Butterbean's sex addiction hell that his wife 'knows all about' but he couldn't stop
Butterbean was able to overcome a sex addiction during the peak of his career, highlighting the battles that the Atlanta-born boxer fought outside the squared circle. The now 58-year-old skyrocketed to fame through his unique four-round boxing matches in the 90s, compiling an impressive record of 77-10-4 with 57 knockouts.
Tipping the scales at between 300 and 400lbs each time he stepped into the ring, fans far and wide were amazed by his heavy hands and his Goliath stature, as he folded opponents with ease during his heyday. But it wasn't all plain sailing for the pugilist, who admits that some of the world's most dangerous heavyweights weren't the only battles he faced during the peak of his career.
That's because Butterbean, who was born Eric Esch, was faced with an addiction to sexual intercourse in the past. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Fighting via Lucky Energy, Butterbean said: "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.
"Now, I'm good. I'm confident in myself now. I don't have that problem. I'm a good boy now."
Butterbean has previously explained that his addiction stemmed from rejection and being picked on in school due to being overweight, never being asked out for a date. Thankfully, he has since overcome his addiction and has been happily married with his wife, Libby Gaskin, for years.
In a separate interview with The Hannibal TV, Butterbean explained: "I mean my wife knows about it so I can talk about it freely, but it was bad. I've overcome that - I mean kind of like, 'Boss, you just got to quit doing it.' Now I'm proud to say I've been very loyal. I mean, I haven't gone out chasing it. I'm good now."
Sex addiction isn't the only battle outside of the ring that Butterbean has had to face, however. After retiring from the sport of boxing in 2013, Butterbean's weight continued to rise, to the point where he was bed-bound for a year and needed a wheelchair to move around, weighing more than 500lbs
He was also weighed down by depression as a result of his limitations. Speaking about his darkest hours, he said: "When you can't walk and you can't walk into the store and get something to drink, you do get depressed. 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."
However, after finding self-belief, Butterbean shed more than 200lbs thanks to a strenuous yoga routine and with the help of WWE superstar, 'Diamond' Dallas Page. He explained: "I'm not in a wheelchair no more.
"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. I feel better now at 50-something than I did when I was in my 20s, which is insane. I can't explain it, but the Fountain of Youth, I dove in it and I come out so much better."
Thanks to his remarkable body transformation, Butterbean is ready to get back into the ring for one last fight before he calls it a day for good with regards to boxing. And 12-1 YouTuber-turned-fighter Jake Paul is on the top of his list of potential opponents.
Butterbean has long been vocal about his intentions to go toe-to-toe with Paul, but threw down the gauntlet once more this week in collaboration with Lucky Energy. To promote the launch of his new Butterbean's Knockout Punch flavoured drink with the brand, he took part in a mock-up press conference to challenge Paul to one last tango.
In a clip uploaded to social media, he said: "Butterbean's back for one more fight. There's only one fighter out there that wants to fight retired, bald guys. Jake Paul, I'm coming for you. I want to fight Jake Paul because he runs his damn mouth too much."
Butterbean spoke to Mirror Fighting as part of his collaboration with Lucky Energy. You can find out more about his brand-new Butterbean's Knockout Punch flavour here.
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