Eric Esch, better known by his nickname Butterbean, was born on August 3, 1966, in Bay City, Michigan. He first rose to prominence through the Toughman Contests, a series of amateur boxing competitions. His nickname, “Butterbean,” came from his time competing in these contests, where he had to follow a specific diet to meet the competition’s weight limit. A diet of chicken and butter beans inspired the name, which quickly stuck. The Toughman Contests highlighted Esch’s natural ability for knockouts and helped set the stage for his future in professional boxing(
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Professional Boxing Career and “King of the Four-Rounders”
In 1994, Butterbean transitioned to professional boxing, specializing in four-round fights. This style allowed him to focus on delivering quick, powerful punches, which became his trademark. Butterbean’s massive frame and his ability to end fights with brutal knockouts made him a fan favorite in this short-form style of boxing. His record speaks for itself: 77 wins, with 58 knockouts. He earned the nickname “King of the Four-Rounders” due to his dominance in these types of fights(
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Butterbean often appeared on major networks such as HBO and ESPN, bringing attention to his unique style of fighting. His focus was on entertainment, but his knockout power meant that even in these shorter bouts, he was a serious contender. Fans appreciated the explosive nature of his fights, and he quickly became one of the most recognizable figures in the heavyweight division(
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Fight Against Larry Holmes
One of the defining moments of Butterbean’s boxing career came in 2002 when he faced former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes in a highly publicized ten-round bout. This fight was unusual for Butterbean, as he was known for shorter four-round matches. Holmes, a skilled and experienced fighter, won the fight by unanimous decision, but Butterbean’s performance impressed fans and critics alike, as he went the distance with a legendary boxer(
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Transition to Mixed Martial Arts and Other Combat Sports
In addition to boxing, Butterbean explored other combat sports, including mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing. From 2003 to 2011, he competed in various MMA matches, achieving a respectable record of 17 wins, 10 losses, and 1 draw. His ability to transition from boxing to MMA and kickboxing demonstrated his versatility as a fighter. He also appeared in professional wrestling, further broadening his career in combat sports(
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Pop Culture Appearances
Butterbean’s larger-than-life persona made him a popular figure in pop culture, especially with his appearance in “Jackass: The Movie”. In the film, he had a memorable scene where he knocked out Johnny Knoxville in a humorous yet iconic department store boxing match. His charismatic personality also earned him guest spots on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and other entertainment programs, making him a household name beyond the boxing ring(
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Health Challenges and Comeback
In recent years, Butterbean faced significant health challenges due to his weight, which at one point confined him to using a scooter. However, his story took a positive turn when he began working with Diamond Dallas Page and participated in DDP Yoga. Through this fitness regimen, Butterbean lost over 200 pounds, regaining his ability to walk and significantly improving his health. This inspiring journey has been celebrated by his fans and serves as a testament to his determination(
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Legacy and Continuing Ventures
Today, Butterbean remains an influential figure in combat sports and pop culture. He has managed several business ventures, made public appearances, and continues to engage with his fan base. His career, which spans multiple combat sports and entertainment platforms, has left an enduring mark on the world of boxing and beyond. While he is often remembered for his role in popularizing four-round fights and his numerous knockouts, Butterbean’s legacy is also one of perseverance, humor, and resilience(
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