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 International Boxing Association (IBA) Super Heavyweight Championship 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. On April 12, 1997, Butterbean become the IBF World Super Heavyweight Champion when he defeated Ed White via TKO in the 2nd round of their fight in Las Vegas. He would defend his IBF title five times and add WAA World Heavyweight Champion to his title resume in 2000 before relinquishing the IBF crown shortly thereafter. Butterbean appeared in a few WWF events as his popularity grew, and in 2003 he began a string of several fights in Kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts. 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 black 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 red, gold and pastel green colors with "SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT" arched around "IBA" in the middle. Two smaller mirror pieces flank the center buckle, with Butterbean's autograph on the left one in 9/10 black Sharpie. A smaller IBA-branded buckle is attached to the right strap end. The back is padded with white wool-like material. The belt measures 55" long and weighs 7.6 lbs. It presents NM-MT and comes in its official IBF black boxing belt carrying case. This piece is sure to attract attention and turn heads wherever it ends up. It captures perhaps the greatest individual achievement in boxing from 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.