By: Dan Solomon

May 16th, 2004! - Previous News

Wayne DeMilia...

Wayne DeMilia has had his hands full in recent weeks. The widely publicized IFBB shakeup has been the source of industry-wide speculation. While most of the reports have come from less than credible sources, it is simply impossible to ignore the reality that changes appear to be on the horizon.

Pro Muscle Online and Bodybuilding.com have opted not to comment on these developments… until all sides are heard from.

In the mean time, DeMilia is planning his annual New York City bodybuilding blowout. The 26th edition of the Night of Champions will get underway this weekend (May 22nd).

A Look At The Contenders

Darrem Charles: After his victory in Orlando, Darrem was the first to admit that he was not at his best. Darrem indicated that some adjustments will be made to ensure a much harder physique. He explained "I'll be much sharper in New York. I was pleased to win the Orlando show, but I will be extremely prepared for the NOC. I'm saving my best for New York. I'll be ready."

Pavol Jablonicky: The only returning member of last years NOC Top 5. Supreme conditioning makes him a factor in any show he enters, although you have to wonder how long he can continue to carve out his place among the top guys. Well rested, this will be Pavol's first event since last year's NOC.

Art Atwood: Usually the biggest guy on stage, Art's Achilles heal is his inability to compare favorably in the glutes, an area that pro judges hold in a very high regard. Art's chest is massive, but very over-powering. Symmetry and structure will make it very hard for him to win this event, however, his massive overall size will be well received by the mass-adoring New York fans.

Melvin Anthony: Marvelous Melvin has the potential to do damage in New York, however, its worth mentioning that his conditioning fluctuates from event to event. Melvin brings a nice balance of size and showmanship to the stage. Always a tremendous performer, Melvin should land somewhere in the money.

Ahmad Haidar: Presented his all-time best in Orlando, narrowly falling short of his first pro victory. Ahmad showcased improvements, mostly through his back. Often penalized for his lack of overall arm size, he will need to be hard as nails if he plans to do damage at the NOC.

Nasser El Sonbaty: The days of finishing 2nd behind Dorian are a long, long time ago. Name recognition alone will not be enough to win this event. Nasser will be standing among several top conditioned athletes. It's been a long time since Nasser has presented a package worthy of top billing. Bring your cameras… this could be your last chance to see one of the true legends.

Richard Jones: His mug has already graced magazine covers… before he even stepped on a pro stage. Talk about high expectations! Often compared to Shawn Ray, for obvious reasons, there is little question that Richard's future is bright. HOWEVER, don't expect a victorious debut for the rookie. Under the bright lights, Richard will likely fall short on dense muscle maturity and detail. His physique is indeed "pretty", but on the pro stage it takes far more than nice lines and symmetry. Give him another year to carve it out.

Others to keep an eye on include Craig Richardson, fresh off his Top 3 finish in Orlando. George Farah, Johnny Jackson and Mike Morris should also be considered dark horses to snag an "O" qualification. As a reminder, the Top 5 will secure a spot on the Olympia stage.

Who Do You Think Will Win The 2004 Night Of Champions?
Darrem Charles Pavol Jablonicky Art Atwood Ahmad Haidar Pavol Jablonicky	Nasser El Sonbaty Richard Jones George Farah Johnny Jackson Other

A Look Back At The Florida Xtreme Pro Challenge

When the 27 athletes walked on stage for pre-judging, one thing was loud and clear. The two Florida hometown boys were not about to let anyone else spoil their backyard party. Darrem Charles and Ahmad Haidar both journeyed to the inaugural Orlando Xtreme Pro show by car on less than a tank of gas.

It didn't take long to realize that the night belonged to the Sunshine State Sultans of Symmetry. Darrem showcased his classic chiseled condition, full muscle bellies, and masterful presentation. Meanwhile, Ahmad's physique might best be described as "breathtaking".

His abs are extraordinary and his lines are brilliant. But in the end, the judging panel awarded Darrem for his ability to achieve a slightly harder overall look. Specifically, Darrem's striated quads separated him from Ahmad enough to snag the victory.

For Darrem, the win was his 3rd professional conquest. He has now won a pro event in each of the past 3 years... but perhaps even more important for Darrem and his growing fan base, he proved once again that you don't have to be 275lbs to win on a pro stage.

Prior to pre-judging, I received a call from Dexter Jackson, who was in Pittsburgh for a guest appearance. Dexter was particularly interested in my feedback on a virtually unknown Craig Richardson.

Dexter was keeping close tabs on Richardson after helping him prepare for the show. Since earning his pro card at the 2000 NPC Nationals, Richardson finished 16th in his only prior professional event (2003 Night of Champions). In Orlando, Richardson snuck past the field and landed in the #3 spot. Yes folks, Craig Richardson is qualified for the Olympia.

A well conditioned Willie Stallings and a massive Art Atwood rounded out the top 5.

On Friday evening, I paid a visit to Craig Titus in his room prior to the athletes meeting. It looked as though he would be presenting something similar to what earned him a top 6 finish in Columbus.

Just 19 hours later, Craig stepped on stage at pre-judging holding a damaging layer of water that relegated him all the way down to the 7th position. It was Craig's 4th event of the year and it now appears that a 2004 Olympia qualification is out of reach.

Results - Top three qualify for the Olympia.

Place	Name	Country	1	2	3	4	Total
1	Darrem Charles	Trinidad	7	7	6	5	25
2	Ahmad Haidar	Lebanon	8	8	9	10	35
3	Craig Richardson	USA	16	19	18	18	71
4	Willie Stalling	USA	24	18	18	17	77
5	Art Atwood	USA	24	22	24	25	95
6	George Farah	USA	32	31	34		97
7	Craig Titus	USA	30	37	44		111
8	Mike Morris	USA	44	42	38		124
9	Garrett Downing	USA	54	39	37		130
10	David Henry	USA	50	52	54		156
11	Jason Arntz	USA	52	55	55		162
12	George Turmon	USA	67	67	63		197
13	Quincy Taylor	USA	58	73	68		199
14	Idrise Ward-El	USA	73	68	65		206
15	Jimmy Canyon	USA	68	74	71		213
16	Rodney St. Cloud	USA	74	78			152
17	Thomas Stellander	Norway	78	80			158
18	Jose Alves Jorge	France	79	80			159
-
19	Mohammed Anouti	Lebanon	80	80			160
19	Omar Borrelli	USA	80	80			160
19	Charles Duca	Spain	80	80			160
19	Ken Jones	USA	80	80			160
19	Rod Ketchens	USA	80	80			160
19	Christian Lobarede	Chile	80	80			160
19	Erwin Marquez	Venezuela	80	80			160
19	Ntuk Ntuk	Nigeria	80	80			160
19	Gianrico Pica	Italy	80	80			160

For more coverage and photos be sure to visit www.ProMuscleOnline.com!

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Until next time...

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