Boxing legend Eric "Butterbean" Esch has disclosed that he struggled with sexual addiction while at the pinnacle of his fighting career.
The 58-year-old heavyweight, who became a sensation throughout the 1990s, amassed an extraordinary professional record of 77 victories, 10 defeats and 4 draws, with 57 of his wins coming by knockout.
Known for his distinctive four-round bouts and weighing between 300 and 400 pounds during competition, the Atlanta-born fighter captivated audiences worldwide with his devastating punching power.
However, the formidable pugilist has now revealed that his toughest battles occurred beyond the ropes, as he grappled with personal demons during his most successful years.
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|Eric 'Butterbean' Esch revealed he struggled with sex addiction and obesity problems in his personal life
Speaking candidly about his struggles, Butterbean acknowledged the severity of his condition.
"It was pretty bad. I've been married for a long time and I've always loved my wife, but that was something that I've always had trouble getting over," he revealed to the Mirror.
The fighter attributes his addiction to childhood trauma, having endured bullying over his weight and rejection from female peers during his school years.
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|The legendary boxer revealed he was heavily bullied at school due to his weight and struggles with women
Despite these challenges, he has maintained his marriage to Libby Gaskin and conquered his demons.
"Now, I'm good. I'm confident in myself now. I don't have that problem. I'm a good boy now," Butterbean affirmed.
Following his 2013 retirement from professional boxing, Butterbean's health deteriorated dramatically as his weight soared beyond 500 pounds.
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The former champion found himself confined to bed for nearly twelve months, requiring a wheelchair for mobility and battling severe depression.
"When you can't walk and you can't walk into the store and get something to drink, you do get depressed," he explained.
"I was in bed for almost a year, not got out of bed, just to go to the bathroom. And I ate in the bed. I mean, I didn't even leave the bed."
This period represented the darkest chapter in the fighter's life, as physical limitations compounded his mental health struggles.
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WWE legend Diamond Dallas Page played a pivotal role in Butterbean's extraordinary transformation, introducing him to yoga and helping him shed over 200 pounds.
The former heavyweight relocated to train with Page, embracing his fitness programme with remarkable results.
"I went and moved to DDP for a while, did his yoga programme, and I'm in the best shape of my life right now," Butterbean stated.
"I feel better now at 50-something than I did when I was in my 20s, which is insane."
Now revitalised, Butterbean has issued a challenge to YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul for one final bout, declaring: "I want to fight Jake Paul because he runs his damn mouth too much."
Paul himself is busy, however, with a potential blockbuster heavyweight clash with two-time world champion Anthony Joshua.