Mike Tyson was like an animal in the ring when he returned to boxing after four years away in 1995.
After spending three years incarcerated, Mike Tyson returned to the ring in 1995 looking bigger, stronger, and more terrifying than ever.
He immediately signed up for a $25 million bout with Peter McNeeley, a lower-ranked Heavyweight set up as the fall guy by Don King for Tyson’s return.
The bout went as you’d expect, but it was the pre-fight staredown that showed a completely different side of Tyson that shook fans to their core.
Mike Tyson was ‘like a predator’ before knocking out Peter McNeeley, according to Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan was terrified of Tyson when he came out of jail and locked his eyes on Peter McNeeley before mauling the poor fighter.
On episode #1207 of The Joe Rogan Experience, the UFC commentator marveled at the animal-like demeanor of Tyson as he stalked his prey with his eyes before facing McNeeley.
This was Iron Mike’s first bout in four years, and it was a long time coming for the former world Heavyweight champion.
“That was the most terrifying Mike Tyson ever looked. He just looked like he was made out of steel,” Rogan explained.
“Peter McNeeley signed up for that fight knowing that he’s a tough guy who’s going to take a vicious beating.
“That’s what he signed up for. You could see it in Tyson’s face when he’s staring him down, there’s this crazy… he’s following him everywhere he goes like a predator.
“Like a predator who can’t wait to get the green light to let the genie out of the bottle.”
Mike Tyson demolished Peter McNeeley in just 89 seconds after his vicious staredown
As you would expect, this new-look Tyson still had the same unbelievable power in his fists upon his return.
Tyson demolished McNeeley in just 89 seconds, knocking him down twice in the first minute-and-a-half of the bout.
McNeeley proved his toughness, as he managed to get to his feet to continue the fight following the second knockdown.
However, the bout ended right there, as his corner rushed into the ring to cause a disqualification, stopping Tyson from inflicting any more damage on the Heavyweight.