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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Mike Tyson, Jake Paul and John Fury - Butterbean's three-fight wishlist emerges
Butterbean is back for one last night in the squared-circle after a remarkable body transformation which saw him shift more than 200lbs, and there are several top-tier opponents on his radar Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, and John Fury are among the names that Butterbean hopes to face as he plots a surprise return to the world of boxing. The 58-year-old, real name Eric Esch, hasn't fought since his 2013 TKO loss to Kirk Lawton, and his inactivity has led to other battles on the other side of the ropes for the Atlanta-born bruiser. While he usually weighed in for his bouts between 300 and 400lbs, inactivity saw his mass skyrocket past the 500lb mark, and he subsequently became dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. What followed was also a dark and deep-seated depression that left him bedridden for the best part of a year. But with the help of WWE superstar 'Diamond' Dallas Page and his incredible yoga programme, Butterbean could once again find self-belief and turn his life around - shedding more than 200lbs and feeling fitter now than he did in his 20s. And now, the pugilist is even ready to return to the squared circle for one last dance under the bright lights, throwing down the gauntlet to the likes of Tyson, Paul, and Fury. Here, Mirror Fighting breaks down three opponents that Butterbean named on his radar during an exclusive interview via Lucky Energy... Mike Tyson Talks of a fight between Butterbean and Tyson taking place are nothing new, with whispers of a mega-fight between the two originally emerging in 2020. Butterbean claims that 'Iron' Mike's team initially approached him five years ago for the prospect of a bout, but he ultimately had to dismiss it due to his battles with weight and mental health. He explained: "The reason I turned down, because I couldn't walk. He had a fight fall out and they reached out to me. I don't know which camp reached out, but when you can't walk, you're in a wheelchair, you can't fight." However, after shedding the weight and eyeing a return to the ring, Butterbean has now thrown out an offer to Tyson, 59, who recently made his own comeback to the sport to take on YouTuber-turned-scrapper Paul in November, in a fight he lost via unanimous decision. He explained: "But guess what? 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." Highlighting a weakness in the former world heavyweight champion, he added: "You know, Tyson don't have a chin. People don't realise that. Mike cannot take a punch. "He's normally so quick, people don't hit him that much. But I spar with Buster Mathis Jr, they have the exact same style. They've been trained by the same people. And I had no trouble hitting him." Jake Paul Despite running an offer to Tyson, Butterbean has made it incredibly clear that 28-year-old Paul would be his first choice opponent for a return to the ring. The hard-hitting heavyweight has targeted the up-and-comer time and time again since slimming down substantially, claiming that Paul bad-mouthed him when he was in a wheelchair. He said: "As soon as he says yes, I'm ready. You know, I was in really bad shape. I was in a wheelchair for over three years. I couldn't walk. I got over 500 pounds. I was fat and sloppy and couldn't walk, and Jake wanted to talk bad about me then. "So, I decided to get my fat butt in shape. And guess what I did? I'm 280 right now, 285. I've never been under 300 in my life that I know of. And now that I'm ready, he's like, 'Well, dude, you're a legend. I can't fight you right now.' Yeah, buddy. Let's get it going.' On his keys to victory, Butterbean added: "I don't think he's afraid of me, but I think his people know that if he gets knocked out, his career's over. Like, I would knock him out bad. I hit way too hard for him." He continued: "Needless to say, Jake was a joke in the beginning. Just another YouTuber out there trying to prove a point. He's got a lot better. So I wouldn't mind sharing the ring with just to fight him. Not just to shut him out because I think he was worthless, but he kind of p***ed me off." With a record of 12-1 in the squared-circle, Paul has achieved a number of big-name wins over the likes of Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, Mike Perry and Tyson to name a few. His latest win came in the form of a unanimous decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at the end of June - a man who has previously held the WBC middleweight title. John Fury In a shocking turn of events, Butterbean also called out John Fury, the father of former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, during his interview, while also revealing that a fight was on the table between the two in the past. Asked about if he would take a fight with the recently retired Tyson, he said: "I'd love to fight him," before turning his attention to John. He continued: "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. You know, I was offered to fight his dad. And it's been a while back. "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." With a professional career between 1987 and 1995 culminating in eight wins, four losses and one draw, John is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of boxing, especially given he has worked as a long-time coach for his son, Tyson. Butterbean has just launched a brand-new flavour of beverage with Lucky Energy in his Butterbean's Knockout Punch. The brand describes the fresh taste as "a tropical mix of pineapple, orange, cherry, with a heavy kick of nostalgia fruit punch."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Butterbean's heartbreaking admission about weighing 500lb before one moment that changed his life
