
Butterbean calls out John Fury as he reveals fight offer was on table
Butterbean has said that he would love to "slap around" John Fury as a warm-up for a fight with Tyson Fury. Butterbean, real name Eric Esch, is eyeing a return to the ring for the first time in over a decade aged 58, with a number of high profile names on his radar for one last dance under the bright lights.
After racking up an impressive record of 77-10-4 in the squared-circle, including 57 knockouts, Butterbean retired following his 2013 TKO loss to Kirk Lawton. Already weighing in at around 300-400lbs during the prime of his career, inactivity in retirement saw Butterbean tip the scales to over 500lbs at his heaviest.
As a result, he was confined to a wheelchair for mobility, while a deep depression left him bed-bound for the best part of a year. However, after slimming down to 280lbs, Butterbean is feeling fighting fit once more and wants one more professional fight before calling time on his boxing career for good.
While Butterbean has made it clear that a clash with YouTuber-turned-pugilist Jake Paul is his main priority, he has plenty of other names on his radar for a return to the ring. When asked about if he would entertain a fight with Tyson during an exclusive interview with Mirror Fighting via Lucky Energy, the Atlanta-born boxer said: "I'd love to fight him," before turning his attention to his father, John.
He added: "I'd fight the old man first, beat him up, slap around him pretty good. And then I'd want to beat the son up pretty bad. I would love to fight Tyson Fury."
Butterbean also shared that a fight with John was already on the table a little while ago, but ultimately failed to come to fruition. He explained: "You know, I was offered to fight his dad. And it's been a while. I'd love to fight him, either one of them.
"But yeah, Tyson Fury is the one I'd really want. His dad would be an easy fight. That'd be a couple rounder. I'd be like, go out there and just have fun and then get ready for the son.
"It'd be a warm-up fight. I mean, now that I believe in myself, I can do anything. And since I'm in such great shape, I know I can accomplish my goals."
Butterbean credits former WWE star 'Diamond' Dallas Page for helping him turn his life around with a strict yoga routine, explaining that he feels fitter now than he did in his 20s. He added: "I'm not in a wheelchair no more.
"I went and moved to DDP for a while, did his yoga programme, and I'm in the best shape of my life right now. I feel better now at 50-something than I did when I was in my 20s, which is insane. I can't explain it, but the Fountain of Youth, I dove in it and I come out so much better."
No stranger to the trials and tribulations of boxing, John enjoyed a respectable combat sports career of his own, compiling a record of 8-4-1 between 1987 and 1995. However, his legacy pales when compared to that of Tyson's.
Tyson called time on his own career earlier this year after suffering the first two losses of his professional career to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. A two-time world heavyweight champion, Fury missed out on the chance of becoming undisputed at his weight class when he suffered a split-decision loss to Usyk last May, losing his WBC title in the process.
An instant rematch in December saw him suffer another decision loss to the undefeated Ukrainian, this time in unanimous fashion. While Fury opted to step away from boxing at the turn of the new year, Usyk went on to clinch the third undisputed collection of his career after clinching the IBF heavyweight strap with a fifth-round knockout of Daniel Dubois on Saturday.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Scotsman
WWE SummerSlam 2025: UK star times, matches confirmed and what is taking place on what night this weekend?
