Rumours are swirling about a potential dream match between Mike Tyson and Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch, and they come four years after previous discussions over a bout failed to materialise
In the world of combat sports, few dream match-ups are as bizarre yet intriguing as Mike Tyson vs Butterbean.
A clash between the ferocious ‘Iron Mike’ and a hulking KO-specialist could’ve been a spectacle for the ages. In fact, the two parties were in talks over a fantasy fight back in 2020, but never managed to agree anything.
Back then, Butterbean (real name Eric Esch) declined the offer, citing the fact he was “old” and had “nine grandkids”. It had been seven years since Esch had hung his gloves up, and he planned to keep them hanging.
“I’m totally retired,” he made clear at the time. “There’s a lot of talk about me being in that fight with Tyson was all actually offered to me [in] an exhibition. But I know when it’s time, I know I’m old, I’ve got grandkids, I’ve got nine grandkids. I’m just enjoying my life right now.”
He went on to state that he was well past his prime and had nothing left to prove in the sport, before expressing a desire to focus more on his family and friends. But fast-forward four years, and it seems Esch’s tune has changed.
Earlier this week, the 58-year-old, who boasts 77 wins from 91 professional fights (58 of which were via KO), threw his hat back into the ring by offering to face Tyson – also 58 – following his bout with Jake Paul.
The former world heavyweight champion is set to fight YouTube sensation Paul, 27, on November 15 after their clash, initially scheduled for July, was postponed due to Tyson suffering an ulcer flare up in the build-up. It’ll be the Baddest Man on the Planet’s first professional match since 2005, when he lost to Kevin McBride.
He returned to the ring 15 years later to take on Rob Jones Jr in an exhibition bout – after Butterbean turned down the opportunity – and has stayed in shape ever since. As it turns out, Esch has been similarly active recently, and has lost over 200lbs since 2022.
Speaking to AL.com following his remarkable transformation, he pledged to knock Tyson out if the pair ever stepped into the ring with one another. “His chin would be right there for the taking. I would knock Mike Tyson out,” Esch confidently claimed.
“I saw Mike about three weeks ago, and he looked pregnant. I would knock him out. He has no chin. The problem with those who have lost to Tyson is they didn’t challenge him.”
Esch has also been vocal about wanting to fight Paul as well. He has called out ‘The Problem Child’ several times on social media, hoping to goad the youngster into agreeing a fight.
Earlier this year, Esch offered Paul a £1.5million winner-take-all scrap, writing: “Hey Jake Paul, would you fight me for $2m [£1.5m]? Winner takes all.” After getting no response, he uploaded a video of himself hitting a heavy bag while telling the camera: “Jake Paul, what are you waiting on? Are we gonna do this or what?”
Should Butterbean agree a bout with either man it’ll mark his first fight since 2013, when he lost to Kirk Lawton. The American suffered just three defeats in his first 75 fights, but went on to lose seven of his next 12 before calling it quits.
Tyson’s professional career followed a similar trajectory. After bursting onto the scene as an explosive, hard-hitting powerhouse in 1985, he strung together 37 wins in a row, clinching the WBA, WBC, IBF and The Ring heavyweight titles in the process.
A shock defeat to Buster Douglas in 1990 proved he wasn’t as infallible as his frightening early form suggested he was, but he recovered from the upset to win his next eight bouts. However, back-to-back defeats to Evander Holyfield in 1996 and 1997 pushed Tyson firmly off his pedestal and he ended up winning just five of his final 10 matches before retiring.
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