David Letele
Born (1979-09-09) 9 September 1979
Auckland, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealander
Occupations
  • Professional boxer
  • Community worker
OrganizationDuco Events
Notable workButtabean Motivation
SpouseKoreen Letele
Children4
Websitebuttabeanmotivation.co.nz

David Letele (born 9 September 1979), also known as the Brown Buttabean, is a retired professional boxer from New Zealand.[1]

After retiring, Letele became a motivational speaker. He created his own fitness gym with no equipment, giving out free meals for the homeless and runs a foodbank for people in need.[2][3][4]

Weight loss and community work

Letele lost over 90 kg by April 2016. His weight loss inspired him to help others out by supporting and educating everyday people on their health and wellness journey.[5][6] At first it was only a Facebook group that Letele created which has reached over 5600 and growing every day.[7] Most people lose a minimum of 5 kg each and many have lost up to 50 kg which is over 25,000 kg combined.[5][8] Buttabean Motivation helps people lose weight by doing weekly boot camps, dieting programs, support groups, fitness plans, community work and occasional school visits.[9]

In June 2015, Letele announced that he had launched a new website to help motivate people on their weight-loss journey.[10] In 2017, Brown Buttabean Motivation has reach 8000 members.[11]

In November 2017, Letele received a special honour award at the Pacific People's Award at the Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau City, New Zealand. Letele was honoured for his contribution to the community in his battle against obesity in the Pacific community in New Zealand. After accepting the award he got the entire arena to stand up and do an impromptu boot camp.[12]

In February 2019, Letele broke the world record for the number of people performing frog squats simultaneously at a boot camp event that he hosted at Eden Park. This happened on 24 February 2019 with 1711 participating in the event.[13]

Rugby league

Letele played rugby league at an early age, establishing himself very quickly. At the age of 16, Letele was already training with the Māori representative New Zealand team, however Letele wasn't able to see the field due to shattering his knee in training.[14]

Letele was signed onto the New Zealand A team, attracting the National Rugby League (NRL) team the New Zealand Warriors, however due to knee problems he was sidelined again.[15]

Letele signed on to play for the minor premiership team, North Sydney Bears. While with the Bears, the team won three titles. Letele has also played for Cootamundra Bulldogs and AS Carcassonne in France before retiring.[16][17]

Boxing

David Letele
Born (1979-09-09) 9 September 1979
Auckland, New Zealand
NationalityNew Zealander
Other namesBrown Buttabean
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[18]
Reach76 in (193 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights20
Wins16
Wins by KO6
Losses4
Draws0

Letele was an accomplished corporate boxer fighting multiple times on Duco Events’ card before turning pro. He has his nobility as a professional boxer, public figure and has made unique, prolific or innovative contributions to a field of entertainment as he puts on a character when he is in the ring with a mic, in the media or at the weigh in as the Brown Buttabean. His alias the "Brown Buttabean" is inspired by Eric Esch's Butterbean. Letele has received mixed reactions from the media and the general public, calling him Duco's circus act.[19]

Duco Events created their own title, which is an exact replica from the Rocky film series.[20] With this title Letele puts out an open challenge to the locals to fight him at 4x2 minute rounds at a weight limit of 100 kg. The added stipulation is that if Leteles opponent knocks him out, they will receive ten thousand dollars.

Corporate world Champion to professional fighter 2014 - 2015

Letele won the title against John Lomu (who is the brother of Jonah Lomu) on 16 October 2014.[21] Letele won by TKO in the second round. Letele lost the first fight but defended his title for the second time against Waikato Rugby Union Prop Loni Uhila on 6 December 2014.[22] Letele won by SD event though a lot of people thought Uhila won. The NZPBA recognise Letele's fights from here onwards as professional fights and not corporate fights, even though the rules stayed at corporate rules. In March 2015, fought on the Cairo George vs Nort Beauchamp undercard against Tamati Keefe. The bout was for the inaugural King of the Coromandel Heavyweight boxing title. Letele won the bout by Unanimous decision.[23]

On 4 March 2015, the day before his fight against Finau Maka at the weigh in, both fighters got into a fight. Letele grabbed Maka on the throat pushing him back, Maka retaliated by tackling him to the ground, however the fight was broken off quickly.[24] Letele defended the title for the third time against former Tonga national rugby union team star Finau Maka on 5 March 2015. Letele won by TKO in the first round.[25] In July 2015, WBA Oceania ranked Letele in their regional ratings.[26] Letele defended his title for the fourth and fifth time by fighting two people on the same night. This was the only time NZPBA did not recognize Letele's fights as pro bouts since fighting Loni Uhila. The NZPBA did not recognizes the two bouts as pro due to both bouts didn't make minimum scheduled time limit of either 4x2 minute rounds or 3x3 minute rounds. Both of the bouts were scheduled for 3x2 minute rounds. Letele fought the winner of the Christchurch Corporate Boxing Tournament Jae Jae Smith and local Lordly Kaihua. Letele won both bouts in the third round by TKO.[27]

