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 By: David Robson
With a large field of relatively unknown competitors and a handful of established second/third tier pros, the 2008 New York Pro men's competition is shaping to be a walkover for either one of the two top names currently scheduled to appear: Ronnie Rockel and Kai Greene. Despite 33 professionals slated to appear, the competition is indeed slim for Kai and Ronnie, both former pro show winners and solid performers, although there are several names that could surprise should they put it all together: Sweden's Martin Kjellstrom, the Caribbean's Joel Stubbs and US athletes' Tricky Jackson and David Henry II are all likely to be in the top six, depending on what kind of shape the rest of the field bring and notwithstanding any potential surprises. Although this line-up is down on established talent there is a positive side to this: many likely surprises and the possible emergence of several future bodybuilding superstars, new Pros' Ben White (2008 USA winner) and 2007 National's winner Charles Dixon being amongst these. An added attraction, for me at least, will be the continued return of former top competitor Don Long, who made his bodybuilding comeback at the 2007 Atlantic City Pro several years after a kidney disorder almost claimed his life. Though it is noticeably lacking a Dennis Wolf, Branch Warren or Dennis James, this contest will provide plenty of excitement and the element of surprise will definitely be worth watching for. My Top Six Are As Follows:
With his respectable third place at the 2008 Arnold Classic, based on the tremendous improvements he made over the past year, Kai Greene, at least on paper, looks to be the obvious favorite to win the 2008 New York Pro. It was at the 2007 version of this show that he gave a hint of what he was really capable of when he walked away with sixth place and a commendation for his extraordinary posing ability.
What Kai has in his favor is incredible overall thickness and consistently ripped conditioning, which, when combined, make him hard to beat. And no one at this year's Arnold had him beat on overall shape, size and cuts. Look for Kai to make the 2008 New York Pro his second pro win.
Speaking of shape, Germany's Ronnie Rockel is one bodybuilder who brings the best of this each and every time he competes, but his lack of overall size usually seems to relegate him to the bad end of the top six in smaller shows and completely out of the money at larger contests like the Mr. Olympia.
  Click To Enlarge. Ronnie Rockel At The 2008 New Zealand Grand Elite Pro. View More Pics Of Ronnie Rockel. For my money Ronnie is one of the best bodybuilders competing today because of his near-perfect symmetry and proportion. And at over 220 pounds contest shape at around 5' 6" he is not a small guy. He just does not seem to generate the hype necessary for him to be seen more often by the judges and to be perceived as being as good as he really is. A fan favorite, Ronnie will bring the house down in New York, and if Kai comes in lacking cuts, could win his second pro show.
Just two years ago David Henry II was touted as pound-for-pound one of the best bodybuilders at any pro show he entered. His consistently shredded conditioning and full round muscles gave his physique quality that was appreciated by fans and judges alike.
But he began to play the size game in 2007 and was instantly marked down for the obscuring of definition this created. This was no more evident at this year's Arnold Classic where he placed a disappointing 12th with barely a cut on his physique. If David can bring the conditioning he is known for he should place top three at this show.
Since his excellent showing at the 2007 Australian Pro, the massive Joel Stubbs, with one of the best, if not the best back development in bodybuilding today, has readied himself to break through to the big time.
With his very long limbs it was always a big task for Joel (over 6' 4") to compete successfully with the much shorter (average height: 5' 8) and more dense and balanced professionals. But he has proven to be a worthy contender and does posses one of the best upper bodies in the sport today. If he has built his legs to an equal level of impressiveness, he will not disappoint in New York. If he brings his usual phenomenal conditioning along with improved legs he is likely to place top four.
Tricky Jackson has become very popular in the pro ranks despite being one of the smaller competitors out there. With his second place at the Europa pro show under-210 pound class, and subsequent impressive display in the open class, he has shown that, if given the opportunity, he can stand out with the best of them.
With flawless posing skills, excellent conditioning and great proportion, complete with a tiny waist, broad shoulders and wide back, he does look impressive from all angles.
Impressive by virtue of his sheer size, Martin is always a fan favorite. Although often overlooked due to the large number of competitors in each contest he enters and the lack of quality he has presented in comparison to the top guys, it is time for Martin to bring his usual massive size with improved conditioning and balance. If he can do this he will place top six in New York.
 Click To Enlarge. Martin Kjellstrom At The 2008 Australia Pro Grand Prix VIII. View More Pics Of Martin Kjellstrom.
Beginning at the 2007 Europa Pro Show and featured again at the 2008 New York Pro is a separate men's professional bodybuilding class for the lighter competitors. Proving to be a stunning success first time around, where it was won by Silvio Samuel, the under-210 pound class (or the under-202 as it will be in New York) has given the spotlight to competitors who might otherwise be overlooked in shows that are increasingly filled with monsters at 250 pounds or more. The New York Pro will feature six great under-202 pound competitors, each a potential worthy winner, but of course only one of these will be named New York Pro ultimate champion for 2008. Here is my pick for top five.
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