Originally from Western Australia, he later began boxing with the promoter Snowy Baker.

[1][2] He fought in the featherweight division, including bouts against Greek boxer Jack Brown in 1919[2] as well as the Victorian champion Bert McCarthy (which he lost on points) and Harry Pearson (whom he knocked out) both in early 1921.

[3] A contemporary report on the latter bout said:"McVea knocked him down for nine seconds in the eleventh round with a right swing to the jaw, and again put him on the floor early in the twelfth term.

The aborigines is a scrupulously fair boxer, and no doubt Melbourne followers of the sport will welcome his next appearance in the ring.

"[3]McVea featured in the 1918 silent film The Enemy Within playing an Aboriginal detective.