Butterbean admitted that he “might as well have been dead” before losing over 200lbs in a remarkable weight loss journey.
Eric Esch, better known by his ring name Butterbean, rose to global fame in the 1990s due to his unique physique and staggering knockout power across various fighting disciplines. He participated in over 125 fights during his 19-year career.
The 57-year-old retired in 2013 following his last boxing match before his weight then spiralled dangerously out of control, peaking at 515lbs (over 36 stone). Wheelchair-bound, Butterbean knew it was time for a drastic change to his lifestyle.
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He embarked on what could be considered the biggest fight of his life with the assistance of ex-WWE star Diamond Dallas Page, now a yoga instructor who runs his own online fitness business, DDP Yoga. The Georgia-born fighter shocked everyone with an incredible body transformation, shedding over 200lbs.
His journey has been documented in ‘Butterbean’s Comeback: One More Fight’, which can be viewed on YouTube. Esch had to slim down to 300lbs before doctors would give him the green light for much-needed hip surgery.
After achieving the milestone, Butterbean got emotional in the documentary, confessing: “For me, being stuck in a wheelchair, I might as well have been dead”.
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(Image: butterbeanboxer/Instagram)
With a new lease of life and despite nearing his 58th birthday, Butterbean is eyeing up a return to the ring. He has set his sights on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who has previously made unflattering remarks about Esch.
Last year, talking to CVV Clips, Butterbean threw down the gauntlet: “I’d love to fight Jake Paul, but he’s too smart to fight me. I’m being honest. I’m not saying he’s a coward or anything like that, but I would destroy him. I think he knows. I hit way too hard for him.”
Butterbean added: “He made a statement a while back about me when he said, ‘I’m not like Butterbean, I’m not a joke’. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to fight him. If he thinks I’m a joke, I want to fight him.”