ANDREW OYE SEEKS INSIDE TIPS ON THE PRO BODYBUILDING INDUSTRY
Are you a pro bodybuilder, retired pro bodybuilder or someone who knows a pro?
Are you a bodybuilding fan or fanatic or follower of the industry’s happenings?
Do you attend the big bodybuilding shows or fitness expos?
Do you frequently visit and post in the active online bodybuilding forums and chat boards?
If you have any inside tips on what a pro bodybuilder is up to, hit me up here or at thefitwriter@gmail.com and tell me about it. I can mention the tips and bits in my column “ANDREW OYE’S PRO-SOURCE PRO-MUSCLE REPORT” on http://www.p.r.o.s.o.u.r.c.e.net
Is any pro bodybuilder or top industry personality hosting a seminar? Training for a big contest or guest posing appearance? Rehabbing a muscle injury? Opening a business? Launching a product line? Switching sponsors? Hosting a charity event? Filming or releasing a training DVD? Starring in an entertainment project or new ad campaign?
Let me know what you know, and I can give you props as one of my inside sources.
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“ANDREW OYE’S PRO-SOURCE PRO-MUSCLE REPORT”
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Andrew Oye
FITWRITER…Mighty Powerful Words
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thefitwriter@gmail.com
(Check out my reports for the scoop on Mr. Olympias: Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Lee Haney, Franco Columbu……IFBB Pros, former and future pros: Lee Priest, Paul Baker, Eduardo Correa, Tarek ElSetouhi, Dexter Jackson, Fouad Abiad, Troy Brown, Andy Haman, Flex Wheeler, Kai Greene, Phil Heath, Chris Cormier, Silvio Samuel, Lou Ferrigno, Tricky Jackson, Kevin Levrone, Jason Arntz, Johnnie Jackson……Musclemania Pros: Morris Mendez)
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ARCHIVE’S OF MY PRO BODYBUILDING COLUMN: “ANDREW OYE’S PRO-MUSCLE REPORT”
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The Headline: LEVRONE LEAVES LESSONS & BUILDS A NEW LEGACY
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Legends Update/Guest Appearances
The Scoop: Recently reported: Retired IFBB Pro Kevin Levrone hosted the Kevin Levrone Athlete Seminar in San Antonio on June 15. The seminar was broadcast live on Muscletime.com. The legendary Maryland Muscle Machine addressed a gathering of amateur bodybuilders who had competed at the 2008 NPC South Texas Bodybuilding Classic the day before. The contest promoter, National-level competitor Prince Fontenot, and Bob Johnson of Posedown Magazine organized the event for the 2-time Arnold Classic winner and Top 5 Olympia contender. The presentation opened with a humorous story about how Fontenot, as an amateur, filled in for Levrone, “the winningest bodybuilder in history,” at a guest-posing gig. At 5’10” and 245 lbs on stage, Levrone racked up 20 pro career wins. He’s now a movie producer, actor and lead singer of the band Fulblown, but the perennial fan favorite still makes appearances at major fitness events and expos to dispense training and nutrition advice to the next generation that yearns to benefit from the lessons of the “Uncrowned Mr. Olympia.”
The “So What?”: Last year, rumors of a Levrone comeback to competition were swirling fiercely among bodybuilding fans. But when Levrone visited my place in Hollywood last spring to drop off some EST Nutrition swag and chat about his dramatic turn in the movie “I AM,” which will be released this fall, I knew the Muscle Stage he had left in 2004 was the farthest thing from his mind. Andrew Oye’s verdict: Levrone has left his iron legacy. He made his muscles; now, he’s making movies.
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The Headline: PRIEST PERMITTED TO POSE IN IFBB AGAIN
By Andrew Oye
The Item: IFBB Reinstatement/Career Updates
The Scoop: Just announced: With 11 out of 16 committee votes in his favor, Lee Priest has been officially reinstated into the IFBB. This decision follows Priest’s suspension that began in September 2006 for competing in the now defunct Pro Division Inc. (PDI). “Yes, he’s back in the IFBB,” says IFBB Professional League Chairman Jim Manion. “He’s free to enter any contest. He’s free to guest pose. He has to sign his membership card but other than that formality, which I’m sure he will do, he’s officially back.” First up on Priest’s contest schedule – the Atlantic City Pro in September, two weeks before the big Mr. Olympia contest. “I think the timing was right,” Manion states. “I think Lee has been penalized long enough. He’s made a lot of overtures obviously to try to get back in the IFBB…I’m sure he can’t wait to jump back on stage and get back into the action.” The outspoken muscle-mouth, who had been critical of the IFBB and its policies, announced that he will return to his home continent of Australia at the end of June for his contest preparation.
The “So What?”: Initially, IFBB officials intended to vote on Priest’s reinstatement on Olympia Weekend, but they fast-tracked the process to give Priest a chance to qualify for the 2008 Mr. O. show. Andrew Oye’s verdict: Competitors in the 210 & Under divisions and 202 & Under classes at the various pro shows best be on alert. Things are about to get interesting.
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The Headline: TRICKY TRACKS CHANGES & CHASES PROMOTION AS A TRUE PERFORMER
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates/Contest Promotion
The Scoop: Athlete to Andrew: IFBB Pro Richard “Tricky” Jackson filled me in on the latest in Camp Tricky. In May, he placed 9th in the NY Pro (202 & Under) and snagged yet another Best Poser Award. “With the addition of the 202 & Under division, I have a new zest for the sport,” says Jackson. “I’m aggressively promoting myself to be one of the best in the 202 class and one of the best posers in the sport.” After the NY Pro, Jackson flew to Cali for tweak-training with master trainer Charles Glass. “It was torture, but I live for that type of training. With a few small changes and a little dryer conditioning, I can battle anyone in the pro ranks.”
Tricky earned his pro card at the 2005 NPC Nationals and currently swings barbells at Urban Active in Louisville, KY. On October 11th, Jackson hosts his 11th annual NPC Bluegrass Muscle Classic. Next on the docket: the Tampa Pro and the Europa Super Show to qualify for the Olympia. “My current weight is 205 lbs. I plan to be about 194 and peeled to the bone.” His MHP contract ends this year, and he’s ready to step out of the shadow of Victor Martinez and into a new opportunity to be the main guy.
The “So What?”: While in LA, Tricky did a video shoot with Bill Dobbins as part of his self-promotion plan. This year, Jackson released two videos: “Pose Like A Pro” and “Battle Of The Giant Killers.” Andrew Oye’s verdict: After interviewing him for my posing series, “The Art of War,” I know Tricky’s tricky posing has already placed among the sport’s best.
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The Headline: FERRIGNO FILMING FUNNY FEATURE FILM
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Legends Update/Career Updates
The Scoop: Recently reported: After hitting Grauman’s Egyptian Theater for the Hollywood premiere party for “Bigger Stronger Faster,” the docu-flick about performance enhancement substance use in pro sports, members of the bodybuilding media spotted Former IFBB Pro Lou Ferrigno on Venice Beach on the set of “I Love You, Man.” Starring Paul Rudd, Jaime Pressly and Jason Segel, “I Love You. Man” is about a newly engaged guy who sets out to find the perfect Best Man for his wedding. Although the big man has a small role in the comedy flick slated for a 2009 theatrical release, the 2-time Mr. Universe was reportedly seen filming his scene all day.
The “So What?”: Once stalking the Muscle Stage at 6’ 5”, 275 pounds, Ferrigno is one of few pro bodybuilders to make a successful transition into Hollywood stardom, most notably for his roles as a determined underdog in “Pumping Iron” and as a beefy, green-skinned beast in the popular ‘70s-‘80s TV series “The Incredible Hulk,” which will be revived as a Summer 2008 blockbuster starring Ed Norton. Andrew Oye’s verdict: Having seen him on the sitcom “King of Queens,” I feel Ferrigno does funny fairly well.
