After serving a 4-year prison sentence Mike Tyson was released from an Indiana prison in March 1995. Since he was the youngest, most destructive heavyweights in modern times the world was eager to see him fight again.

Because of Tyson’s long layoff Don King wanted to get him an easy win for his first post -prison fight. However, King also wanted to choose an opponent who would draw a crowd and sell tickets as well. King ultimately picked a white, untested heavyweight named Peter McNeeley from Medfield, MA .

Although Peter’s record was 39-2, he was considered to be an unworthy challenger with some in the media referring to him as “the great white hope-less.” Thus the initial sales for the fight were disappointing.

However, what McNeeley may have lacked in raw boxing ability, he made up for with confidence and promotional skills. For the 3 months leading up to the event King, Tyson, and McNeeley traveled the country selling the fight amidst a worldwide media frenzy. Ultimately, in large part due to Peter’s efforts, the fight would become the most watched boxing match in history.

Brian Melvin, a boxer from Peter’s gym, shot a 40-minute documentary with a Hi-8 camera covering the event. Brian accompanied McNeeley as he not only prepared to fight Tyson but also fought for respect.

The following is a 2-minute clip of the video: