**Boxing Veteran Butterbean Calls Out Jake Paul, Citing Past Insults During His Health Struggles**
Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch, the formidable American heavyweight known for his powerful fists and colourful persona, has made headlines this week by openly challenging YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The 58-year-old, out of the ring since 2013, has spoken candidly about his personal struggles, his significant transformation, and his determination to now step back into the boxing world—setting his sights on Paul.
Butterbean, who last fought professionally over a decade ago, faced much more than opponents in the ring following his retirement. As his weight soared beyond 500 pounds, he found himself battling serious health complications and eventually became wheelchair-bound. It was during this most difficult phase of his life, he claims, that Jake Paul’s public criticisms left their mark.
Speaking with Mirror Fighting in a recent interview, Butterbean accused Paul of being disparaging about him during these challenging years. “When I was at my lowest—unable to walk, pushing 500 pounds—Jake Paul wanted to talk down on me,” he stated. “But as soon as I’ve turned my life around, slimmed down, and got back to fitness, he praises me as a ‘legend’ and hesitates at the idea of facing me.”
According to Butterbean, his health transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Losing over 200 pounds, largely thanks to a dedicated fitness regime led by ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page and a commitment to an intensive yoga programme, the former heavyweight believes he is now in the best physical condition of his life—better even than when he was in his twenties. “I’m no longer in a wheelchair,” he said. “I feel rejuvenated. If anything, I’m testament to the power of personal change, and I feel ready for a new challenge.”
The veteran boxer wasted little time in issuing a direct challenge to Jake Paul. Butterbean is adamant that a fight between the two would generate massive interest, calling the hypothetical bout “one of the best fights of the year.” Displaying characteristic confidence, he also warned of the risks for the internet sensation: “If Jake gets knocked out by someone like me at this stage of his career, that’s the end of it for him. I hit hard—maybe too hard for him.”
Jake Paul, for his part, has cultivated an impressive resume since debuting as a professional boxer in 2020. Victories over the likes of Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz, as well as a headline-grabbing win against Mike Tyson, have established Paul as a fixture of the celebrity boxing scene. However, his lone professional defeat, suffered at the hands of Tommy Fury, injected a dose of humility into what has otherwise been an upwards trajectory.
Despite Butterbean’s callout, speculation continues over Paul’s next opponent. There have been rumours of a potential rematch with Fury, though Butterbean sees an opportunity to capitalise on his renewed popularity and the narrative of redemption he has built. He believes a match with Paul would prove not just lucrative, but compelling for fans of all backgrounds.
Away from the ring, Butterbean has expanded his reach into business, recently launching a new energy drink with Lucky Energy, dubbed ‘Butterbean’s Knockout Punch’. The product, described as a nostalgic blend of tropical flavours, marks his latest commercial venture and shows that the fighter remains as enterprising as ever.
Ultimately, Butterbean’s story is one of persistence—battling through health adversity, disproving doubters, and seeking one last dance under the bright lights. As he made clear, the challenge to Jake Paul remains open. Whether the YouTuber-turned-boxer will accept is a question that lingers—and one the boxing world will watch with anticipation.
Butterbean’s transformation from wheelchair-bound to ring-ready serves as a stark reminder of boxing’s capacity for redemption and personal reinvention. In an era where celebrity boxing continues to court controversy and conversation, his narrative adds depth to a sport often roundly dismissed for its showmanship. As Butterbean and Paul circle one another, only time will reveal if these words transform into punches traded inside the ropes.