McNeeley catches fire in Louisiana

By Steven Tobey
MIDDLESEX NEWS SERVICE

Peter McNeeley autographs a boxing glove for a fan in Lafayette, La., last week. McNeeley is training in a driveway after the gym he was to train in burned down.   (NEWS FILE PHOTO)

If Medfield's Peter McNeeley can overcome adversity in the ring as well as he did in training camp, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson could be in for a long evening on Aug. 19.

On July 6, McNeeley traveled to Lafayette, La., for 10 days of intensive training in preparation for his fight with Tyson. But the day McNeeley arrived, the gym where he was supposed to train burned down.

Not to be deterred, trainer Beau Williford set up a ring in the gym's driveway and McNeeley went to work.

"We were right out there in the hot sun," said Vinnie Vecchione, McNeeley's manager. "Peter worked hard; he really busted his hump. It was 95 to 100 degrees and the humidity was 80 to 90 percent — yet somehow the kid managed to gain four pounds while he was down there!"

Related articles:
McNeeley Faces Unusual Working Conditions   [Lafayette Advertiser]
McNeeley Enjoys Break From Intense Training Session   [Rayne Acadian]
Common Opponent Picks McNeeley Over Tyson   [Lafayette Advertiser]
Peter McNeeley Training In Lafayette  [KLFY-TV Profile]
McNeeley Stops Here While Training For Tyson   [Rayne Independent]
How Could We Not Root For McNeeley?   [The Suburban Press]