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The Headline: SAMUEL SEEKS STAGE TIME SOONER AT SUMMER SHOW
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates
The Scoop: Recently announced: IFBB Pro Silvio Samuel announced this week that he has switched up his plans and intends to revisit the Muscle Stage sooner than expected. The Brazilian-born, Nigerian-bred muscleman will compete this summer at the IFBB Houston Pro Invitational (July 4-5). Sil earned his pro card in 2006. He won the first contest of his pro career at the 2007 IFBB Europa, claiming top honors in the Under 210 class and winning the Overall title, which gave him buzz on his way to last year’s Mr. Olympia. The 5’7”, 223-pounder bends steel in Los Angeles and is brewing a similar strategy for 2008.”That is exactly what I hope to do this time around, except it will be on the bigger level,” says Samuel. “I’m not going into the lower class. I’ve been making improvements and have kept my conditioning. I can do this show and still have more time to make more improvements for the Olympia.”
The “So What?”: After competing in the first two contests of the 2008 season - placing fourth at the Ironman Pro and fifth at the Arnold Classic – Samuel had previously decided he would take time off before returning to competition at the 2008 Olympia. Andrew Oye’s verdict: The sooner, the better. Fans want to see those improvements, Sil.
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The Headline: COLUMBU GETS KUDOS AT MUSCLE BEACH MAKEOVER DEBUT
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Legend’s Update/Event Promotions
The Scoop: Two-time Mr. Olympia and former IFBB Pro Franco Columbu will appear at Muscle Beach in Venice, CA, on Saturday (May 17) for the Weight Pen Renovation grand unveiling ceremony. “Bodybuilding.com provided $31,000 worth of new equipment from StarTrac Equipment and Headblade donated $20,000, which enabled us to put in new flooring,” says Smokin’ Joe Wheatley, who has spearheaded Muscle Beach’s recent revitalization. “After the ribbon cutting ceremony, we will be unveiling the plaques of the 2007 inductees, including Jack LaLanne (Lifetime Achievement Award), Franco Columbu, Tony Pearson, DeForrest ‘Moe’ Most and Pudgy Stockton.” The makeover includes 30 new pieces of the latest in strength-building equipment added to Muscle Beach’s famous outdoor workout pit, which has been closed since May 5 during the renovation period. Completed in 2007, the Muscle Beach Venice Walk of Fame (like the Hollywood Walk of Fame) celebrates Hall of Fame honorees with bronze plaques incorporated into the Weight Pen’s foundation.
The “So What?”: A legendary fixture in bodybuilding’s Golden Era, the Italy-born Dr. Columbu was a champion power lifter, Strong Man competitor and – at 5’5”, 185 pounds -– a pioneer for the shorter beasts of bodybuilding. Dubbed “the Sardinian Strongman,” Columbu was crowned Mr. Universe 1970 and Mr. Olympia in 1976 and 1981.
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The Headline: KAI FLIES HIGH FOR THE PRIZE IN N.Y.
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Bodybuilding Contest Results/Supplement Co. Contract
The Scoop: IFBB Pro Kai Greene slayed all the other pumped-up lions in his path to win the New York Pro Show at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center in downtown Manhattan over the weekend. Some thought Lion Slayer Greene would be unable to peak again so soon after the Arnold Classic and a less-than-stellar placing might affect his placing at the upcoming Mr. Olympia contest. That worry was quickly put to rest when Greene glided on stage as a carved-up mass of muscles in the high 200s, easily topping a field that included Kevin English, David Henry, Ronnie Rockel, and Craig Richardson (2nd-5th, respectively). English also won the Under 202 class.
The “So What?”: Doubters (or, for the hip – “haters”) were counting out the creative and controversial Kai until a recent string of good fortune put Greene back in the game on all fronts. In the last few weeks, Greene snared an MD magazine contract and a sponsorship contract with MuscleMeds, an emerging, hardcore supplement brand. “I am thrilled to be with an innovative company like MuscleMeds,” Greene says. “Their chemists have really developed some incredible products, which definitely helped me gain the 20lbs of muscle this year. Now, that I have signed with them and will be also be getting some great financial support, it takes a lot of pressure off and I can really focus 100% on my training…I am going to steam roll to the Olympia where I plan to shake things up.”
