Tyson A Steppingstone For Peter Mcneeley? Unknown Heavyweight Plans For Fans To Learn His Name After Aug. 19 Fight

Peter McNeeley realizes the world doesn’t know he’s the guy Mike Tyson will oppose Aug. 19 when he returns to boxing for the first time in four years.

McNeeley says everyone will be aware of his identity afterward.

“All you people out there have been abusing me, disrespecting me,” McNeeley said Tuesday at a press conference to promote the bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. “I’m used to it. I love it. I just keep coming back. I’m like the thing that wouldn’t leave.

“On Aug. 19, I’m coming for respect. When I wrap Mike Tyson in a cocoon of horror, they’ll be singing at the House of Blues.”

With that remark, Tyson smiled and feigned a look of terror as reporters and others in the audience laughed and applauded.

Tyson, 29, hasn’t fought since June 28, 1991, when he won a 12-round decision over Razor Ruddock in Las Vegas. He spent three years in prison for raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant.

McNeeley, 26, ranked as the No. 7 heavyweight contender by the WBA and the No. 10 contender by the WBC, didn’t begin his professional career until two months after Tyson’s most recent fight.

Tyson is 41-1 with 36 knockouts; McNeeley is 36-1 with 30 knockouts.

McNeeley has stopped his last eight opponents in the first round, including four this year. Twenty-one of his 30 knockouts have come in the first round. However, he has not fought anyone of great repute.

Although he seemed in good spirits, Tyson kept his comments brief.

“I’m just glad to be here,” he said. “There’s not much I can say. I’d be happy to answer questions.”

Asked if he was concerned about not having been in a real fight in more than four years and, therefore, not being hit, he quickly replied, “I haven’t been hit too much when I was fighting, either.”

About his strategy, he said, is “Just to win in spectacular fashion. I’m not a spring chicken in this business. You know what I do.”

Whether he’d have the same hunger as a boxer as before, he said: “I’m just looking forward to doing my thing. You tell me after you see me perform.”

Asked if he expected a quick win, Tyson replied, “That was my trademark. I’m sure you’ll find (the fight) very breathtaking.”

Asked what message he would have for Desiree Washington if she were attending the news conference, Tyson clapped his hands and said, “Just enjoy the fight.”

Rory Holloway and John Horne, Tyson’s co-managers, also spoke to reporters.

“We’ve been in training for three months. It’s been the most intense training camp I’ve ever been involved in with Mike,” Holloway said. “We’re not taking (McNeeley) lightly. In your wildest dreams, you can’t even imagine what Mike’s going to look like on the 19th.”

“It’s been a long time since June 28, 1991,” Horne said. “We sort of know what (Tyson) has been through: he lived it day-to-day. I’m just happy to see him here right now. He has been, is, will be, the greatest fighter of all times.”

Promoter Don King dominated the 90-minute news conference, at times sounding like a carnival barker.

“Call your cable operator now,” he said often. “This is something that is capturing the world’s imagination, a treat that can’t be beat. Customer satisfaction, that is our motto.”