**Butterbean Eyes a Mike Tyson Showdown, Highlights Boxing Icon’s “Weakness”**
Veteran heavyweight Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch has openly voiced his desire to return to professional boxing, setting his sights on some of the sport’s most recognisable figures, including the legendary Mike Tyson. After more than a decade away from the ring and a personal battle with health issues, Butterbean now claims to be in the shape of his life, confident he could challenge any opponent — Tyson included.
The 58-year-old former boxer, known worldwide for his intimidating presence and knockout power, retired in 2013 following a technical knockout loss to Kirk Lawton. Butterbean ended his initial career with an impressive record of 77 wins, 10 losses and four draws, an achievement marked by a remarkable 57 victories by knockout. However, the years following his retirement were far from smooth; his weight soared above 500 pounds, he became reliant on a wheelchair, and he endured a year-long struggle with severe depression.
Despite these significant setbacks, Butterbean’s story has taken a dramatic turn. With the help of former WWE superstar ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page and his yoga programmes, Esch has managed to lose well over 200 pounds, now weighing in at a much healthier 285 pounds. According to Butterbean, these lifestyle changes have left him feeling fitter than ever, even surpassing his athletic condition in his twenties.
In recent statements, Butterbean has been frank about his hopes for a final return to boxing. While he has expressed interest in facing YouTube star and serial provocateur Jake Paul, the former heavyweight isn’t limiting his ambitions. High on his list of potential opponents is Mike Tyson, who last saw professional action in November during a headline-making bout with Jake Paul, a fight streamed globally via Netflix. Although Tyson was defeated by unanimous decision over eight rounds, his enduring star power continues to attract substantial attention.
Butterbean, however, believes he might have the advantage should he face ‘Iron’ Mike. He told Mirror Fighting via Lucky Energy: “You know, Tyson doesn’t have a chin. Not many people realise that. Mike cannot take a punch. He’s normally so quick that people don’t often hit him, but that doesn’t mean he’s unbeatable.” Drawing on his sparring experience with fighters of similar style, Butterbean added, “I’ve sparred with Buster Mathis Jr., who was trained alongside Tyson, and I had no trouble hitting him.”
Historically, a Butterbean-Tyson match almost became reality back in 2020, but Esch had to decline due to his serious mobility issues at the time. “When you’re in a wheelchair, you simply can’t fight – that’s all there is to it,” he remarked, recounting the missed opportunity. Now, he insists, “I’m not in a wheelchair anymore. Thanks to DDP Yoga, I’m in incredible shape. I genuinely feel younger and stronger than I did decades ago.”
In addition to calling out Tyson, Butterbean hasn’t avoided addressing Jake Paul, whose brash persona in and out of the ring has drawn the ire of many traditionalists in boxing. “Jake Paul talks too much. He’s the sort of fighter who wants to pick on retired guys — well, I’m putting my name forward. I want him in the ring,” Butterbean declared with confidence.
The timing of Butterbean’s resurgence coincides with the launch of his own beverage product: Butterbean’s Knockout Punch, a partnership with Lucky Energy. The drink, marketed as a nostalgic fruit punch with a blend of pineapple, orange and cherry, adds a commercial angle to Butterbean’s grand comeback narrative. His promotional activities have seen him abandon his wheelchair in front of the cameras, symbolically announcing his return to form.
Whether or not a match with Tyson, Paul, or any other combat sports legend materialises remains to be seen. Still, Butterbean’s remarkable recovery and renewed competitive drive have reinvigorated interest amongst fans and pundits alike. In a sport that so often revolves around stories of redemption and resilience, Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch’s comeback tale is already capturing the imagination — regardless of which opponent he faces next.
As the boxing world awaits further developments, it is clear that Butterbean’s ambitions are as bold as ever, and his criticisms of Tyson’s chin have only increased speculation about what might happen should the two heavyweights ever meet in the ring. For now, the narrative of Butterbean’s rebirth continues, blending elements of personal triumph, commercial entrepreneurship and the ever-present allure of a dream fight.