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The Headline: RUMORS OF A “REAL DEAL” RETURN ARE FOR REAL
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates
The Scoop: Recently announced: On this week’s PBW radio show, IFBB Pro Chris Cormier announced plans to return to the Muscle Stage, pulling a double whammy: the IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships (August 9) and the IFBB Europa SuperShow (August 16). With over 70 pro shows under his trunks, “Real Deal” Cormier last battled and placed sixth at the 2007 IFBB Atlantic City Pro, after placing fourth at the IFBB Montreal Pro just a week prior. Known for one of the most powerfully complete physiques, Cormier is on a mission to complete his career goals. “This means everything,” says Cormier. “I’m not going to do A, B and C and then miss the X, Y and Z. I gotta finish the alphabet type of thing. No way I can live with myself without doing that. I’m not that type of person. The passion I have, the things I’ve learned and experienced over the years? If I can’t be competitive with the top guys in the world, I’m not going to do it.” Toting 275 pounds, Cormier did a guest spot at the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure Championships last weekend and declared that he’s ready for the challenge of qualifying for the Mr. Olympia again.
The “So What?”: Cormier’s 2007 showings were considered borderline miraculous, because, a year earlier, Cormier had lost the ability to walk while hospitalized with a severe back injury. Convinced he’s got enough fuel in the tank to drive a few more miles on the competitive road and end on a career high – perhaps a Hall of Fame slot – Real Deal admits, “It’s taken me lot of time to get comfortable with my body again, but…I knew I wasn’t done, I still have the fire inside of me.”
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The Headline: HEATH HAS A HUGE CONTRACT & A HOME AT WEIDER
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Magazine Contract Signing
The Scoop: Just announced: IFBB Pro Phil Heath signs an exclusive, multi-year contract with Weider Publications. Phil “The Gift” made the announcement at this past weekend’s Pittsburgh Pro Figure Championships. FLEX Group Editorial Director Peter McGough first approached Heath before the Junior Nationals and brought him to the AMI/Weider team. Heath went on to win the overall titles at the NPC Junior Nationals and the NPC USAs in 2005. In the pro ranks, he has claimed victories at the 2006 New York Pro, 2006 Colorado Pro and 2008 Ironman Pro in February. His remarkable muscularity and conditioning has made the 28-year-old, who crushes iron plates in Colorado, the physique of the moment, with muscle-heads buzzing that a future Mr. O. is in our midst.
The “So What?”: While Heath has qualified for the IFBB Olympia for the past two years, he hasn’t flexed a bicep on bodybuilding’s biggest stage. At last, it was also announced on Saturday that the ink is dry on the contract, and The Gift will give bodybuilding fans the gift of his presence on the Olympia stage in September.
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The Headline: HANEY HEADS UP CONTEST & HANDS OUT ADVICE
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Legend’s Update/Contest Promotions
The Scoop: Eight-Time Mr. Olympia and Former IFBB Pro Lee Haney appeared on the “Pro Bodybuilding Weekly” Radio Show last week to promote the 2008 Lee Haney Bodybuilding Fitness & Figure Challenge (www.leehaneychallenge.com) in Shreveport, LA (May 10). Haney also dispensed sage advice to former Mr. O. Coleman (regarding a rumored comeback) and current Mr. O. Cutler (regarding his title defense) about pursuing one’s passion in the transition from champ on the stage to contributor in society. For Haney, that now means operating heath and nutrition businesses, mentoring youth, authoring books, hosting TV shows, and acting as Chairman to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. In addition, the legendary bodybuilding ambassador commented on the current state of the sport. Of today’s physiques, he says, “The sacrifice made to reach certain levels in size and mass has deterred a lot of younger athletes from wanting to become professional bodybuilders. If you get too far out there…from what appeals to the masses, which is a nice-looking, shapely physique, you start to lose your audience.”
