David Letele

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.[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]

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.[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 being with the bears, the team has won three titles. Letele has also played for Cootamundra Bulldogs and AS Carcassonne in France before retiring.[16][17]

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 the 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.

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)

In December 2015, Letele announced that he will be retiring from boxing at the end of 2016. Letele plans 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]

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. But, at the time, Letele was forced to find his own way in the world. 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]