McNEELEY TAKES A DIVE FOR CHARITY

Boxer featured in Dover production of Guys and Dolls

DOVER, MA — The Dover Foundation presented its 20th year revival of "Guys and Dolls," a rollicking musical based on a Damon Runyon story.   A strong cast of talented local actors and singers included over 25 Dover residents.   Professional boxer Peter McNeeley from neighboring Medfield was featured in a small role as a pugilist who is knocked to the canvas.

The production ran for two consecutive Fridays and Saturdays — May 2, 3, 9, and 10 — and played to full houses in the Dover-Sherborn High School auditorium.   Proceeds raised will benefit the foundation's scholarship program.

"This was a very positive experience," McNeeley said. "I had a blast doing the play and met a lot of great people in the process. It was a quality production. The money we raised will help some very deserving kids."

The night of the third performance, McNeeley actually did "double duty" — dashing off to nearby Norwood, MA, after his first scene early in the show to participate in a fundraiser for the Medical Missions For Children. He donated some autographed gloves and boxing memorabilia that were auctioned off at the event. McNeeley then rushed back to Dover in time for his second scene just before the final curtain.

McNeeley is actively involved with many local charities. He recently participated in a celebrity basketball game in New Hampshire. On August 9 he will be appearing at an event held by the Mayflower Foundation at the Boston Children's Museum to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts.

Once ranked the No. 7 heavyweight by the World Boxing Association, Peter McNeeley is best known as Mike Tyson's first post-prison opponent in 1995.   His record currently stands at 47-7 with 36 knockouts, 26 in the first round.   He is training for his next fight and is looking forward to making a return to the ring early this summer in Cape Cod.