The “So What?”: When he dominated the Olympia stage (1984-1991), Haney’s physique was a blueprint for the mass-with-symmetry combo, competing at 246 pounds at the end of an era for physiques with flowing proportions. Haney laments that, in his role as a coach, he faces disenchanted young athletes who long to easily reach 275 pounds. “Arnold won Olympias at 232 pounds.” Thus, winning Teenage America at 214 pounds, a youthful Lee’s hope of obtaining O. Gold seemed realistic. He notes that competitors of his era were cut from a similar cloth as Schwarzenegger. “You had to have a tapered waist. You could not sacrifice symmetry and shape for mass,” says Haney, who diplomatically concludes, “The criteria has changed, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
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The Headline: MO GETS MO’ COVERS AND WANTS MO’ RESPECT FOR “NATURALS”
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates/Highlights
The Scoop: Athlete to Andrew Oye: The May 2008 issue marks the second time the pecs and biceps of Musclemania Pro Morris “Mo” Mendez have emblazoned the cover of Muscle & Fitness Magazine. I hit up Mo for his reaction. “The new cover is hot! I look full, cut and symmetrical. Friends and fans in different countries say it’s a fresh, appealing and obtainable look for the general public. ‘Action hero quality.’ Ha! Show me the money!” The future action hero (with four international covers to his credit) pumps iron at Gold’s Gym in Bloomfield, CT, and earned his pro card at the 2000 Fitness Atlantic/Musclemania in New Haven. His last competition was the 2005 Musclemania Worlds In Hollywood. “If time allows me to train mentally and physically, my next competition will be the Superbody in Miami.” Mo plans to hit Africa and Argentina for appearances. “I like guesting in different countries because they appreciate you more, especially where they find it impossible to look like a Ronnie Coleman or a Jay Cutler. I’m proof you can look just as good with patience, time and dedication.”
The “So What?”: The 198-pound, model-athlete expressed frustration being a big man in a giant man’s world. Even with a rising profile and a marketable physique, Mendez currently has no sponsors. “It’s tough to get a sponsor to pay you what you want for your hard work,” he laments then laughs. “As a natural bodybuilder, your competition is those monsters. They want you to look like that, but I’m a suit-and-tie man. I like to look good in my clothes.”
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The Headline: KEEN GREENE REDEEMED WITH TEAM “MD” DEAL
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Magazine Contract Signing
The Scoop: Just announced: IFBB Pro Kai Greene inks a multi-year contract with Team MD. This week on “No Bull” Radio, Kai said he signed with Muscular Development over other suitors, because “MD has gone a long way from the beginning to extend a wonderful resource for me to reach out to the fans and tap into a readership that is unparalleled. I deeply appreciated that, particularly at a time when I wasn’t getting a lot of love.” Following his first victory at the 2007 IFBB Colorado Pro Show, Greene packed on 30 pounds of solid muscle and now hits nearly 300 pounds in the off-season. Last month, the flexible and ferocious force I dubbed the “Lion Slayer” in “The Art of War,” my posing and presentation series, placed 3rd at the Arnold Classic. The posing phenom is now keenly focused on slaying competitors in his hometown at the IFBB New York Pro (May 10).
The “So What?”: Kai, who admitted to being moved to tears by his latest MD cover, was in a crew left contract-less when Pinnacle/Kemistry cleaned house and released all of its sponsored athletes at the end of 2007. Recently, day-in-the-life videos posted online showed Kai still surviving on humble means while continuing to chase his pro bodybuilding dreams. With other endorsement deals also looming, has the gravy train finally rolled into his subway station?
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The Headline: COLEMAN CRUISES ON TV TO CONFER CUSTOM CHOPPER TO CHARITY
By Andrew Oye
The Item: TV Appearance/Philanthropy
The Scoop: Just Announced: Muscle-heads meet gear-heads when 8-time Mr. Olympia and retired IFBB Pro Ronnie Coleman and Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition Inc. (BSN) make an exclusive appearance on the popular cable TV show American Chopper. The episode will document the building of a custom fabrication, one-of-kind BSN-themed chopper. The show will feature cameo appearances by BSN execs, the girls of BSN, and Team BSN athletes Anthony Presciano and King Coleman (who made his emotional, official exit from the muscle stage at last year’s Mr. O. in Vegas). Tune in to TLC this week (April 24th) to watch father and sons — the Teutuls — and the Orange County Chopper (OCC) crew build the badass BSN muscle bike.
