Friday Night Fights At The Roxy

Peter McNeeley Impressive In Return To Ring

By Allen Lessels, Globe Staff, 12/05/97

"Hurricane" Peter McNeeley

BOSTON, MA — Local boxer Peter McNeeley looked impressive in his return to the ring at the Roxy in downtown Boston Friday night clearly dominating Doug Davies of Philadelphia and winning a unanimous six-round decision in the featured heavyweight contest.

Though known primarily as a brawler-puncher, McNeeley fought the bout as a boxer and showed surprising skill, dropping his usual headhunt for an effective body attack that had a cumulative effect on his opponent. The "Hurricane" has packed on some muscle and appears to be in very good shape.

Also notable was the overwhelming support of the Boston crowd, something the Medfield native hasn't enjoyed since before he fought Mike Tyson in August 1995.

In the other headliner, USBF Cruiserweight champion Richie Lamontagne won a hard-fought ten-round decision over tough Art Bayliss in a fight that left both men battered and bloodied.

Bayliss was knocked through the ropes and survived a standing eight-count in the fourth round but did manage to connect with solid blows to the determined Lamontagne's face several times throughout the bout.

Also on the card, Jr. Lightweight Gary "Tiger" Balletto stopped Alex Ortiz and local heavyweight prospect Jason Yarosz scored a spectacular KO over a plodding and unfit Marc MacHain thirty-three seconds into the first round. Popular Brockton cruiserweight Tim Flamos won a controversial six-round decision over Don McKay of Albany, NY. After a slow start,Jamie Velasquez won by decision over Carlos Castro in super-middleweight action.

See also:   McNeeley Back To Fighting Ways   [The Suburban Press]

This story ran on page D-09 of The Boston Globe on 12/06/97