Butterbean, also known as Eric Esch, is a retired American boxer, kickboxer, and mixed martial artist. He was one of the most popular boxers of the 1990s and early 2000s, known for his massive size and powerful punching. Despite his unconventional fighting style, Butterbean managed to achieve a great deal of success in the ring, earning numerous championship titles and accolades. However, like many professional athletes, Butterbean’s net worth has been a subject of much speculation over the years. In this article, we will explore Butterbean’s career, personal life, and financial situation, as well as his estimated net worth.
Butterbean’s Early Life and Career
Eric Esch was born on August 3, 1966, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in Jasper, Alabama, where he attended Walker High School. Butterbean began boxing at a young age, and he quickly developed a reputation as a hard-hitting fighter with a unique style. He turned professional in 1994, and his first few fights were largely unremarkable. However, Butterbean’s fortunes began to change in 1995 when he entered the Toughman Contest, a competition that allowed amateur fighters to compete for cash prizes. Butterbean quickly made a name for himself in the contest, winning the title and earning $20,000 in prize money.
Butterbean’s success in the Toughman Contest led to a series of professional fights, and he soon became one of the most popular boxers of the 1990s. Despite his massive size (Butterbean was 5’11” and weighed over 400 pounds), he was surprisingly agile and had a devastating punch. He won numerous championship titles, including the IBA Super Heavyweight Championship and the WAA Heavyweight Championship. Butterbean also became a popular figure outside of the ring, appearing in movies, television shows, and commercials.
Butterbean’s Personal Life
Butterbean has been married to his wife, Patricia, since 1991. The couple has two children together. Despite his tough-guy persona, Butterbean is known for his affable personality and friendly demeanor. He has also been involved in numerous charitable causes over the years, including raising money for cancer research and supporting the Special Olympics.
Butterbean’s Financial Situation
Like many professional athletes, Butterbean’s net worth has been a subject of much speculation over the years. However, it is difficult to know exactly how much he is worth, as he has not disclosed his finances publicly. Nevertheless, it is clear that Butterbean has earned a substantial amount of money over the course of his career.
In addition to his earnings from boxing, Butterbean has also made money from his various endorsements and appearances. He has appeared in a number of movies and television shows, including Jackass: The Movie, The Longest Yard, and Walker, Texas Ranger. Butterbean has also been featured in commercials for companies like Pizza Hut and Mountain Dew.
In 2011, Butterbean was sued by his former manager, who claimed that he was owed over $1 million in unpaid commissions. The case was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
Despite his earnings, Butterbean has also had his share of financial struggles over the years. In 2007, he filed for bankruptcy, citing debts of over $1 million. The bankruptcy filing was eventually dismissed after Butterbean reached a settlement with his creditors.
Butterbean’s Estimated Net Worth
Given the lack of publicly available information about Butterbean’s finances, it is difficult to know exactly how much he is worth. However, some estimates suggest that his net worth is in the range of $10 million to $15 million.