The “So What?”: BSN also commissioned a replica of its bike and will donate 100% of the proceeds from its sales to the Warrior Transition Unit of a New York hospital. “We really wanted to do something to give back to the soldiers who put their lives on the line every day protecting our country,” says BSN Co-Founder and VP Scott James. “We shot the bike’s unveil at a soldier’s monument in West Point, NY, near the Keller Army Community Hospital and it made us all feel really proud.”
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The Headline: FLEX GETS “CUT TO THE HEAD”…AS NEW RAZOR HYPE MAN
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Endorsement Deal/Contest Promotions
The Scoop: Recently Announced: Retired IFBB Pro Kenneth “Flex” Wheeler inked a deal with HeadBlade, Inc. One of the most impressive bodies to grace a muscle stage lends his head as an endorser of the sportily designed skull-scraping razor. He joins a smooth-domed fraternity that includes IFBB Pro Toney Freeman and MMA Top Dog Chuck Liddell. “Flex will help expand our lifestyle brand with his regular training and appearances at various competitions,” says Todd Greene, President of HeadBlade, Inc. The company will be a presenting sponsor at the 2008 Flex Wheeler Classic in July. Wheeler, who now sports tatted-up biceps, runs with the rowdy MD crew and proclaims to be “the Ultimate Natural Freak,” is also a martial artist that wowed the bodybuilding industry for nearly 25 years until 2001, doing full splits on stage at 5’9”and 245 pounds. Wheeler says, “After being introduced to HeadBlade two years ago, I have never considered using any other product to shave my head.”
The “So What?”: “2007 Arnold Classic Champion Victor Martinez has been confirmed to be at [the Flex Wheeler Classic}!” says Flex, who reportedly spoke with Martinez at the Arnold Classic, the site of Wheeler’s deal announcement, and received direct confirmation that “he will not only be able to attend and participate in the Superstar Seminar, but he states that he will be completely rehabbed from his knee injury and will also guest pose at the night finals!”
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The Headline: HAMAN’S HIGH-ENERGY CAREER INCLUDES HIGH HOPES FOR TV
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates/Highlights
The Scoop: Athlete to Andrew Oye: I scored scoop from IFBB Pro Andy Haman, who appeared at WFC Fight Night at the Denver Coliseum for an autograph signing on Saturday. Next up, guest-posing stops at the Southern Colorado Championships (May 10th) and the Carla Sanchez Fitness Fiesta (Oct 15th). Haman earned his pro card at the 2007 NPC Masters Nationals, winning the Super-Heavyweight Class and the Overall title. “I’m training INSANE!” the ever-energetic muscle manic tells me. “I enjoy my time in the gym more and more as I get older! Still strong with a 625-pound flat bench!” Iron Head Haman plans to bring his iron pecs and quads to the stage at the Houston Pro on July 4th. The spiky-haired beast will then celebrate his 42nd birthday onstage at the Europa on August 16th, followed by the Atlantic City Pro in September. He calls this three-show circuit the “BING-BANG-BOOM!”
The “So What?”: Iron Head is banging his head on the iron door closed by producers of American Gladiators. He’s shocked, as am I, that his recent online campaign to drum up support for his hilarious, electrifying character “Shock!” didn’t get him a slot on the show. “SHOCK! IS STILL ALIVE! Unfortunately, the Gladiators didn’t pick me at the final callback; but, it was a great experience and the casting producer hopes to call in the future. He said no one has run a 40-yard dash at 275 lbs as fast as I did! I ran it in 4.8 seconds. They loved my Shock! character, but I think I was just too muscular and too hardcore for TV. Who knows? Maybe next time.”
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The Headline: TROY IN TRANSITION AND ON A MISSION
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates/Highlights
The Scoop: Athlete to Andrew Oye: IFBB Pro Troy Brown hit me up with the latest in his camp. Flexing on the cover of the February 2008 issue of FLEX Magazine (US edition), the UK-born muscleman is featured inside sharing his experiences in the rookie year of his pro career. Last seen at the Ironman in February and currently in his off-season, 250-pound T-Bone tells me, “I’m eating very clean, working on weak points and training hard for the Europa in August and the Atlantic City in September. Also, I have a guest-posing appearance booked for June 28th in Alberta.” Troy has seen his share of TV work and ad spots in the UK, and his latest projects involve more face-time before the camera. ”I’m releasing my long-awaited DVD called ‘The Beginning’ this month, and I’m shooting ‘day-in-the-life-of-a-pro’ video footage for bodybuilding.com.”
