Eric "Butterbean" Esch (born August 3, 1966 in Bay City, Michigan) is a professional boxer and mixed martial artist, known for his bald head and an excessive weight. Butterbean stands 5 ft 11 in (183cm). and weighs over 370 pounds (167 Kg). He is the former IBA World Super heavyweight Champion. Esch's round body, bald head and vicious scowl, make him a menacing (yet highly entertaining) fight figure. His overall fight record currently stands at 82 wins with 58 knockouts, 9 losses and 5 draws.

Boxing career

Known as the "King of 4 rounders", Butterbean developed a cult following after he burst onto the Toughman Contest scene in the United States before entering the world of professional boxing in 1994. He was a five time World Toughman Heavyweight Champion with a record of 56-5 with 36 knockouts (not counted towards pro career).

While the majority of his opponents have been technically limited, club level fighters, he did move up the ranks to win the IBA World Super Heavyweight Championship in 1997. Butterbean fought "Hurricane" Peter McNeeley, famous as a former Mike Tyson opponent, in Las Vegas in 1999. He stopped McNeeley in the first round. Butterbean faced former world champion Larry Holmes in 2002. Holmes won a unanimous 10-round decision with Butterbean credited with a knockdown in the final round. Esch's most recent title shot came on October 15, 2005 where he lost a split decision against George Linberger for the NABC Super Heavyweight title.

Esch's professional boxing record is 75 wins with 56 knockouts, 7 losses and 4 draws. He has a boxing match scheduled against Joe Siciliano on March 9, 2007 at the Palladium.

WWF appearences

Butterbean has appeared twice in WWF events competing in boxing matches. In 1997, at an In Your House pay-per-view event, he defeated Marc Mero (who is a former boxer) via disqualification. Two years later, Butterbean defeated Bart Gunn in a legitimate shootfight at Wrestlemania XV, defeating the Brawl For All champion with extreme ease, knocking him out in 30 seconds.