Eric Esch, better known by his nickname Butterbean, is a former professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and wrestler. Known for his powerful punches and larger-than-life personality, Butterbean became a fan favorite during his career. Despite not having the physique of a typical fighter, his sheer power and endurance earned him a reputation as a fearsome competitor in the ring. In this article, we will explore Butterbean net worth, his age, early life, career, and more.
Personal Details of Butterbean
| Full Name | Eric Scott Esch |
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1966 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Bay City, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Boxer, Kickboxer, MMA Fighter, Wrestler |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Weight | 378 lbs (171 kg) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $500,000 (as of 2024) |
Butterbean Net Worth 2024
As of 2024, Butterbean’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. His financial wealth comes from a long and varied career in combat sports, including boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and professional wrestling. Butterbean’s most significant earnings were during his time as a boxer, where his knockout power made him a popular attraction in the heavyweight division.
While his net worth may not be as high as some of his contemporaries, Butterbean’s career has remained lucrative thanks to his status as a crowd-pleasing fighter. His earnings were bolstered by pay-per-view events, sponsorships, and appearances in various fighting disciplines. Additionally, Butterbean appeared in several television shows, films, and video games, adding to his overall earnings.
Early Life of Butterbean
Eric Esch, better known as Butterbean, was born on August 3, 1966, in Bay City, Michigan, USA. Raised in a working-class family, Esch faced many challenges growing up. At a young age, he experienced bullying due to his weight, which later served as a motivation for him to get involved in combat sports.
Esch’s journey into fighting was far from conventional. He started as a competitor in Toughman contests—an amateur boxing competition where fighters with limited or no formal training face off in short bouts. His success in these contests earned him the nickname “Butterbean,” a reference to his large, round physique and southern roots. With his powerful punches and fearless demeanor, he quickly became a fan favorite, drawing attention from the world of professional boxing.
Career of Butterbean
Butterbean’s career spanned across multiple combat sports, including boxing, mixed martial arts, and kickboxing. He even made notable appearances in professional wrestling. His versatility in combat sports and larger-than-life personality helped him remain relevant for many years.
Boxing Career
Butterbean’s professional boxing career began in 1994 after gaining popularity from winning numerous Toughman competitions. Standing at 5’11” and weighing around 378 pounds, Butterbean didn’t have the typical physique of a boxer. However, his tremendous power, especially in his right hand, made him a dangerous opponent for anyone he faced.
Over the course of his boxing career, Butterbean amassed an impressive record, winning 77 fights, 58 of which were by knockout. He is known for his aggressive style and ability to end fights quickly, often within the first few rounds. One of his most famous victories came in 1997 when he knocked out Peter McNeeley, who had previously fought heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
Despite his knockout success, Butterbean never fought for a world heavyweight title, as his career was largely built on exhibition-style fights. He was a regular fixture in undercard bouts and attracted large audiences due to his entertaining fighting style and charismatic personality.
Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing
Butterbean ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2003, where he faced fighters in promotions like Pride FC and K-1. While his MMA record was less successful compared to his boxing career, Butterbean’s reputation as a hard hitter followed him into the cage. He had notable fights in Japan and other countries, gaining international recognition for his cross-disciplinary efforts.
In kickboxing, Butterbean had a few notable appearances but struggled to find the same level of success as in boxing. His size and lack of mobility made it difficult for him to compete at the highest levels, particularly against opponents with more diverse striking techniques. Nevertheless, his fearlessness in entering different combat sports earned him respect from fans and fighters alike.
Professional Wrestling and Entertainment
In addition to boxing and MMA, Butterbean made appearances in professional wrestling, most famously in the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). His most notable moment in wrestling came at WrestleMania XV in 1999, where he faced off against former WWE wrestler Bart Gunn in a legit boxing match. Butterbean knocked Gunn out in just 35 seconds, further cementing his reputation as a knockout artist.
Outside of fighting, Butterbean made appearances in several movies, including Jackass: The Movie, where he humorously fought Johnny Knoxville in a department store. His appearances in video games and television shows also helped him maintain his status as a pop culture icon.
Personal Life
Butterbean, despite his tough exterior in the ring, is known for being a family man. He has three children and lives in Jasper, Alabama. Outside of fighting, he runs a restaurant and continues to make occasional appearances in entertainment and media.
Throughout his career, Butterbean maintained a down-to-earth and approachable personality, endearing himself to fans worldwide. Even in retirement, his legacy as a crowd-pleasing fighter and entertainer lives on.
Conclusion
Butterbean is a unique figure in the world of combat sports. With a career that spanned boxing, MMA, kickboxing, and even professional wrestling, his versatility and knockout power made him a popular fighter across the globe. Although he never achieved world heavyweight champion status, Butterbean’s net worth of $500,000 reflects the longevity of his career and his ability to entertain fans across different platforms.
At 58 years old, Butterbean’s legacy continues, not just in the realm of sports, but also in entertainment. His larger-than-life persona, combined with his powerful performances in the ring, have left an indelible mark on the world of combat sports.
FAQ
Q: What is Butterbean’s net worth in 2024?
A: As of 2024, Butterbean’s net worth is estimated at around $500,000.
Q: How old is Butterbean?
A: Butterbean was born on August 3, 1966, making him 58 years old as of 2024.
Q: What is Butterbean best known for?
A: Butterbean is best known for his career as a professional boxer and his knockout power. He also competed in MMA, kickboxing, and professional wrestling.
Q: Has Butterbean ever won a world title?
A: While Butterbean never won a world heavyweight title, he became famous for his success in exhibition boxing matches and his role as an entertainer in combat sports.
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