The “So What?”: Troy used to throw iron at Muscle Works, a hardcore gym in East London that produced great champions. He recently made a transition in home bases, hoping the trade brings new prospects. “I am in the process of switching sponsors. I had a sponsor in the UK, but now I live in Canada, so I’m on the verge of signing a new deal with a new company.”
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The Headline: CUTLER CALLS IT: “COMPETE A COUPLE MORE YEARS.” THEN…?
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates/Projections
The Scoop: Recently reported: Last week, during an “Ask The Pros” Q&A session on the FLEX Magazine website, reigning Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler pulled out his crystal ball and made a career prediction. He announced that he will compete at the 2008 IFBB Mr. Olympia contest and at least one more time in 2009. When asked if he’d call it quits after this year’s Mr. O., resilient 290-pound Cuts vowed, “If I win, I won’t retire. If I lose, I won’t retire. This will not be my last Olympia…I’ll be on the Olympia stage in 2009. Win, lose or draw, I’ll be there.” Cutler’s pre-game top picks for the Big Show this September: “I will win…the remaining five will be Dexter Jackson, Phil Heath, Dennis Wolf, Kai Greene. Victor, I don’t know if he’s competing. He will be in there if he does. Melvin could be there, maybe Silvio.”
The “So What?”: After his first Olympia win in 2006, many speculated that Cutler would hit it two more times and ride off into the Vegas sunset with three Mr. O. titles. His reign has tasted controversy; particularly his 2007 victory over what many considered a better-conditioned Victor Martinez, last year’s runner-up.
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The Headline: FOUAD FOCUSES ON A FUTURE AS A FEATURED FACE
By andrew Oye
The Item: Career Updates/Highlights
The Scoop: Athlete to Andrew Oye: IFBB Pro Fouad Abiad adds cover boy to his list of titles. The Canada-based trainer landed a MuscleMag International cover that hit shelves this month. “It’s my first cover, of many hopefully. I am currently weighing in at 296 lbs, and I’m looking forward to the shows later this year,” Fouad tells me. In addition to the cover shot, Fouad informed me that he re-signed with MuscleTech. If the supp. co. contract wasn’t enough, he dropped another bomb. “I am also happy to state that I am now a member of the GASP clothing team.” Being a face (and body) for the athletic-inspired brand has an added benefit for the diesel-built man they call Hoss. “GASP clothes are really the only clothes that fit me properly!” Fouad is furiously training for a Tampa Bay show in August, and then he hopes to qualify for a slot The O. in September.
The “So What?”: Fouad recently celebrated his mag cover at a party at The Boom Boom Room, a Canadian nightclub. The musclehead, who occasionally rocks a Mohawk on the contest stage, is making major moves long-distance, snagging deals from Canada without making the move to Cali, the bodybuilding Mecca…yet.
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The Headline: “THE BLADE” CUTS A SHARP DEAL WITH WEIDER
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Magazine Contract Signing
The Scoop: After nearly a decade in the pro game and fresh off a three-strike winning streak, IFBB Pro Dexter Jackson inked an exclusive contract with Weider Publications. Given this long-awaited partnership, The Blade is probably cuttin’ a rug and doing a happy dance. Dex executed a heavy-lifting strategy with his trainer Joe McNeal to get to his current 233 lbs. With his trademark conditioning and newly added mass (7 lbs. since the 2007 Olympia), Dex fended off Phil Health — a popular, and in some circles favored, young gun — for the 2008 Arnold Classic title. After nabbing his third AC victory, The Blade sliced the competition for back-to-back wins in Australia and New Zealand. The top-placings, physical improvements and mag deal paint Jackson as a major contender to snatch the 2008 Olympia crown from Jay Cutler.