Things are heating up ahead of this weekend, as WWE SummerSlam can only be contained across two nights this year Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The latest WWE Big Four PLE is taking place for the first time across two nights this weekend. WWE SummerSlam 2025 has split its card into two almost festival-like nights as fans make their way to the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Here's a brief history of the event, why it's become a two-night affair, matches confirmed and how to follow every last bit of action from your own home. The WWE's biggest summer party is upon us, as SummerSlam debuts as a two-night wrestling extravaganza this weekend! With an incredible array of matches confirmed so far, it has led some wrestling fans to wonder if this could eclipse WWE's Super Bowl, WrestleMania, which took place earlier this year. And with night two of the PLE culminating in championship matches, we're currently inclined to agree. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But what is written down on paper sometimes loses itself in translation when executed. However, with huge surprises guaranteed and John Cena performing at this last SummerSlam before he retires from the business, there are high expectations for the event, and could we see an infamous double turn take place during Night Two's main event? The event this year also marks a significant moment for Netflix, as the two enterprises signed a deal late last year and this year's show marks the first time the 'Big Four' event will be screened on the streaming giant. Here's a brief history on the event, why it is considered part of the WWE's pantheon of 'Big Four' events, the all-important night splits of matches, and how you can watch all the action, from kick-off to post-show press conferences, at home in the UK this weekend Why is SummerSlam part of WWE's 'Big Four' annual events? John Cena marks his final SummerSlam appearance this weekend, as he defends the WWE Undisputed Championship in a street fight against former champion Cody Rhodes. | WWE/Netflix SummerSlam is without question one of WWE's "Big Four" annual events, a distinction it shares with WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These four Premium Live Events have historically been the pillars of WWE's annual calendar, consistently featuring the biggest storylines, championship matches, and celebrity appearances. SummerSlam, in particular, has long been positioned as WWE's second-biggest event of the year, directly behind WrestleMania. This is due to its strategic placement in the summer, offering a crucial destination for major storyline payoffs and championship changes following the post-WrestleMania period. Having run annually since 1988, it boasts a rich history of iconic matches and moments that have shaped WWE lore, consistently generating significant revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and broadcast deals, positioning it as a must-see spectacle. Why is SummerSlam taking place across two nights this year? This decision to expand SummerSlam to a two-night format follows the highly successful precedent set by WWE's flagship event, WrestleMania, which permanently adopted a two-night structure in 2020. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are several reasons behind the expansion: it enhances the fan experience by allowing for more matches and giving more Superstars a chance to perform on a grand stage, preventing individual nights from feeling excessively long. Of course, from a business perspective, two nights translate to increased revenue potential through additional ticket sales, merchandise, and viewership. Holding events in vast NFL stadiums, as SummerSlam has done since 2021, also makes a two-night format more feasible and profitable for filling such large venues. WWE's Chief Content Officer, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, has openly supported expanding major events, likening it to a "Disney" model where fans can fully immerse themselves in a "destination weekend," reflecting WWE's strategic ambition to elevate their Premium Live Events into even grander entertainment spectacles. What matches have (so far) been confirmed for SummerSlam and what night will they occur? There happens to be one more episode of WWE SmackDown set to take place before the two-night event this weekend, so more matches may be announced, but as it stands, here is your card and night splits for SummerSlam 2025 Night 1 (August 2) World Heavyweight Championship : Gunther (c) v CM Punk : Gunther (c) v CM Punk WWE Women's Championship : Tiffany Stratton (c) v Jade Cargill : Tiffany Stratton (c) v Jade Cargill WWE Women's Tag Team Championship : The Judgement Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) (c) v Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss : The Judgement Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) (c) v Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss Randy Orton and Jelly Roll v Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul Roman Reigns and Jey Uso v Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed (with Paul Heyman) Sami Zayn v Karrion Kross (if Kross wins, Zayn has to admit 'Kross was right.' If he loses, he must say 'I was wrong' about Zayn) Night 2 (August 3) WWE Undisputed Championship - Street Fight : John Cena (c) v Cody Rhodes : John Cena (c) v Cody Rhodes Women's World Championship : Naomi (c) v Rhea Ripley v IYO SKY : Naomi (c) v Rhea Ripley v IYO SKY WWE United States Championship - Steel Cage Match : Solo Sikoa (c) v Jacob Fatu : Solo Sikoa (c) v Jacob Fatu WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship - No DQ : Becky Lynch (c) v Lyra Valkyria (If Lynch wins, Valkyria can no longer challenge for the title for as long as Lynch is champion) : Becky Lynch (c) v Lyra Valkyria (If Lynch wins, Valkyria can no longer challenge for the title for as long as Lynch is champion) WWE Intercontinental Championship : Dominik Mysterio (c) v AJ Styles : Dominik Mysterio (c) v AJ Styles WWE Tag Team Championship - TLC Match: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy) (c) v Andrade and Rey Fenix v #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tomassa Ciampa) v Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) v The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) v Fraxiom (Nathan Fraser and Axiom) How can I watch WWE SummerSlam in the United Kingdom? SummerSlam Kick-Off The official SummerSlam Kick-Off show, which invites fans to see the stars of the WWE Universe make their final comments before their matches, will be airing once again on WWE's official YouTube channel, taking place August 1 from 10pm BST. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pre-show coverage Those looking to follow the coverage leading up to the biggest two-night party of the summer can do so by visiting WWE's official YouTube channel, with coverage kicking off each night from 8pm BST. Main event coverage Netflix will carry live coverage of both nights of WWE SummerSlam 2025, with the main card starting at 11pm BST on both nights this year. Post-show coverage The WWE will also be hosting press conferences and post-show analysis after the evenings have concluded; they will take place once again on the WWE's official YouTube channel from 4am each morning. What is the WWE's next Premium Live Event after SummerSlam 2025? That would be the WWE's PLE being held in France once again; Clash in Paris is set to take place on August 31 at the La Défense Arena in Nanterre, with a 'Road to Clash in Paris' scheduled to take place throughout the UK in the lead up to the PLE. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad


Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Scotsman
WWE SummerSlam 2025: UK star times, matches confirmed and what is taking place on what night this weekend?
