This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
From the personal collection of Eric Esch, better known as Butterbean, comes his prized 'King of Four' presentation boxing belt, which he has autographed. The 5'11", 400-plus pound boxer raised in Alabama emerged from obscurity in the early 1990’s by winning five World Toughman Competitions. He got the nickname "Butterbean" after being forced to go on a diet consisting mostly of chicken and butterbeans in order to meet the Toughman 400-lb. weight limit. In 1994, he won his professional boxing debut and began to garner a cult following as "King of the 4 Rounders.” He barnstormed around the country winning 51 straight fights at one point, including Peter McNeeley. Butterbean would eventually become the IBF Super Heavyweight Champion in 1997 and WAA World Heavyweight Champion in 2000, even appearing in a few WWF events as his popularity grew. Starting in 2003, he spent several years in Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts as well. Various TV shows and movie appearances (most notably, Jackass, when he fought Johnny Knoxville) have advanced his cult celebrity status. He last boxed in 2013 and his career record stands at 77-10-4 with 58 knockouts.
The red leather belt with Velcro straps features a large oval centerpiece made of a gold-colored Pewter-like material designed with two feathers and a crown on top lined with red and crystal faux stones. At center is a ceramic-like buckle in patriotic colors with "BUTTERBEAN KING OF FOUR" arched around a large "4" in the middle. Two mirror pieces flank the centerpiece, with Butterbean's autograph on the left one in 9/10 black Sharpie. The back is padded with white wool-like material. The belt measures 60" long and weighs 4.8 lbs. It presents NM-MT and comes in a nice black boxing belt carrying case. This piece is sure to attract attention and turn heads wherever it ends up. It captures the spirit of a good old-fashioned American brawler who never missed a meal.
Includes Letter of Provenance from dealer who acquired the belt directly from Eric "Butterbean" Esch. Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.