The “So What?”: The real question is what took so long for a celebrated vet in the muscle trade to land an exclusive mag contract with AMI/Weider, the biggest game in town? “It’s been a long time coming,” Jackson says. “I really just wanted to be a part of the team. I’ve always wanted to be with Weider. I’m at a good point in my career right now, nearing the end of it. So I wanted to finish [the last few years] off the right way.”
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The Headline: “CYBER CLASSIC” UPLOADS COLOSSAL CONTESTANTS
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Bodybuilding Contest Results
The Scoop: In the digital age, the bodybuilding contest stage is a computer screen and judges make their marks with keyboard strokes. The 2nd Annual MD Cyber Classic, an online bodybuilding contest, pulled in a pool of surprisingly impressive contestants with remarkable physiques from all around the global cyberspace. These muscled-up upstarts were vying for pre-pro exposure that could jumpstart their future careers in the pro ranks. The Muscular Development Magazine staff selected four finalists: Eduardo Correa, Tarek Elsetouhi, Karouani Johan Fehd and Chris Jalali. Fans picked the fifth finalist, Dan Serota, via an online vote.
The showdown went down at the MD booth at the 2008 Arnold Classic Sports Festival Expo. A chiseled combo of mass, symmetry, conditioning and quality muscle, Brazilian Eduardo Correa was awarded first place, $7,000, an MD cover and supplements from Gaspari Nutrition. He also took the middleweight class at the Arnold Amateur. The second-place finisher, Egyptian Tarek Elsetouhi ($2000), is a massive athlete who also won the Super-Heavyweight division of the Arnold Amateur and beat out Correa for the Arnold Amateur Overall title.
The “So What?”: Eduardo had previously qualified for pro status with a middleweight-class victory at the 2007 IFBB World Championships, but he elected to retain amateur status. This up-and-comer has landed a highly coveted spot usually reserved for new IFBB noisemakers and seasoned pros – the cover of one of the most widely read muscle mags.
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The Headline: BAKER MUSCLES HIS WAY IN ON MUSCLEOLOGY
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Supplement Co. Contract Signing
The Scoop: Recently announced: IFBB Pro Paul Baker joins the promo crew at Muscleology, makers of RedtestTM and Nitro-ProTM. “Paul is a great choice to join our team,” says Muscleology Pres. Mush Hussain. “He brings years of training and knowledge about sports nutrition, combined with a strong dedication and commitment to helping others achieve their nutrition goals.” Paul turned pro in 2001 after his win at the Mr. Caribbean. Most recently, the muscle man I have now dubbed “The Jamaican Sensation” repped Muscleology at the 2008 Ironman in LA. Paul is pushing weight in Florida and has his guns and eyes pointed at the New York Pro Show in May. He will also hit the guest-posing circuit at several events this year including the NPC Southern States.
The “So What?”: The physiology and biography of Muscleology’s new mouthpiece is a BIG deal. The 6’1”, 280-pounder (325 lbs. off season) is the first Jamaican to win a Pro card in Jamaica. “I want to work with a company that is growing, and Muscleology is the right partner,” says Paul, whose involvement is key in Muscleology’s distribution expansion goals.
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The Headline: LEE BACK IN THE M.O.B. WITH “MD”
By Andrew Oye
The Item: Magazine Contract Re-signing
The Scoop: Just announced: Lee Priest returns to Team MD’s Muscle M.O.B.! "Lee’s signed an exclusive contract with Muscular Development and is currently awaiting word from the IFBB on his possible reinstatement,” says Steve Blechman, Publisher of MD. Sweating out his suspension (for competing in another pro bodybuilding organization, namely the PDI) in Arizona, the tattoo-faced firebrand is pounding iron with his training partner IFBB Pro Rusty Jeffers. Lee has been in talks with IFBB Athlete’s Rep Bob Cicherillo to help negotiate his way “back home” so that he will be eligible to compete at the 2008 MD Atlantic City Pro on September 13th.
The “So What?”: If Lee is allowed on an IFBB stage, he plans to enter the Open class, as well as the Under 202, a relatively new class his physique and street cred could dominate.
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