Written by Peter McGough
16 May 2014

14nyp-bestshow

Get Ready for the Best Show of the Year

Who's Your Top 5 Picks for the New York Pro 2014?

 

 

The 2014 season just continues to get better and better. In March we saw Dennis Wolf howl his way to Arnold Classic victory and emerge as one who will throw down the gauntlet to Phil Heath at September’s Olympia. In April, a then 25 year old, Justin Compton took the Europa Show of Champions by storm in presenting a 244 pound physique (14 pounds heavier than last year) that for many had “future Mr. Olympia” written all over it.

 Then we had the boo fest of the year at the Arnold Brazil Classic, when most pundits choice Lionel Beyeke finished fourth with Steve Kuclo taking top spot.

 And the big plus overall is that 2014 has seen a changing of the guard with the likes of Juan Morel, Jon DeLaRosa Fouad Abiad, Marius Dohne Daniel Toth, William Bonuc and Eddy Wilson adding variety and spice to the mix.

 Which brings us to this Saturday’s (May 17) New York Pro staged by Bev Francis and Steve Weinberger at the Tribeca Theater in lower Manhattan. The line-up was already power packed with fast improving contenders, and assorted physiques battling for pre-eminence guaranteeing this will be the highest quality and most observed show of the year. But to ratchet up the seismic rating along came Big Ramy. But like Dolly Parton’s pec development we’re getting ahead of ourselves. In this line-up we have the complete balance and now heavier physique of Jon DeLaRosa (whose front double biceps with full bellied biceps, hanging triceps and dramatic V-Taper) reminds me of a 21st Century Freddy Ortiz – Google him, sparkie. Then there’s Juan Morel who’s growing like a weed (some bloody weed) with that dominating upper body and lower development that is quickly catching up. Factor in Lionel Beyeke, out for redemption after the Brazil result, and now showing those show-stopping bodyparts to their best advantage now that, under the tutelage of Dennis James, he is finally honing condition. Then we have Big Ramy, the biggest thing to hit bodybuilding since the Gold’s, Venice expansion, who at 290 pounds, if in shape, threatens reconfigure the bodybuilding landscape. If he looks anything like we are led to believe he looks he might have to walk sideways through the Tribeca Theater doors.

 As if that quartet isn’t heavy duty enough consider the following competitors. There’s Fouad Abiad, in his best ever shape; Marius Dohne; who will surely do better than earlier in the year; Batto Abasspour who having flirted with the 212 division will just concentrate on bringing rock hard muscle to the fray; Daniel Toth who will give New York fans what they most desire – beef; Akim Williams who has all the bodyparts -- he just need contest day condition; Michael Kefalianos who will have contest day condition; and Max Charles who may be the wild “could land anywhere” card pick of the bunch.

 Given that array of talent the fight for a top five spot will be more fierce than the time I tried to take Chris Cormier’s X-box away. Tears were shed and purse slapping took place.

 So as we wait for battle to commence give us your pick for the top five at this weekend’s New York Pro. Let’s test the knowledge of our MD family. First prize is a workout with Kenny Jones; second prize is two workouts with Kenny.

 Continue checking in to musculardevelopment.com for pre-contest interviews, previews commentary and play-by-play action starting at 11.00am EST tomorrow Saturday, May 17.

 

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