test.
Discussing how he is coping with the loss of his wife today, McNeeley said: “I don’t want to say anything about her death other than I loved her very much. And you know what life is like. And she would probably think so. At least that’s what I like to think.”
The famed clash in which Tyson mercilessly defeated McNeeley in less than ninety seconds during his eagerly anticipated comeback fight in 1995 was recalled – it marked Tyson’s return to the professional ring after a three-year prison sentence for rape. McNeeley was completely stunned by Tyson’s agility and precision, resulting in a match that drew the largest pay-per-view television audience at the time.
McNeeley’s brush with fame didn’t end in the ring; his likable personality led to television commercials and speaking engagements. However, he always regretted not thanking Tyson in person until a twist of fate in September 2008 provided him with a chance meeting through his former limo driver, Dave.
Recounting the story, McNeeley said, “This time Mike was in Boston and by accident he was being driven by my ancient limo driver, Dave. Dave called me and said, “Pete, you’ll never believe this, I’m managing Mike Tyson? Should I say something about you? McNeeley, wanting a rematch, told Dave: “I said, ‘Hell yes… you can assist me get a rematch.’ I just got the news Mike was thinking of! was fun and said Mike would like to have dinner sometime if you have time. Some time passed and Dave came and said Mike wanted to take me out to dinner.
Time passed and then Dave informed McNeeley that Tyson wanted to have dinner with him. “I came home and Tyson came on my voicemail on my landline asking if I wanted to call. “The next thing I knew, the limo driver was banging on my door saying Tyson was in his hotel room in Cambridge with his second wife and their kids.”
The meeting was cordial, McNeeley recalled: “Mike shook my hand, hugged me, and talked to me for about 15 minutes. I’m still grateful that I got to spend that time with him because there was so much more going on in his life than meeting Me.”
He appreciated the personal interaction away from the media frenzy that usually surrounds Tyson, noting, “It was nice to be with him without TV, cameras, a press conference or fights. These things come out of proportion around these fights and Mike. People are just people. Everyone puts on their pants the same way.
“He seemed to me a nice, down-to-earth and humble guy. It was something special. I didn’t hear the news until nine years later, in 2007, when someone gave me my landline number, called me, and we ended the conversation. talk for several months.”
Tyson called McNeeley to comfort him (Photo: McNeeley)
“We called each other and every time he kept asking, ‘Peter, how is your father?’ This is respect. He knew that my dad fought Floyd Patterson and Jose Torres who were two of his mentors Cus D” Amato fighters and of course Mike knows his boxing history.
“It’s nice to talk to him on a normal level. I’m not one of his best friends, but it was great to have the connection we had. Mike talked about me publicly and always said nice things about me. he’s a great guy – I love him, I’m glad he’s doing so well, and when Mike does well and our names are linked from there.”
McNeeley predicts Tyson will triumph in his last fight. The fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will be broadcast on Netflix from ATandT Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 15.
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