Butterbean Eric Esch’s Biography and Net Worth

Butterbean, whose real name is Eric Scott Esch, is a well-known American retired professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and professional wrestler. He gained fame not only for his accomplishments in combat sports but also for his appearances on television shows, earning him the status of a television personality. Let’s take a closer look at the life and career of this extraordinary athlete.

Born on August 3, 1966, in Atlanta, Georgia, Butterbean’s family moved to St. Johns, Michigan when he was just four years old. Later, they relocated once more to Jasper, Alabama. Unfortunately, his mother passed away when he was eight, and he faced bullying at school due to his weight, making his childhood challenging. However, destiny had different plans for him.

At the age of 11, Butterbean’s life took a turn when he participated in a local Toughman Contest in Texarkana, Arkansas. Winning the competition ignited his passion for combat sports, and he began competing in various Toughman Contests, achieving five World Toughman Heavyweight Championships with an impressive record of 56 wins and only 5 losses, including 36 knockouts.

The nickname “Butterbean” was bestowed upon him during his journey, as he had to follow a restrictive diet mainly consisting of chicken and butterbeans to meet the Toughman 400-pound (181 kg) weight limit set by his trainer, Prozay Buell.

In 1994, Butterbean made his professional boxing debut, defeating Tim Daniels in Birmingham, Alabama. He quickly earned the title “King of the 4 Rounders” and garnered a dedicated following.

Over the years, Butterbean’s career expanded into kickboxing and mixed martial arts, notably participating in K-1 and the Pride Fighting Championships. His overall fighting record stands at an impressive 97-24-5, including 65 knockouts and 9 submissions.

Butterbean is happily married to Libby Gaskin, and the couple has three children together – a daughter and two sons. Both of his sons have also been involved in mixed martial arts in the past, continuing their father’s fighting legacy.

Apart from his achievements in the sports arena, Butterbean is also an entrepreneur. In 2018, he founded “Mr. Bean’s BBQ,” a family-run restaurant located in Jasper, Alabama, where his fans can enjoy his culinary creations.

Butterbean’s Net Worth

$500,000

Conclusion

Butterbean’s journey from facing adversity in his childhood to becoming a prominent figure in multiple combat sports and television is truly remarkable. His dedication and achievements have earned him the admiration of many fans worldwide. With his net worth estimated at $500,000, he continues to inspire both in and out of the ring. To keep up with his latest adventures, you can follow him on Instagram @butterbeanboxer.

FAQs

Who is Butterbean, and how did he get his start in combat sports?

Eric David Scott Esch, known worldwide as Butterbean, is an American former professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial artist and wrestler born on August 3, 1966 in Atlanta, Georgia. He rose to fame in the early 1990s by dominating Toughman Contests, earning the nickname “King of the 4‑Rounders” and launching his professional boxing career in 1994.

What were the highlights of Butterbean’s fighting career?

Butterbean achieved a 77‑10‑4 pro boxing record with 58 knockouts and was a four‑time world champion across different combat disciplines. He held the IBA super‑heavyweight and WAA heavyweight boxing titles, competed in kickboxing for K‑1 and MMA in Pride FC, earning a combined 97–24–5 record with 65 knockouts and nine submissions.

What is Butterbean’s current net worth?

According to celebrity net‑worth trackers, his net worth remains estimated around $500,000. More recent reports claim figures in the low‑millions, but those lack reliable sourcing and appear contrary to widely accepted estimates.

What is Butterbean doing now after retiring?

Butterbean retired in 2013 and struggled with serious health issues, including weight exceeding 515 lb and limited mobility. Since then, he transformed his health, losing over 200 lb under the guidance of Diamond Dallas Page’s yoga program, led to hip surgery, and has expressed interest in exhibition bouts against figures like Jake Paul. He also opened a family-run BBQ restaurant in Jasper, Alabama.

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