Boxing cult hero Eric 'Butterbean' Esch has called out Jake Paul and Mike Tyson as he teases a return to the ring. The 55-year-old, who retired in 2013 after 126 professional fights across boxing, MMA, and kickboxing, says he is in the best shape of his life following personal training sessions with WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page.
Butterbean told The Sun: 'I want to knock somebody out. Jake Paul or Mike Tyson. Jake Paul runs his mouth too much, he’s never fought nobody, I would love to fight him. But I think people would like to see me and Tyson go at it, which would be a hell of a draw.' He added that he and Tyson are friends but he would not mind fighting him.
After retiring, Esch's weight ballooned to 500lbs, but he has been losing weight rapidly with DDP Yoga and is now in a healthier headspace. His weight loss journey is being documented in a TV series. Two years ago, he was forced to turn down an exhibition bout with Tyson, but now feels ready: 'I was in that dark place. There was no way it was possible. I’m alive right now, I’m good to go.'
Tyson has expressed interest in fighting again after his exhibition with Roy Jones Jr. While a fight with Paul seemed possible, Paul is now scheduled to face Tommy Fury on August 6. With time running out for a Tyson-Paul bout, a clash with Butterbean could be the next best option.
