Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch, the larger-than-life figure in combat sports, experienced his first career defeat in a brutal fashion at the hands of the late Mitchell Rose in 1995. Known for his incredible knockout power and his 300lbs to 400lbs physique, Butterbean had amassed a significant following and entered the ring as the overwhelming favorite.

Butterbean’s career began with a remarkable winning streak, capturing the attention of boxing fans worldwide. With 15 consecutive victories under his belt, he was set to face Mitchell Rose at the iconic Madison Square Garden in December 1995. Rose, who had honed his skills as a sparring partner for heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, presented a formidable challenge.

Despite his reputation and knockout record, Butterbean found himself on the back foot from the opening bell. Rose’s relentless aggression and powerful punches left Butterbean reeling. The fight took a shocking turn in the second round when Rose unleashed a barrage of punches, forcing Butterbean into a corner. The referee intervened, stopping the fight and handing Butterbean his first career defeat.

The unexpected loss stunned the crowd and marked a significant moment in Butterbean’s career. Rose, who would only secure two professional victories in his career, had made a lasting impression. Despite his limited success in the ring, Rose’s backstory added to his mystique. Six years after his victory over Butterbean, Rose claimed he was involved in a street fight with Mike Tyson outside a Brooklyn nightclub. Rose even sued Tyson for $66 million, alleging that Tyson had injured his back and ripped his mink coat during the altercation.

Reflecting on his victory over Butterbean, Rose described it as his personal “Thrilla in Manila.” He revealed, “Beating Butterbean at the Garden was my version of the Thrilla in Manila. It’s been almost ten years. I still get a lot of respect for that fight. That is one of the few times I had time to train, about five weeks, and I surprised many people. It was me everyone was usually laughing at. For a guy who was always walking around down and out, that was a triumphant moment for me.”

Despite the setback, Butterbean continued to build his legacy in the sport. He retired in 2013 with an impressive record of 77 wins, 10 defeats, and four draws. Over his career, he faced notable opponents such as Larry Holmes and Peter McNeeley. Butterbean also underwent a significant physical transformation, shedding 200lbs, and even considered a comeback to the ring, calling out YouTube star Jake Paul. However, he shifted his focus to potential exploits in wrestling, where the physical risks are lower.

Continuing the family tradition, Butterbean’s son, Matthew Caleb Esch, made his professional boxing debut in April this year. Unfortunately, Matthew did not find success, as he was knocked out in the second round by Joshua Brice after taking a brutal body shot. Despite the defeat, the Esch family’s legacy in combat sports endures, with Butterbean remaining a beloved figure in the boxing community.