Big boxer-turned-grappler
Speaking of boxing, Eric “Butterbean” Esch is putting his massive talent into MMA.

Butterbean (10-4) meets Santa Ana’s Jim Ambriz (10-8-1) in a super heavyweight match at the Circus Club in Hollywood on Wednesday. The fight card is promoted by Xcess and Galaxy Productions.

After losing his first MMA battle by a submission hold, Butterbean quickly surmised he needed more than a big punch to survive.

“You have to be real rounded in everything,” said Butterbean during a press conference Tuesday. “If you’re good at punching then someone will take you to the ground. If you’re good on the ground then they’ll fight you standing up. It’s forced me to learn as much as I can to be all around.”

Butterbean has learned well.

Of his 10 victories six have come by submission holds. Only four have come from punches. As a boxer it was Butterbeans big punches that led him to go with five years without a loss. All total the Alabama resident has a boxing record of 77 wins, seven losses and four draws.

“I’m not finished yet with boxing,” Butterbean says.

Suspension update
Phil Baroni’s one-year suspension for testing positive for steroids was reduced to six months by the California State Athletic Commission on Wednesday.

Baroni tested positive following his loss to Frank Shamrock last June 2007 and appealed the one-year suspension and $2,500 fine. But after appearing with attorneys at his side

Baroni was granted a reduction but his fine was upheld.

Sean Sherk, who tested positive for steroids after fighting in Sacramento last August 2007, also appeared before the Commission. But his case was postponed until Nov. 13, in Los Angeles.

Fights coming up

• Saturday: IFL World Grand Prix at Sears Centre in Chicago, Ill. (847) 649-2270
• Saturday: FFF 3: War of the Roses at Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, Calif. (877) 333-9381.
• Saturday: MMA Big Show at Balterra Casino and Hotel in Balterra, Ind. (866) 468-7630.
• Saturday: Extreme Fighting Challenge 5: Revolution at Prince George CN Centre in Prince George, Canada. (250) 614-9100.
• Wednesday: Xcess Fighting at Circus Disco nightclub in Los Angeles. (310) 641-1438.

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Lm Otero / AP file

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