Former boxer Butterbean was bed-bound for the best part of a year after finding himself immobilised due to his weight, but the American has opened up on one thing that helped him turn his life around Butterbean has explained believing in himself when the odds were stacked against him was instrumental to overcoming a deep-seated depression. The heavyweight boxer made quite the name for himself in the 1990s and early 2000s, tipping the scales at between 300 and 400lbs for his fights while dispatching of a wealth of big-name opponents through his sheer knockout power. But after retiring from the fight game in 2013 with a professional record of 77-10-4, Butterbean – whose real name is Eric Esch – saw his weight skyrocket to an all time high in excess of 500lbs. It led to him needing a wheelchair for mobility and doctors telling him that he would never walk again. What followed was a cruel depression which left the 58-year-old bed-ridden for the best part of a year, only leaving his room to go to the toilet. Speaking about his darkest hours in conversation with Mirror Fighting via Lucky Energy, the Atlanta-born bruiser said: "It was horrible. My hips were so bad, I couldn't walk. And if you can't walk, you're going to gain weight. I was way over 500 pounds." He added: "A lot of fighters do get depressed. A lot of actors and celebrities, people that are in the public eye a lot do get depressed a lot. People don't realise that. When you can't walk and you can't walk into the store and get something to drink, you do get depressed. "I was in bed for almost a year, not got out of bed, just to go to the bathroom. And I ate in the bed. I mean, I didn't even leave the bed." So what changed which allowed Butterbean to crawl out of the hole he was trapped in for so long and undergo a remarkable body transformation which has seen him shed down to an all-time low of 285lbs? According to the man himself, it all came down to self-belief. He explained: "But once I started believing in myself, life is good. I spend more time with my grandkids and I got 10 of them. I got 10 little boogers running around. So life is just really good right now. I'm just blessed." Butterbean also credits his incredible weight-loss journey to former WWE star 'Diamond' Dallas Page and his stellar yoga programme. He explained: "Guess what? 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." It's not just friends and family that have been left in awe of Butterbean's accomplishment in shifting weight and flipping poor mental health on its head either. The legend even claimed that he received a letter from a fan who said that he saved their life after they saw his remarkable change of physique. When asked about his family's reaction to him gearing up for a potential return to the squared-circle in the near future, he replied: "Well, they know if I set my mind to something, that I'm not changing it. And helping other people... "I've got a letter, one letter really just says, it sets in deep how he watched my recovery and he was about to end his life. And because of my success, he goes, 'You know what? I do have something to look for. I have people that care about me and I have a life that I can live if I just put a little bit more effort.' "That meant a lot to me when somebody tells you that just by something you've accomplished made them believe in themselves. That made me feel better. It's like when you cook a really good meal and you get a lot of compliments. It was that same thing." Butterbean has made it no secret that he hopes to have one last dance in the squared-circle before calling time on his boxing career for good, with a number of opponents on his mind including Mike Tyson and Tyson Fury. However, nobody has managed to get his blood pumping quite like YouTuber-turned-pugilist Jake Paul. In a mock-up press conference to promote the launch of his new Butterbean's Knockout Punch with Lucky Energy, Butterbean is seen abandoning the wheelchair he relied on before taking to the microphone to address reporters. He then says: "Butterbean's back for one more fight. "There's only one fighter out there that wants to fight retired, bald guys. Jake Paul, I'm coming for you. I want to fight Jake Paul because he runs his damn mouth too much."
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Butterbean calls out John Fury as he reveals fight offer was on table
Butterbean has said that a bout with John Fury would be nothing but a warm-up for a war with his son Tyson, insisting that he has already seen an offer to fight the head of the Fury family in the past 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.
Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Butterbean's sex addiction hell that his wife 'knows all about' but he couldn't stop
While Butterbean's battles with obesity since retiring from boxing are well documented, the pugilist also faced a completely different fight against sex addiction stemming from past rejection Butterbean was able to overcome a sex addiction during the peak of his career, highlighting the battles that the Atlanta-born boxer fought outside the squared circle. The now 58-year-old skyrocketed to fame through his unique four-round boxing matches in the 90s, compiling an impressive record of 77-10-4 with 57 knockouts. Tipping the scales at between 300 and 400lbs each time he stepped into the ring, fans far and wide were amazed by his heavy hands and his Goliath stature, as he folded opponents with ease during his heyday. But it wasn't all plain sailing for the pugilist, who admits that some of the world's most dangerous heavyweights weren't the only battles he faced during the peak of his career. That's because Butterbean, who was born Eric Esch, was faced with an addiction to sexual intercourse in the past. