Jake Paul gave six-word response to Butterbean over fight demand (2025)

Butterbean has called for a dust-up with Paul on multiple occasions over the last year, and the boxing legend has finally revealed 'The Problem Child's' response to the fight call-out

Boxing legend Butterbean has revealed Jake Paul turned him down after the American called for a fight with the social media sensation.

Butterbean - real name Eric Esch - established himself as a knockout artist during the peak of his powers. The 58-year-old retired in 2013 after winning 77 of his 91 fights. The boxing veteran suffered with heart-breaking medical conditions which saw him unable to walk.

That said, he remarkably lost 200lbs from 515lbs and is now in the shape of his life. Give his inspirations weight loss journey, the American is targeting one more fight inside the boxing ring and has even called out YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on multiple occasions for a blockbuster showdown.

Esch's consistent call-outs came during Paul's preparations for his showdown with Mike Tyson last November. 'The Problem Child' would eventually go on to have his hand raised on points.

In a recent interview with Undisputed, Esch has revealed he spoke to the young American boxer, but a clash between the pair seems very much unlikely. He said: "Jake Paul, we spoke after the Tyson fight. I said, ‘When are you going to fight me?’ He said, ‘I can’t, you’re a legend.’ I can’t figure that one out. I’d fight Mike Tyson, and I’d love to fight Jake Paul."

Speaking about his remarkable body transformation Esch added: "Look at me, I wasn’t even walking, and now I’m back doing what I love to do. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything. I live by that. "And wait until you see what I do next.” On his future, Butterbean has confirmed that he will make his wrestling return at a separate event this weekend - on the same date as the highly-anticipated Wrestlemania.

As for Paul, 'The Problem Child' is on the lookout for his next opponent. Last month, the social media star shocked the world after calling out two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. Recently, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn teased that a fight between the pair could be on the cards.

Speaking to journalists, Hearn said: "We're not basing our career around a potential fight with Jake Paul," but conceded, "But if we were offered it? Why not? It would be such an easy night's work." The Matchroom boss added: "There's a difference between fighting Gervonta Davis, even Canelo Alvarez, and then fighting AJ. The other two, you can get humiliated and beaten up a little bit. The other one, you can be fully decapitated. This ain't a game."