First defeat with redemption 2015

Letele defended his title for the sixth and final time on 1 August 2015 against former Southland Rugby Football Union player Kaleni Taetuli. Letele lost the bout in 22 second in the first round by TKO.[28] In 2015, Letele moved to a new gym and trainer, trained by John Conway. On 14 October 2015, the day before his second fight against Kaleni Taetuli at the weigh in, Letele lashed out and tried to attack Taetuli while screaming out "You won the lottery last time". Leteles team grabbed him before he could get his hands on Taetuli.[29] Kaleni Taetuli defended the title against Letele on 15 October. If Taetuli won by knockout, he would have received fifteen thousand dollars instead of the usual ten thousand dollar stipulation.[30] It has been reported that win, lose or draw this will be Taetuli's last fight.[31] Letele won the fight by majority decision.[32]

Second Defeat, Redemption to retirement 2015 - 2016

Letele defended his regained title against Loni Uhila in a rematch, one year after their first bout. Uhila won against Letele by UD, making this the second loss in Letele's boxing career.[33] Since their last fight Uhila has signed on to Hurricanes (rugby union). In January 2016, Letele fought Silivelio Pekepo aka Batman in Samoa.[34] This was the first time that Letele has fought in Samoa. Pekepo called Letele out back in 2015 when Letele fought two boxers in one night, however Letele fought someone else. Letele declared the bout to be for the Duco Event's USA Heavyweight title and the Duco Event's Intercontinental Heavyweight title.[35] Letele won the bout against Pekepo by Unanimous decision.[36] In April 2016, Letele fought in Australia for the second time. This time he fought for what was called the vacant Duco Event's Corporate World Australia Title. Letele fought Australian Kickboxer Wayne Pepe. Letele easily won by TKO in the first round.[37] In May 2016, Letele fought in more of a traditional bout then he is usually use to. Letele fought Conrad Lam at 4x3 min rounds with no standing 8 counts.[38] Conrad Lam won the bout by split decision.[39] Letele will be fighting against JaeJae Smith for the second time. The last the two fought was in Palmerston North back in June 2015, where Letele fought two people in one night.[40] Letele won both fights by TKO.[41] Letele fought Barlow twice in his career, first in Waitara, New Zealand as the main event in October 2016. Second time they fought was on the Joseph Parker vs. Andy Ruiz undercard. The fight was not televised, however it was the opener of the event. This fight was Letele's retirement fight.

Boxing records

Exhibition

Corporate

5 fights 5 wins 0 losses
By knockout 3 0
By decision 2 0
Draws 0

Professional

20 fights 16 wins 4 losses
By knockout 7 2
By decision 9 2
Draws 0

Titles

Minor World Titles:

  • (2) Duco Events Corporate World Heavyweight Champion (274 lbs)
  • King of the Coromandel Heavyweight Champion (302 lbs)
  • Duco Event's Corporate Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion (242½ lbs)
  • Duco Event's Corporate USA Heavyweight Champion (242½ lbs)
  • Duco Event's Corporate World Australia Heavyweight Champion (266 lbs)

Post boxing

In December 2015, Letele announced his retirement from boxing at the end of 2016. Letele planned on opening his own, become a personal trainer and continue his Buttabean Motivation group.[43] Despite announcing his retirement in December 2016 on the Joseph Parker vs. Andy Ruiz undercard, Letele made his one off in ring return in February 2017 and December 2018.

Letele was a contestant on the 2022 season of the dancing show Dancing with the Stars.[44]

Personal life

Letele is of Māori and Samoan descent.[45] From an early age he endured a uniquely tough upbringing. His father, Dave, joined the Mongrel Mob at just 13. Six years later, he became Auckland president. That troubled path led to six years in jail for armed robbery. Letele's uncle also spent half his life behind bars. Since their release they helped form a foundation – called Grace – to support families facing similar problems.

Not long ago Letele, who played professional rugby league in Australia and France, tipped the scales at a whopping 210 kg. His weight blew out after suffering difficult, lonely times in Australia. The problems stemmed from taking on two supermarkets, only for finance to bottom out.[46] Close friend and former Selwyn College classmate, Duco promoter David Higgins, was concerned about Letele's health and offered him a lifeline on Parker's undercard. Having moved back to Auckland he's now doing everything possible to support his three sons.[19][47]

