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Butterbean

Butterbean is the nickname of Eric David Scott Esch, an American retired professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, and television personality.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Butterbean is the nickname of Eric David Scott Esch, an American retired professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial artist, professional wrestler, and television personality. He became known in the 1990s and 2000s for his heavyweight bouts, knockout power, and appearances in combat sports and entertainment.

Early career

Esch gained attention through Toughman contests in the early 1990s in Texarkana, Arkansas, where he became a five-time world heavyweight Toughman champion with a 56-5 record and 36 knockouts.

Professional boxing

He turned professional in 1994 and later won heavyweight and super heavyweight titles reported by multiple sources, including the IBA super heavyweight championship.

Other combat sports

After boxing, he competed regularly in kickboxing and mixed martial arts, with appearances in organisations such as K-1 and Pride Fighting Championship.

Media and public image

Butterbean became a recognisable pop culture figure because of his size, knockout style, and appearances in wrestling, television, and promotional events.

Key facts

  • Eric Esch is best known by the nickname Butterbean.
  • He began combat sports competition in Toughman contests before turning professional boxing in 1994.
  • He competed as a heavyweight and super heavyweight across boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.
  • He was promoted as a four-time world champion across the four sports listed in source material.
  • His career included appearances in professional wrestling and television entertainment.
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Canadian context

Butterbean is mainly an American sports figure, but he is relevant to Canadian readers as a recognizable name from late-1990s and early-2000s heavyweight boxing and combat-sports entertainment that also circulated in Canadian media coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Butterbean?
Butterbean is the nickname of Eric Esch, an American retired combat sports athlete and television personality.
What sports did Butterbean compete in?
He competed in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling.
Why is he called Butterbean?
Source material says the nickname came from a diet of chicken and butter beans used to help him make the 400-pound Toughman limit.
When did Butterbean turn professional in boxing?
He turned professional in 1994.
What weight classes did Butterbean fight in?
He fought mainly in the heavyweight and super heavyweight divisions.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Esch
    Supports: Full name, nickname, birth date, sports, divisions, and broad career overview.
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish)https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterbean
    Supports: Toughman contest origins, five-time world Toughman champion claim, professional debut in 1994, and nickname origin.
  3. The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/4776737/Butterbean-puts-the-heavy-in-heavyweight.html
    Supports: Heavyweight public profile, career earnings snapshot, and mainstream boxing notoriety.
  4. Sportskeedahttps://www.sportskeeda.com/pro-boxing/where-boxing-legend-butterbean-now
    Supports: Later-career summary, retirement context, and reported post-boxing activities.