Former heavyweight boxer Butterbean has called out John Fury, claiming he wants to 'slap around' Tyson Fury's father before potentially facing the former world champion. The 58-year-old, whose real name is Eric Esch, is plotting a comeback after more than a decade away from the ring.
Butterbean, who boasts a professional record of 77 wins, 10 losses and four draws, with 57 knockouts, last fought in 2013 when he was stopped by Kirk Lawton. Following retirement, his weight ballooned to over 500lbs, leaving him reliant on a wheelchair and battling severe depression. However, after shedding down to 280lbs through DDP Yoga, he feels ready for one final bout.
Speaking to Mirror Fighting via Lucky Energy, Butterbean said: 'I'd love to fight him. I'd fight the old man first, beat him up, slap around him pretty good. And then I'd want to beat the son up pretty bad. I would love to fight Tyson Fury.' He added that a fight with John would be 'an easy fight' and serve as a warm-up for Tyson.
John Fury, 60, had a modest boxing career between 1987 and 1995, compiling an 8-4-1 record. Tyson Fury retired in early 2025 after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, which saw him lose his WBC title and fail to become undisputed champion.
Butterbean also revealed that a bout with John Fury was previously discussed but never materialised. He credited his transformation to DDP Yoga, saying: 'I'm in the best shape of my life right now. I feel better now at 50-something than I did when I was in my 20s.'
