Butterbean Offers Jake Paul Huge Fight in $269m Stadium Mike Tyson Suffered Boxing’s Biggest Upset

Eric “Butterbean” Esch, the cult hero of combat sports, has reignited his campaign for a blockbuster boxing match against Jake Paul, proposing a showdown in the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, valued at $269 million, where Mike Tyson suffered a stunning defeat to Jake Paul on November 15, 2024. The 58-year-old former heavyweight, known for his devastating knockout power, has been vocal about his desire to return to the ring for one final fight, targeting the YouTube-star-turned-boxer Paul, who has rapidly risen in the boxing world with a 12-1 professional record. Butterbean’s latest challenge, announced via social media and amplified by an exclusive talkSPORT report on July 10, 2025, comes after a remarkable personal transformation and years of persistent callouts aimed at both Paul and Tyson. This potential clash promises to be one of the most intriguing spectacles in modern boxing, blending nostalgia, controversy, and the allure of a massive payday.

Butterbean, whose real name is Eric Esch, retired from professional boxing in 2013 after a career spanning 91 bouts, boasting an impressive 77-10-4 record with 57 knockouts. His larger-than-life persona and brute force made him a fan favorite in the 1990s and early 2000s, not only in boxing but also in kickboxing, MMA, and even professional wrestling. However, his post-retirement years were marred by severe health struggles, with his weight ballooning to a staggering 515 pounds, leaving him wheelchair-bound and battling depression. In 2022, Esch embarked on a transformative journey with the help of former WWE star Diamond Dallas Page, shedding over 200 pounds through intense yoga and a strict gluten- and dairy-free diet. Now weighing around 285 pounds, Butterbean claims to be in the best shape of his life, fueling his ambition to return to the ring.

The proposed fight against Jake Paul is not a new idea for Butterbean. Since 2022, he has repeatedly called out the 28-year-old, criticizing Paul for “running his mouth too much” and targeting “retired bald men,” a jab likely aimed at Paul’s controversial victory over Mike Tyson. In a promotional video for Lucky Energy, where he introduced his “Knockout Punch” flavor, Butterbean doubled down, declaring, “I’m coming for you, Jake Paul.” He even offered a $2 million winner-takes-all purse in August 2024, a bold move that went unanswered by Paul. The former heavyweight’s persistence has only grown, with a recent TikTok post before the Paul-Tyson bout stating he would challenge the winner, even volunteering to step in if Tyson couldn’t fight. While Paul has not directly engaged with these challenges, Butterbean’s latest proposal to fight in the AT&T Stadium—where Paul defeated Tyson via unanimous decision in front of 65 million Netflix viewers—adds a dramatic twist to his campaign.

The choice of AT&T Stadium carries significant symbolism. It was here that Jake Paul outclassed a 58-year-old Mike Tyson, marking one of boxing’s most debated upsets due to the 31-year age gap and Tyson’s health concerns, including an ulcer flare-up that delayed the fight from its original July 2024 date. Butterbean, who has also called out Tyson in the past, expressed skepticism about the fight’s legitimacy, labeling it a “scam” designed to boost Paul’s profile. He even claimed Tyson “held back” during the bout, a comment that led to one of his TikTok videos being removed for violating guidelines. Despite these controversies, Butterbean’s focus has shifted firmly to Paul, whom he believes he can knock out, citing his own superior punching power and Paul’s relative inexperience against a fighter of his caliber.

Butterbean’s comeback aspirations are not just about settling scores. His transformation has been a source of inspiration, turning a man once told he’d never walk again into a revitalized figure eager to reclaim his place in the spotlight. Beyond boxing, Esch has ventured into woodworking, selling artisan crafts online, and promoting Butterbean-themed merchandise, maintaining a strong social media presence with nearly 100,000 Instagram followers. A fight against Paul, who has built a career on spectacle-driven bouts against UFC stars like Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz, would be a fitting capstone to Butterbean’s storied career. The matchup, if it materializes, could draw massive attention, potentially rivaling the record-breaking Paul-Tyson event, which set a new benchmark for boxing viewership on Netflix.

However, challenges remain. Paul, fresh off a unanimous decision win over Julio César Chávez Jr. in December 2024, has named other high-profile opponents like Gilberto Ramirez and Badou Jack, showing no public interest in facing Butterbean. Critics argue that Butterbean’s age and long hiatus from professional fighting could pose risks, though his recent physical overhaul counters some of these concerns. The boxing world, already polarized by Paul’s rise, would undoubtedly buzz with anticipation at the prospect of this unconventional clash. For Butterbean, it’s a chance to prove he’s still a knockout artist, while for Paul, it’s an opportunity to further cement his polarizing legacy. Whether the fight happens or remains a tantalizing “what-if,” Butterbean’s bold challenge has already reignited interest in one of boxing’s most unforgettable characters.