References

  1. ↑ Nogaj, Mark. "The Brown Buttabean Interview". Mens Mag NZ. Archived from the original on 12 May 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  2. ↑ "David 'Brown Buttabean' Letele talks to the Herald about Buttabean Motivation and how it's [sic] members are losing over 100kgs". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  3. ↑ Tahana, Jamie (1 September 2021). "Auckland foodbank working day and night to meet demand". RNZ. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  4. ↑ "'It doesn't feel as close to home': South Aucklanders feel prepared but wary". Spinoff. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  5. 1 2 Henry, Paul (6 May 2016). "Simple eating helped 'Brown Buttabean' lose 90kg". Newshub. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  6. ↑ "TAGATA PASIFIKA Episode 24". TVNZ. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2016.
  7. ↑ Hewitson, Michele (1 August 2015). "Michele Hewitson Interview: Dave Letele". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  8. ↑ Vezich, Dianna (6 March 2016). "Boxer Brown Buttabean's new fight against obesity". Newshub. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  9. ↑ Teodoro, Susan (11 June 2015). "Buttabean supports school bootcamp". Manawatu Standard. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  10. ↑ Tiananga, Tamati (17 June 2015). "Brown Butterbean's new website encourages healthy lifestyle". Māori Television. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  11. ↑ Umbers, Lee (16 April 2017). "Former gridiron player in fight for his life after ballooning to more than 300kg". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  12. ↑ "Watch: Dave 'Brown Buttabean' Letele honoured at Pacific People's Awards – then pulls impromptu boot camp". TVNZ. 17 November 2017. Retrieved 17 November 2017.
  13. ↑ "Boot camp frog squat world record set at Eden Park". The New Zealand Herald. 24 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  14. ↑ Umbers, Lee (21 May 2016). "Trash-talking Brown Buttabean helps thousands gain hope and self-esteem". Stuff. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  15. ↑ Savory, Logan (27 July 2015). "Brown Buttabean's rise from dark place". The Southland Times. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  16. ↑ Kieza, Grantlee (6 November 2014). "Boxing: Anthony Mundine's opponent Sergey Rabchenko boosted by Brisbane's best". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  17. ↑ Muir, Les (7 July 2009). "Bulldogs beat deadline to snare Letele". The Daily Advertiser. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  18. ↑ "David Letele – boxer". BoxRec. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  19. 1 2 Liam Napier (11 May 2014). "'Brown Butterbean' Letele ready to drop bombs". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  20. ↑ "Duco Boxing – Brown Buttabean Boxing Announcement". Facebook. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  21. ↑ "Joseph Parker wins by unanimous decision". Tvnz.co.nz. 16 October 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  22. ↑ "Video highlights: Letele defeats Uhila Fight for life | Sport". 3 News. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  23. ↑ "Brown Buttabean crowned King of the Coromandel". Sportal. 21 March 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  24. ↑ "Brown Buttabean unleashes on Maka during stand-off | Māori Television". Maoritelevision.com. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  25. ↑ "As It Happened: Joseph Parker v Jason Pettaway". TVNZ. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  26. ↑ "WBA Oceania Heavyweight Ranking". Facebook. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  27. ↑ "Video live updates: Joseph Parker vs Yakup 'The Scorpion' Saglam | Sport". 3 News. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  28. ↑ Savory, Logan (1 August 2015). "Novice boxer Kaleni Taetuli floors Brown Buttabean to earn knockout bonus". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  29. ↑ "You won the lottery last time!' Buttabean lashes out ahead of Kaleni Taetuli rematch". One News. 14 October 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  30. ↑ "Kaleni Taetuli wants to KO 'Brown Buttabean' Dave Letele again". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  31. ↑ "Southland's Kaleni Taetuli has no desire to keep boxing after Buttabean rematch". Stuff.co.nz. 19 August 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  32. ↑ "Desperate Brown Buttabean works overtime to win rematch". One News. 15 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  33. ↑ "Recap: Fight for Life charity boxing event in Hamilton". Staff. 6 December 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  34. ↑ "Batman answers Bat Signal's call to fight Brown Buttabean". Stuff. 23 December 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  35. ↑ "I came to quick money otahuhu to pick up my new belts . I've made my self the new intercontinental corporate world champion and the John Cena usa corporate world champion". Facebook. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  36. ↑ "Joseph Parker barrage wears down brave Bergman". TVNZ. 23 January 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  37. ↑ "Jeff Horn improves unbeaten record to 14–0 after seventh-round TKO win over Randall Bailey in Brisbane". Fox Sports Australia. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  38. ↑ "Brown Buttabean accepts Conrad Lam's callout". Maori TV. 17 May 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  39. ↑ "Letele claims judges got it wrong". Maori TV. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  40. ↑ "Lordly and Buttabean ready to tangle in a feature fight in Palmerston North". Stuff. 11 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  41. ↑ "Joseph Parker knocks out opponent Yakup Saglam in two rounds in Palmerston North". Stuff. 14 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  42. ↑ "Joseph Parker remains undefeated". One News. 6 July 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  43. ↑ "Brown Buttabean – Looking to retire after 2016". Boxingscene. 18 December 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  44. ↑ "Dancing With The Stars NZ: Full 2022 contestant line-up revealed". Newshub. 3 April 2022. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  45. ↑ "'Brown Buttabean' boxer tells how he lost 90kg and found love". nowtolove.nz. Now To Love. Retrieved 28 July 2016.
  46. ↑ "The Brown Buttabean: I'm meant to be here". E-tangata. 20 March 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  47. ↑ "Native Affairs – The Brown Butterbean". Maori TV. 9 November 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
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