In his iconic return to boxing in 1995, Mike Tyson produced one of the most iconic and downright frightening pre-fight staredowns in the sport’s history.
Sentenced to six years in prison back in 1992, Mike Tyson bowed out of the sport off the back of a rematch win over Razor Ruddock earlier that same year.
And just two years removed from his historic upset loss against Buster Douglas, Catskills puncher Tyson was on the march once again for a shot at world heavyweight gold.
Embarking on a four-fight winning stint before his incarceration, Tyson would return to the sport triumphantly, but not before staring into the bones and soul of his opponent.
Mike Tyson’s decimation of Peter McNeeley
On this day in 1995, Tyson made his return to the boxing ring — atop a card billed as He’s Back — in reference to his first match since his release from prison.
Pitted against veteran journeyman Peter McNeeley in his comeback to the squared circle, Tyson was hotly tipped to prevail with relative ease against the Medfield native.
And prevail he did — dropping McNeeley inside the opening ten seconds, Tyson countered with a stinging right hand straight, felling the Massachusetts challenger.
Dropping McNeeley again after the minute mark with a heavy uppercut, Tyson was awarded a disqualification victory after the former’s trainer entered the ring, forcing Mills Lane to halt the contest.
But before exchanging blows, a rabid Tyson was credited for engaging in one of the most intense and scary staredowns in boxing history.
Mike Tyson’s ‘terrifying’ face-off with Peter McNeeley
Earning a cool $24 million for his quick night at the MGM Grand, Tyson’s victory over McNeeley is remembered to this day — but likely not as iconic as his pre-fight staredown.
Meeting in the center for instructions from the above-mentioned Lane, Tyson failed to draw the eyes directly from McNeeley, who smiled at the ferocious knockout ace.
Lauded by UFC commentary star Joe Rogan as a “terrifying” face-to-face encounter, Tyson darted his head back and forth at McNeeley, rolling his gumshield around his mouth in preparation for his first time in over three years.
“He’s (Mike Tyson) following him (Peter McNeeley), everywhere he goes,” Rogan said on his podcast. “He’s like a predator, dude.
“…You look over at Tyson — look at him. That is f—— terrifying.”