Spring Premier Auction 2016
Wed, Apr 6, 2016 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Apr 24, 2016 11:00AM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 1264
ERIC "BUTTERBEAN" ESCH'S SIGNED 4/12/1997 IBA WORLD SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BELT (BUTTERBEAN COLLECTION)
Unsold
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
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 1990s 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.
Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.
