Eric David Scott Esch, born on August 3, 1966, is better known as “Butterbean.” He is an American television personality and a retired professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and wrestler. Competing in the heavyweight and super heavyweight divisions, he won four world championships across these sports.
Esch started his professional boxing career in 1994 after doing well in the Toughman Contest. He went on to win the World Athletic Association (WAA) heavyweight and IBA super heavyweight titles. Beginning in 2003, he also competed regularly as a kickboxer and mixed martial artist, especially in K-1 and Pride Fighting Championships. His overall fight record is 97 wins, 24 losses, and 5 draws, with 65 knockouts and 9 submissions.
Profile summary
| Real Name | Eric Scott Esch |
| Celebrated Name | Butterbean |
| Male/Female | Male |
| Main Profession | Boxer, kick-boxer, mixed martial artist and wrestler |
| Nationality | American |
| Born In | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Birth Day | 3-Aug-66 |
| Age | 59 years old |
| Height | 1.82 m |
| Heights in Feet | 5 feet and 11 inches |
| Height(s) cm | 182 cm |
| Weight(s) | 193 kg |
| Weight in Pound | 425 pounds |
| Dates with | N/A/ |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Libby Gaskin |
| Son/Daughter | Yes (Brandon, Caleb, Grace) |
| Salary | Not Known |
| Net Worth | $600 thousand |
Early Life & Biography
Esch was born on 3 August 1966 in Atlanta, Georgia, but when he was only four years old, he, along with his family, moved to St. Johns, Michigan, and got transferred again when he was 11 years old to Jasper, Alabama. Butterbean went through a difficult childhood; his mother passed away when he was eight, and he was constantly bullied at school for being fat.
While working on the floors for manufacturing houses at the Southern Energy Homes plant in Addison, Alabama, his friends dared him to enter a nearby Toughman Contest, with training in Bay City, Michigan. He came first in the tournament and therefore started his fighting career.
Personal Life
Butterbean got married to Libby Gaskin and has three children together named Brandon, Caleb, and Grace. Both of his sons, Brandon and Caleb, are training hard to become mixed martial artist. They are currently living in Jasper, Alabama.
Butterbean Age, Height, and Weight
Being born on 3 August 1966, Butterbean is 59 years old. His height is 1.82 tall, and his weight is 193 kg.
Career
Butterbean started his fighting career on the Toughman Contest held in Arkansas in the early 1990s and later went on to achieve a five-time World Toughman Heavyweight Champion with a record of 56–5 with 36 knockouts. He got the nickname of “Butterbean” when he was allegedly forced to work on a diet where he has to constantly eat chicken and butterbeans in order to win the Toughman 400 pound (181kg) weight limit under his personal trainer Prozay Buell. Eric made his debut on October 15, 1994, after knocking out Tim Daniels by decision in Alabama. He later adopted a cult following and was called the “King of the 4 Rounders”.
Awards & Achievements
Butterbean has achieved major milestones in his career and has also gathered various awards in his tally. Some of his significant achievements are:
- IBA World Super Heavyweight Champion
- WAA World Heavyweight Championship
- Pro Wrestling Syndicate Heavyweight Championship
Dating, Girlfriends, Wife, Kids
Butterbean has been married to his long-time friend and lover Libby Gaskin. Together they have been blessed with three children, namely; Grace Esch, Caleb Esch and Brandon Esch.
Butterbean Net worth
Butterbean has fought several significant matches throughout his career where he has a net worth of around $600 thousand as of 2026. He has gained all through his career, where boxing has played a great role in raising his net worth. He has a lavish lifestyle which has been influenced by the good money he earns.
