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“THE KING OF THE FOUR ROUNDERS” ERIC “BUTTERBEAN” ESCH
TO ATTEND 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Annual Hall of Fame Weekend celebration set for June 5 - 8
CANASTOTA, NY –APRIL 29, 2025 - The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to announce “The King of the Four Rounders” Eric “Butterbean” Esch will attend the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 5-8 in “Boxing’s Hometown.”
“During his career Butterbean was a fan favorite and his in-ring success led to pop culture stardom,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are thrilled that he will be in Canastota to take part in Hall of Fame Weekend events and interact with his fans.”
From Jasper, Alabama, Esch won multiple Toughman competitions before focusing on boxing. He turned pro in 1994 and over a 20-plus year career he boxed 91 times and scored 57 knockouts. His exciting fighting style and every-man appeal made him an instant star. He appeared on The Tonight Show, knocked out Johnny Knoxville in Jackass The Movie, appeared on Celebrity Family Feud and competed at WrestleMania. After retiring from competition, a combination of injuries, weight gain and age led to daily pain but with the help of WWE Hall of Famer Diamond Dallas Page and his DDP Yoga program, Esch has lost over 200 pounds and is using his story to inspire others.
The Class of 2025 to be honored includes boxers Manny Pacquiao, Vinny Paz, Michael Nunn, Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders, Cathy “Cat” Davis, Rodrigo Valdez (posthumous), Owen Swift (posthumous), referee Kenny Bayless, cut man Al Gavin (posthumous), referee Harry Gibbs (posthumous), broadcaster / journalist Randy Gordon and television producer Ross Greenburg.
In addition to the new honorees, an impressive array of boxing stars from around the world are set to be in Canastota including Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Christy Martin, Michael Spinks, Gerry Cooney, Nonito Donaire, Kelly Pavlik, Ray Mercer, “Irish” Micky Ward and many more.
The grand marshal of the Parade of Champions is actress and producer Sydney Sweeney, who will portray Hall of Famer Christy Martin in an upcoming major motion picture.
The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 5-8th in “Boxing’s Hometown.” Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.
For more information on the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.
Connect with the International Boxing Hall of Fame through social media:
Facebook: InternationalBoxingHallofFame
Instagram: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame
Twitter: @BoxingHall
About the International Boxing Hall of Fame
The International Boxing Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1989 and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the great sport of boxing. Located in Canastota, New York, it serves as a tribute to the world's finest boxers and contributors to the sport, allowing boxing enthusiasts to appreciate and celebrate the rich history and tradition of boxing. The International Boxing Hall of Fame is located at Exit 34 of the New York State Thruway. Click HERE for hours of operation.
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International Boxing Hall of Fame 1 Hall of Fame Drive Canastota, NY 13032 P: 315.697.7095 F: 315.697.5356
TURNING STONE RESORT CASINO
OFFICIAL RESORT CASINO OF THE INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
The multi-year partnership between Turning Stone Resort Casino and the International Boxing Hall of Fame spotlights the entire region, garnering national attention and boosting tourism in Central New York. The partnership includes a series of nationally-televised boxing events at Turning Stone, culminating every year in June with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend with several exciting events in Madison County and Oneida County throughout the four-day celebration.
