Boxing icon Butterbean sends direct fight offer to Jake Paul after shedding over 200lbs

Butterbean has threatened to come out of retirement as he issued a bold challenge to Jake Paul, following his body transformation. The ex-boxer, whose real name is Eric Esch, hasn't fought since his 2013 defeat to Kirk Lawton.

However, the 58-year-old insists he is ready to return, but for one fight only. In an Instagram video promoting Lucky Energy, the former heavyweight champion claims that Paul "runs his damn mouth too much" and mocks him for only being able to fight "retired bald men" - which is a likely dig at his controversial win over Mike Tyson.

The video showcases Butterbean'scollaboration with the energy drink company and his 'Knockout Punch' flavour. In the skit, a Paul lookalike responds to the challenge before getting hit by a wheelchair, thrown by Butterbean's fake promoter, Mr Lucky.

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This new callout comes after Problem Child's recent improvement to a 12-1 record, following a unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on Saturday night.

Although Paul made several callouts post-fight, he did not respond to a match with Butterbean. Despite the likely comedic intent behind Butterbean's challenge as part of an advert, it isn't the first time the ex-boxer has tried to square off with Paul in the ring.

Before the highly anticipated bout between Tyson and Paul in November 2024, Butterbean revealed he was prepared to step into the ring with the 28-year-old if necessary.

In a TikTok video posted just before the fight, the former heavyweight champ said: "Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, I am going to be at the fight to challenge the winner of the fight, Yeah. Mike, if you fall out again, I'll be there to take your place."

Butterbean first expressed his desire to take on the Problem Child back in March 2022 when Paul had an undefeated record of 5-0, having beaten the likes of Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, and Nate Robinson.

Discussing his impressive weight loss and return to training after retirement, Butterbean said: "I'm working with DDP (Diamond Dallas Page) to get up walking and running around again and I'm feeling the best shape I ever have.

"I'm at fight weight. You'll have to listen to my podcast coming up to find exactly how much weight I have lost, but I haven't weighed this in over 20 years so that'll give you an idea.

"The big announcement is I'm gonna fight one last fight. It's gonna be one year from now. Jake Paul, if you're ready, I'm here for you my friend. Let's get it on, me and you Jake Paul. I bet it would be an awesome fight. After you said what you said about me in the magazine, I'm ready to fight you. Are you ready? I don't think so."

There have been many more callouts since then, but the duo have not yet met to discuss the terms of what could be a sensational showdown in the sport.

However, Butterbean's recent jibe at the young fighter might just be the catalyst needed to bring them together in the ring for possibly the most unusual fight to date.