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The Question: This year's Iron Man Pro will again be very exciting because there are so many competitors that could win. Will Toney Freeman be able to come in and retain his title after such a disappointing showing at the '07 Olympia? What about Phil Heath? Recent pictures show that he is a definite contender for the title.
(*List is not final. Last updated January 16th, 2008)
Give your opinion on who will be in the top Five and give full details for why you believe it will go down that way. Bonus Question: Have you ever attended the Iron Man Pro Show? If so, what did you think of it and how was your experience? Was it what you thought it would be? How could it be made better? Show off your knowledge to the world! The Winners:
2nd place - 50 in store credit. 3rd place - 25 in store credit. To use your credit, e-mail Will @ will@bodybuilding.com for more info.
What a tough year this will be for all the competitors ??" and the gamblers! This year's Iron Man Pro is star-studded with some BIG names that are sure to get bigger in the future. This year offers stiff competition; with dozens of pros that have the physique, motivation and conditioning it will take to win. In making these predictions for the Top Five for this year's Iron Man Pro, the one thing that mattered above all was physique. I did try my best to be fair and put my personal affections aside ??" it's difficult not to include guys like JoJo Ntiforo, Omar Deckard and Desmond Miller. Each pick has shown to have outstanding physique, and motivation and determination both played a role in deciding what places they will take!
As far as I'm concerned, I see Phil as being one of the "next big things." From photos and interviews, he's been improving his gains and looks like a beast. After his 5th place showing at the Arnold, he took a break to get on the level of the head honchos, and it seriously looks like he overshot the landing!
Even though he's planning on showing at about 225lbs., he will cast a shadow big enough to eclipse the rest of the competition. On February 16th his hard work and commitment to his intense conditioning will result in THEE physique that's got what it takes to not only qualify him for Olympia but also be Iron Man Pro 2008!
Silvio has one of the best physiques out there, IMO. His symmetry is outstanding, and his muscularity surely has to be envied by even by other pros. One thing that keeps him from winning may be his legs ??" if he can balance his upper body with his HUGE legs he'd be unstoppable.
It sounds strange to say that having too much muscle can keep him from winning, but balance is an important factor to physique as any. His placing at 4th last year was followed by a 7th place showing at Olympia '07, so hopefully he will use these placings to ignite the fire under his "glutes" to show his true potential and beat his standings from last year.
Toney is by no means easy competition. Planning on showing at nearly 300lbs., he is sure to be a favorite and after his display at the 2007 Olympia (14th place), Toney surely will be motivated to retain his Iron Man title to prove he deserved it in the first place.
Unfortunately for Toney, I think Heath and Silvio are just willing to push a bit harder ??" bumping "X-Man" down a couple pegs to Third Place. A loss of this title might just be the incentive for him to train like a demon ??" and if he does, I expect big things from him at Olympia '08 as well.
Packed on a small frame, David has made awesome gains in size ??" keeping him in the spotlight with the heavy hitters. What I think will help David land a spot in the Top Five is his will ??" I really do believe he wants this competition, and has shown he is willing to work for it.
He's got the physique, but I think he can be easily over-shadowed. After dropping 4 places at the Iron Man Pro last year (compared to the year before), he has to be thinking he'll place better this year, by its doubtful it'll be higher than 4th.
This was a tough decision. It truly was a toss up between Gustavo Badell and Johnnie. I really think JOJ has been up to great things ??" and from what is shown in magazines and online, his work is definitely paying off. Gustavo is also physically sharp, and proved this by placing one step above JOJ last year at Olympia.
But I think JOJ has paid his dues (his symmetry and overall muscularity has become jaw-dropping), and his conditioning may prove superior to Gustavo's, as each of JOJ's muscle fibers looks like a separate muscle, and likely steal this spot away from the Freakin' Rican. Johnnie is a young guy, and in time he'll bump the ranks even higher for sure.
I have never attended this event, yet I've always wanted to. Currently, I am attending college, making any IFBB contests mostly out of reach for me. Even though I've never attended personally, I've always watched these events after the fact on DVD, with the guys. From what I see in videos, I really like the format of the show - and the angles and views of the contest I get on TV of course beats back row at the Convention Center (but I bet live, I would be too hyped to care). I only watch the bodybuilding competition - so I haven't really seen enough of the figure comp' to comment.
Behind only the Arnold Classic and the Olympia, the Iron Man Pro is one of the largest annual bodybuilding contests in the world. Considering it is the first major show of the year, it is much anticipated and filled with implausible competitors. This year will be exceptionally unique because there is no apparent favorite. The Iron Man Pro is much more than just a bodybuilding competition. From strongman and figure competitions to expos, there is something for everyone. Promoted by Iron Man Magazine Publisher John Balik and National Fitness Productions, the Iron Man Pro gives out $30,000 in prize money. The top five finishers will qualify for the 2008 IFBB Mr. Olympia and the winner will receive $15,000.
