David Letele (born 9 September 1979 in Auckland, New Zealand), also known as the Brown Buttabean, is a retired professional boxer from New Zealand. After retiring, Letele became a well known 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.
Weight loss motivation
Letele has 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. At first it was only a Facebook group that Letele created which has reached over 5600 and growing every day. Most people lose a minimum of 5 kg each and many have lost up to 50 kg which is over 25,000 kg combined. Buttabean motivation helps people lose weight by doing weekly boot camps, dieting programs, support groups, fitness plans, community work and occasional school visits.
In June 2015, Letele announced that he had launched a new website to help motivate people on their weight-loss journey. In 2017, Brown Buttabean Motivation has reach 8000 members.
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.
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.
Rugby League
Letele played League at an early age, establishing himself very quickly. At the age of 16, Letele was already training with Maori representative New Zealand team, however Letele wasn't able to see the field due to shattering his knee in training.
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.
Letele signed on to play for the minor premiership team, North Sydney Bears. While being with the bears, the team has won three titles. Letele has also played for Cootamundra Bulldogs and AS Carcassonne in France before retiring.
Boxing
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.
Duco Events created their own title, which is the exact replica from the Rocky (film series). 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. 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. 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.