Tom McNeeley Ten Count

By Mark Vaz

Former heavyweight contender Tom McNeeley of Arlington, Massachusetts passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday in Boston. McNeeley’s boxing career spanned 8 years and 51 professional fights, racking up a record of 37-14 with 28 knockouts from 1958-1966. Gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated as a top contender, the highlight of his career was his December 1961 challenge for the world heavyweight championship against Floyd Patterson. In an all-out slugfest, McNeeley had Patterson down and nearly out before falling victim to the champ in four exciting rounds. McNeeley went on to face many outstanding heavyweights including champs Jose Torres, Willie Pastrano, Brain London and Oscar Bonavena.

After retiring, McNeeley served on the Massachusetts State Boxing Commission for several years, and was employed by the Massachusetts Correctional System, counseling inmates. McNeeley remained a staple in the New England boxing scene for many years, and was one of the most liked and respected personalities in the Boston area. McNeeley was, in fact, the middle McNeeley in a family boxing tradition, his father, Tom Senior being the first pro boxer to appear at the Boston Garden in 1929, and his son Peter, who fought Mike Tyson in Tyson’s first comeback fight after his incarceration.

McNeeley is survived by four sons, Peter, Tom, Sean and Brian, two brothers and two sisters, all of whom were with him when he passed away. Wake will be held at the Sullivan Funeral Home in Hanover, MA on Saturday and Sunday, 3-5pm.

October 27th, 2011

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