After a win at the 2007 Iron Man Pro, Toney Freeman is coming back to retain his title. After a disappointing performance at the 2007 Olympia, he will have something to prove. It is said that he was "ill" coming into the Olympia, so that could be the rationale for his poor presentation. Hopefully he can come in with the physique he had at last years Iron Man, rather than the one he displayed at the Olympia. Current pictures of Phil Heath show that he is a definite contender for the title. Phil "The Gift" Heath is a 5'9", 250-pounder from Denver, Colorado. At just 28 years old he has won his first two professional contests and placed fifth in the Arnold Classic a year ago. He has made considerable improvements since last year and has the chance to take 1st.
At just 5'9" and 215 pounds, Heath sat out last two Olympia's feeling that he needed more size. From the pictures I've seen, he's done just that! He gained 55 pounds and reached 270 pounds in the off-season, which is tremendously remarkable. At less than a month out, he is currently sitting at 250 pounds. If he can land on stage at 235-240 pounds, there is no doubt in my mind he will win. He has improved all his former weak points and is looking immensely superior.
This 6'2", 275-pounder monster out of Atlanta, Georgia is the previous winner of the Iron Man Pro. He has unbelievable thickness and generally comes in with top notch conditioning. He has something to prove and will most likely come in at 100%. Although he is extremely impressive, Phil is looking much better.
Silvio placed 4th in last year's Iron Man Pro. Not to long after, he was able to win the 2007 Europa Super Show with an improved physique. He has an incredible amount of mass and first-class conditioning, but not enough to place in the Top 2. I see Silvio placing 3rd at best.
Johnnie placed first in Atlantic City last September and ninth at the Olympia. Some people say that he should've placed better, including myself. At 5'7", 235-pounds Jackson is considered to have one of the best physiques in the world. He has made some major improvements in the past couple years and looks astonishing. I could see Johnnie placing better than 4th but I wouldn't put my money on it.
Badell has placed third in the Olympia twice and won the Iron Man Pro in 2005. He looked much smaller at last year's Olympia and still managed to place eighth. He has gained some mass since then and should be very dangerous. He has very good conditioning and should be coming in much improved.
At 5'5", 195 pounds David is always dangerous. Despite being "smaller" than the rest of the competition, he always comes in shredded and improved. I see him easily placing in the Top 10 and I wouldn't be surprised if he broke the Top 5. Do not count this guy out!
The veteran Troy Alves has placed third twice at the Iron Man Pro. Standing at 5'8", 225 pounds, Troy has one of the classier physiques in the industry. He has always been a crowd favorite and should come in more improved than last year. Definitely a top 10 threat!
With a countless number of world class physiques, the 2008 Iron Man Pro should be an incredible show. If you're not able to attend you can watch the show on Bodybuilding.com's annual webcast.
Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to attend the Iron Man Pro. I live on the east coast and do not have the money to travel. I have heard from several people that it is a wonderful show to attend and hopefully I'll have the chance to soon. I will however be watching it on the bodybuilding.com webcast!
Held in Pasadena, California the Iron Man Pro Show is the first and most anticipated show of the year. It is the largest bodybuilding event on the West Coast and is filled with amazing competitors this year. With no clear favorite, this show will be one of the most exciting to date. Some of IFBB's greatest physiques will be battling it out to see who take's first! Here is my prediction of the Top 5:
Phil "The Gift" Heath took a full year off. He has been focusing on his weak points (width and chest thickness) and is looking phenomenal. His ability to win a pro card and immediately enter a master's show should tell you something. He has put on 30 pounds since his last competition and has still managed to keep a 28 inch waist. At just 28 years old, he is one of the youngest competitors in the game. He has improved his physique by 10-15% since last year and should dominate the Iron Man Pro! This is Phil just a week ago!
The reigning Iron man champ, Toney will be back to defend his title. He won both the Iron Man and Sac Pro last year and placed third in the Arnold Classic. After a disappointing performance at the 2007 Olympia, he is coming back with something to prove. If he comes in with good conditioning he could give Phi a run for his money. He will definitely be top 3, but I think Phil takes the cake!
Gustavo won the Iron Man in 2005 and has placed third in the Olympia twice. Just like Freeman, Badell had a disappointing performance in the Olympia, placing eighth. Gustavo has very good conditioning but was smaller and flat at the last Olympia. He has something to prove and should be coming in at 100%. Definitely a top 3 contender!
Silvio placed 4th in last year's Iron Man and I expect him to do the same this year. He was able to place first in the 2007 Europa Super Show but he hasn't changed much since then. He's got great striations and a good amount of mass, but not enough to place in the Top 3.
2006 NPC Nationals Overall champ Desmond Miller made some major waves last year. The 260-pounder "Wheels of Steel" had an exceptionally productive rookie year. After his fourth and second place finishes at the New York Pro and Keystone Classic, he is unquestionably a contender. Some other people to watch out for include Johnnie Jackson, Eddie Abbew, and David Henry.
Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to attend the Iron Man Pro Show due to the cost of traveling. Although, I did get a chance to attend the Arnold Classic last year and had a wonderful time. The nice thing about the Iron Man Pro is that it isn't just a bodybuilding competition. There are figure competitions, strongman competitions, and expos. Whether your there for the competitions or to visit the expos, it is a guaranteed good time. I have my mind set on attending next year!
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