This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2016
From the personal collection of Eric Esch, better known as Butterbean, comes this pair of his 1994 World Toughman fight-worn boxing gloves, which he has signed & inscribed. 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 yellow leather gloves have "TOUGHMAN" stamped on the outside and show outstanding use inside and out. The uniquely designed gloves have a Velcro and elastic interior wrist compartment for tightening and increased support. Butterbean has autographed each glove with "fight used" inscribed on the left one in 9/10 black Sharpie.
They come with two participant's badges from May 16, 1994 (Silver Nugget Casino) and May 20, 1994 (MGM Grand) World Toughman Competitions, when the Middle America brawler who never missed a meal was just starting to make a name for himself as a cult celebrity fighter.
Includes Letter of Provenance from dealer who acquired the gloves directly from Eric "Butterbean" Esch. Autographs pre-certified by PSA/DNA.