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Fighting via Lucky Energy, Butterbean said: "It was pretty bad. I've been married for a long time and I've always loved my wife, but that was something that I've always had trouble getting over. "Now, I'm good. I'm confident in myself now. I don't have that problem. I'm a good boy now." Butterbean has previously explained that his addiction stemmed from rejection and being picked on in school due to being overweight, never being asked out for a date. Thankfully, he has since overcome his addiction and has been happily married with his wife, Libby Gaskin, for years. In a separate interview with The Hannibal TV, Butterbean explained: "I mean my wife knows about it so I can talk about it freely, but it was bad. I've overcome that - I mean kind of like, 'Boss, you just got to quit doing it.' Now I'm proud to say I've been very loyal. I mean, I haven't gone out chasing it. I'm good now." Sex addiction isn't the only battle outside of the ring that Butterbean has had to face, however. After retiring from the sport of boxing in 2013, Butterbean's weight continued to rise, to the point where he was bed-bound for a year and needed a wheelchair to move around, weighing more than 500lbs He was also weighed down by depression as a result of his limitations. Speaking about his darkest hours, he said: "When you can't walk and you can't walk into the store and get something to drink, you do get depressed. I was in bed for almost a year, not got out of bed, just to go to the bathroom. And I ate in the bed. I mean, I didn't even leave the bed." However, after finding self-belief, Butterbean shed more than 200lbs thanks to a strenuous yoga routine and with the help of WWE superstar, 'Diamond' Dallas Page. He explained: "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." Thanks to his remarkable body transformation, Butterbean is ready to get back into the ring for one last fight before he calls it a day for good with regards to boxing. And 12-1 YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul is on the top of his list of potential opponents. Butterbean has long been vocal about his intentions to go toe-to-toe with Paul, but threw down the gauntlet once more this week in collaboration with Lucky Energy. To promote the launch of his new Butterbean's Knockout Punch flavoured drink with the brand, he took part in a mock-up press conference to challenge Paul to one last tango. In a clip uploaded to social media, he said: "Butterbean's back for one more fight. There's only one fighter out there that wants to fight retired, bald guys. Jake Paul, I'm coming for you. I want to fight Jake Paul because he runs his damn mouth too much." Butterbean spoke to Mirror Fighting as part of his collaboration with Lucky Energy. You can find out more about his brand-new Butterbean's Knockout Punch flavour here.
Daily Mirror
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Daniel Dubois must replicate Anthony Joshua ploy on Oleksandr Usyk in his 'one chance'
Daniel Dubois heads into Saturday's rematch against Oleksandr Usyk as a steep underdog, but a British boxing icon has mapped out his potential route to success The odds may be stacked against Daniel Dubois in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk. But boxing icon Johnny Nelson has identified one route to a potential upset. The former king of the cruiserweight division believes following the same game plan that led to his vicious knockout win over Anthony Joshua will be the key. Dubois, 27, has already lost to Usyk once in 2023 when he was stopped in controversial fashion, having floored the Ukrainian with a body shot that was deemed too low. Following an appeal over that decision, he has since surged back into form and clinched the IBF world heavyweight title before finishing Joshua in September 2024. Despite that fifth-round upset, 'Dynamire' still hasn't been backed to avenge his Usyk defeat, at least according to the bookmakers. But Nelson, who held the WBO cruiserweight belt from 1999 to 2006, believes an upset can't be ruled out – however unlikely it may be. "I think Daniel Dubois has one chance and that's a puncher's chance," Nelson exclusively told Mirror Fighting, courtesy of "And anybody and everybody will know that he has a puncher's chance. And he had a great puncher's chance with Anthony Joshua. And once he got him once, that's how that punch did it for him. "Against Oleksandr Usyk, Usyk technically is superior to every other heavyweight currently out there. And Daniel Dubois has got a puncher's chance." Dubois came out guns blazing when he faced Joshua last year, successfully taking the Olympian by surprise at Wembley. He successfully knocked AJ down at the end of the first, third and fourth rounds before finally capitalising and putting him down for good in the fifth. It would be folly to believe the exact same strategy would have the same effect on Usyk, a former cruiserweight and far wilier opponent by comparison. After all, Usyk has already unified the heavyweight division once by using his smaller frame and advantage in speed, beating the likes of Joshua and Tyson Fury twice apiece himself. That being said, 'The Cat' is nearing the end of his boxing lifespan after suggesting his date with Dubois will be his penultimate fight. And that admission could work in favour of the much younger Dubois should his opponent be lacking in commitment at all. "So when Usyk's talking about retirement, now that seed has started to grow. Once you start talking about it publicly, the seed has started to grow," added Nelson. "And again, he might really mean it, but in years to come, when he has walked away, [he'll] be thinking, 'Maybe I'll just come back for one more.' "[Wladimir] Klitschko, he was thinking about doing it last year! You'd never think these guys would do it, but you just think, 'One [fight].' So with Usyk talking about it, I do believe he's probably thinking, 'I'm tired, I want to enjoy the trappings of my success.'" It's only right that Usyk should get to do so given his exploits in the ring. He has successfully put himself in the conversation as one of boxing's best heavyweights of all time after such rampant success following his step up in weight. But as he prepares to turn 39 in January, it's only natural the veteran's thoughts turn to retirement. And while his appetite to succeed in the ring may be as ravenous as ever, Dubois' edge in physicality (and possibly fitness) could turn the result in his favour this time around. Anyone familiar with Dynamite's ability will know the Londoner, who has earned 21 of his 22 fights by knockout, has the stopping power necessary to finish anyone on his day. And for that reason, Nelson cannot rule the IBF titleholder lout altogether as he seeks to do what the likes of Fury and Joshua could not (twice).
