David Letele

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.

In November 2017, Letele received a special honor award at the Pacific People's Award at the Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau City, New Zealand. Letele was honored 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.

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 everyday. Most people lose a minimum of 5 kg each and many have lost up to 50 kg which is over 25,000+ kg's 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 2016, Letele moved to a new gym and trainer, trained by John Conway.

In January 2016, Letele fought Silivelio Pekepo aka Batman in Samoa. 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. Letele won the bout against Pekepo by Unanimous decision.

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.

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. Conrad Lam won the bout by split decision.

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.

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 July 2015, WBA Oceania ranked Letele in their regional ratings.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On 14 October 2015 the day before his second fight against Kaleni Taetuli at the weigh in, Letele lashed out and try to attack Taetuli while screaming out "You won the lottery last time". Leteles team grabbed him before he could get his hands onto Taetuli.

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. Letele won both fights by TKO.

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. 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.

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 recognize Leteles fights from here onwards as professional fights and not corporate fights, even though the rules stayed at corporate rules.

Letele is of Māori and Samoan descent. 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. 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.

David Letele (born 9 September 1979 in Auckland, New Zealand), also known as the Brown Buttabean, is a professional boxer from New Zealand.