Eric Ash is a famous American heavyweight boxer, better known as Butterbin. Professionals predicted that an impressive weight would hinder an athlete, but he turned his complexion into a major advantage, successfully acting as a kickboxer, wrestler, wrestler and even sumoist.
Childhood and youth
The biography of the future athlete was consistent with Hollywood scenarios. Eric was born in 1966 in Atlanta. When the boy was 4 years old, the family moved to Michigan, to the small town of St. John's, and 10 years later she moved to Alabama.
At the age of eight, Eric lost his mother who died from a serious illness. There was not enough money in the family; little attention was also paid to the growing child. Another problem was overweight - an overly large and well-fed teenager was constantly persecuted at school. Ash later admitted that these years were truly painful, but they helped the future athlete temper character.
Studying has never been Eric's strong point. After graduating from school, he did not even think about college, working wherever necessary to provide for himself and his family.
Sports career
Ash got into professional boxing thanks to a happy occasion. Earning money at a factory for the production of floor coverings, the guy accidentally found out about an amateur tournament where anyone could play. Special training was not required. Ash always loved sports, but he doubted he could compete with experienced boxers. In addition, there were no shortcomings in those wishing to report that the fat loser would not last even one round. Eric decided to take a chance and did not lose: the first fight determined his future career.
Before the competition, the future boxing star had to go on a strict protein diet. The rules prescribed a weight of no more than 181 kg, while Eric weighed 188. At that time, Ash got rid of excess weight and took part in the tournament, becoming its winner. For 2 days of competition, an unknown beginner knocked out 4 opponents and became a real star.
The first competitions helped the novice athlete to believe in themselves. Eric took part in 4 more tournaments, never having been defeated. In 1991, manager Art Dor became interested in the rising star and taught Ash the basics of professional boxing. Eric successfully honed the technique, while simultaneously participating in amateur fights of various levels. In the process, it turned out that Ash was able to quickly and powerfully knock out, but he could not do long exhausting battles. Together with his manager, the boxer developed a scheme: to box no more than 6 rounds and try to complete the fight as quickly and efficiently as possible. At the same time, the athlete competently built his image. To fans, he was remembered in the image of a good-natured man in life, but absolutely ruthless in the ring, a giant heavyweight in panties the color of the American flag.
The debut in the professional ring took place in 1994. By the time Butterby was already well known, his second fight in the professional league was broadcast on national television. Ash himself was confused by the close attention of cameras and journalists, but in the ring he focused entirely on boxing.
The athlete strictly adhered to the rule: try to complete the fight in 4 rounds, ending the fight with a spectacular knockout. Such tactics bore fruit: until 2002, Ash won almost all tournaments, having suffered only 2 defeats. The boxer formed a club of fans who praised the “King of the Four Rounds” in every possible way. Butterbin's signature technique was a powerful right-handed kick that knocked out not only newcomers, but also titled rivals.
Eric was not limited to boxing, trying his hand at other sports. In an interview, Ash noted that he was given particularly kickboxing: out of 7 fights, he won 4, losing three times to his opponent. The athlete experimented with wrestling, wrestling and even sumo. The impressive weight and excellent athletic form helped to win. Eric later admitted: it was very difficult for him to work without the proper distance with the enemy. However, good fees were everything: the main motivation of a professional athlete was the high earnings needed by the family.
Ash completed his professional sports career in 2013. The reason was health problems due to numerous injuries sustained in the ring. Today, the former athlete is successfully doing business, owning several popular Mr. Bean Barbecue eateries.