Things are heating up ahead of this weekend, as WWE SummerSlam can only be contained across two nights this year Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The latest WWE Big Four PLE is taking place for the first time across two nights this weekend. WWE SummerSlam 2025 has split its card into two almost festival-like nights as fans make their way to the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Here's a brief history of the event, why it's become a two-night affair, matches confirmed and how to follow every last bit of action from your own home. The WWE's biggest summer party is upon us, as SummerSlam debuts as a two-night wrestling extravaganza this weekend! With an incredible array of matches confirmed so far, it has led some wrestling fans to wonder if this could eclipse WWE's Super Bowl, WrestleMania, which took place earlier this year. And with night two of the PLE culminating in championship matches, we're currently inclined to agree. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But what is written down on paper sometimes loses itself in translation when executed. However, with huge surprises guaranteed and John Cena performing at this last SummerSlam before he retires from the business, there are high expectations for the event, and could we see an infamous double turn take place during Night Two's main event? The event this year also marks a significant moment for Netflix, as the two enterprises signed a deal late last year and this year's show marks the first time the 'Big Four' event will be screened on the streaming giant. Here's a brief history on the event, why it is considered part of the WWE's pantheon of 'Big Four' events, the all-important night splits of matches, and how you can watch all the action, from kick-off to post-show press conferences, at home in the UK this weekend Why is SummerSlam part of WWE's 'Big Four' annual events? John Cena marks his final SummerSlam appearance this weekend, as he defends the WWE Undisputed Championship in a street fight against former champion Cody Rhodes. | WWE/Netflix SummerSlam is without question one of WWE's "Big Four" annual events, a distinction it shares with WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These four Premium Live Events have historically been the pillars of WWE's annual calendar, consistently featuring the biggest storylines, championship matches, and celebrity appearances. SummerSlam, in particular, has long been positioned as WWE's second-biggest event of the year, directly behind WrestleMania. This is due to its strategic placement in the summer, offering a crucial destination for major storyline payoffs and championship changes following the post-WrestleMania period. Having run annually since 1988, it boasts a rich history of iconic matches and moments that have shaped WWE lore, consistently generating significant revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and broadcast deals, positioning it as a must-see spectacle. Why is SummerSlam taking place across two nights this year? This decision to expand SummerSlam to a two-night format follows the highly successful precedent set by WWE's flagship event, WrestleMania, which permanently adopted a two-night structure in 2020. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are several reasons behind the expansion: it enhances the fan experience by allowing for more matches and giving more Superstars a chance to perform on a grand stage, preventing individual nights from feeling excessively long. Of course, from a business perspective, two nights translate to increased revenue potential through additional ticket sales, merchandise, and viewership. Holding events in vast NFL stadiums, as SummerSlam has done since 2021, also makes a two-night format more feasible and profitable for filling such large venues. WWE's Chief Content Officer, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, has openly supported expanding major events, likening it to a "Disney" model where fans can fully immerse themselves in a "destination weekend," reflecting WWE's strategic ambition to elevate their Premium Live Events into even grander entertainment spectacles. What matches have (so far) been confirmed for SummerSlam and what night will they occur? There happens to be one more episode of WWE SmackDown set to take place before the two-night event this weekend, so more matches may be announced, but as it stands, here is your card and night splits for SummerSlam 2025 Night 1 (August 2) World Heavyweight Championship : Gunther (c) v CM Punk : Gunther (c) v CM Punk WWE Women's Championship : Tiffany Stratton (c) v Jade Cargill : Tiffany Stratton (c) v Jade Cargill WWE Women's Tag Team Championship : The Judgement Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) (c) v Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss : The Judgement Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez) (c) v Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss Randy Orton and Jelly Roll v Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul Roman Reigns and Jey Uso v Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed (with Paul Heyman) Sami Zayn v Karrion Kross (if Kross wins, Zayn has to admit 'Kross was right.' If he loses, he must say 'I was wrong' about Zayn) Night 2 (August 3) WWE Undisputed Championship - Street Fight : John Cena (c) v Cody Rhodes : John Cena (c) v Cody Rhodes Women's World Championship : Naomi (c) v Rhea Ripley v IYO SKY : Naomi (c) v Rhea Ripley v IYO SKY WWE United States Championship - Steel Cage Match : Solo Sikoa (c) v Jacob Fatu : Solo Sikoa (c) v Jacob Fatu WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship - No DQ : Becky Lynch (c) v Lyra Valkyria (If Lynch wins, Valkyria can no longer challenge for the title for as long as Lynch is champion) : Becky Lynch (c) v Lyra Valkyria (If Lynch wins, Valkyria can no longer challenge for the title for as long as Lynch is champion) WWE Intercontinental Championship : Dominik Mysterio (c) v AJ Styles : Dominik Mysterio (c) v AJ Styles WWE Tag Team Championship - TLC Match: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy) (c) v Andrade and Rey Fenix v #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tomassa Ciampa) v Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) v The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) v Fraxiom (Nathan Fraser and Axiom) How can I watch WWE SummerSlam in the United Kingdom? SummerSlam Kick-Off The official SummerSlam Kick-Off show, which invites fans to see the stars of the WWE Universe make their final comments before their matches, will be airing once again on WWE's official YouTube channel, taking place August 1 from 10pm BST. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pre-show coverage Those looking to follow the coverage leading up to the biggest two-night party of the summer can do so by visiting WWE's official YouTube channel, with coverage kicking off each night from 8pm BST. Main event coverage Netflix will carry live coverage of both nights of WWE SummerSlam 2025, with the main card starting at 11pm BST on both nights this year. Post-show coverage The WWE will also be hosting press conferences and post-show analysis after the evenings have concluded; they will take place once again on the WWE's official YouTube channel from 4am each morning. What is the WWE's next Premium Live Event after SummerSlam 2025? That would be the WWE's PLE being held in France once again; Clash in Paris is set to take place on August 31 at the La Défense Arena in Nanterre, with a 'Road to Clash in Paris' scheduled to take place throughout the UK in the lead up to the PLE. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Start your fantasy booking of SummerSlam 2025 ahead of the first night by leaving your predictions down below - do you think John Cena will turn face and will Cody Rhodes finally embrace the dark side in his quest to win back 'his' WWE Undisputed Championship?


The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Anthony Joshua told fight with Jake Paul is ‘BIGGER' than Tyson Fury blockbuster
ANTHONY JOSHUA has been told a fight with Jake Paul is BIGGER than a clash with Tyson Fury. AJ is plotting a return before the end of the year having undergone surgery on his elbow earlier in the summer. 5 5 And he remains linked with two blockbuster bouts - with long-time British rival Fury and YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul. Asked what is the bigger bout, Eddie Hearn's dad Barry picked Paul when asked by iFL TV: "I am not saying it should be. "I am just saying it is the world we live in and everyone has the ability to ignore reality, but it never seems to really make sense at the end of the day. "You have to listen to what people want. We are not governing our own destiny here, we listen to broadcasters, to fans, to sponsors, and we have to go where we have to go. "If that does not appeal to what I call the traditionalists within boxing, of which, at a maximum, is five per cent of your audience. "The day you run a business based on five per cent opinion, you will be out of business very quickly." Fury, 36, announced his retirement in January following consecutive losses against Oleksandr Usyk, 38, last year. But he did confirm he will make a return in 2026 to spark fresh hope of a fight with Joshua, 35, who was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, 27, in September. 5 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh wants AJ and Fury to have comeback bouts before setting up a long-anticipated blockbuster. But Alalshikh is also on board for 12-1 cruiserweight Paul, 28, to fight Joshua and so too is Hearn Sr. Former world champ fears for Jake Paul's health amid Anthony Joshua fight talks He said: "I do not really have an opinion, I listen to the market! "If a market says they want that product, you bring out that product. If the market says we love darts, then I would do lots of darts events. "If the market says we want to see Anthony Joshua against the YouTuber or whatever his you want to call him, an influencer, the market have spoken. "And anyone in business that does not listen to the market, do not stay in business very long."