Eric Esch, known in the sports world as Butterbean, made a revelation that left his fans stunned. The former boxer openly shared his battle with personal demons following a short-lived boxing fame.
Butterbean held a combined record of 97-24-5 and competed in MMA during the 1990s and 2000s. However, fame took a heavy toll on him, bringing painful issues he still faces today at age 58.
A painful revelation
According to a New York Post report, the former boxer told The Mirror that his two biggest struggles were obesity and sex addiction. The latter nearly destroyed his marriage. “I’ve been married for a long time and I’ve always loved my wife, but that’s something I’ve always struggled to overcome… Now, I’m good. I’m confident. I don’t have that problem anymore. I’m a good guy now,” said Butterbean.
“My last 15 fights never done not a workout one.” #ButterBean on a new #JaxxonPodcast 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SMN0yRBQ2n
— JAXXON PODCAST (@JaxxonPodcast) July 11, 2025
He also revealed that he weighed up to 500 pounds, and his obesity became so severe that he couldn’t walk. Back in his boxing days, he weighed 378 pounds and stood six feet tall. During that time, he fought top stars.
“When you can’t walk and you can’t go into a store to buy a drink, you get depressed… I was in bed for nearly a year… I only got up to go to the bathroom. I ate in bed. I didn’t even get up,” he recalled.
But one day, Butterbean decided to take control of his life and began a transformation. He lost over 200 pounds, thanks to the fitness and yoga program led by former WCW and WWE wrestler ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page.
“I’m in the best shape of my life right now… I’m no longer in a wheelchair.” This marks a major achievement for someone who hit rock bottom both physically and emotionally due to his excesses.
