Week 136 :: Who Do You Think Will Win The 2007 IFBB Montreal Pro Classic?

[the_fake_webmaster]

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* Note: How can I win? 1. Answer all questions in the order that they are asked. 2. Go over reviews (located at the bottom of past TOTW articles) and see what was said about those that did not win. Good Luck!
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TOPIC: Who Do You Think Will Win The 2007 IFBB Montreal Pro Classic?

For the week of: August 22nd - August 28th
Tuesday @ Midnight Is The Final Cut (Mountain Time, US & Canada).

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In a couple of weeks the pros will line up once again with the hopes of getting the last few spots for the Mr. Olympia contest. With a very competitive line up and with Johnny Jackson returning, the winner is once again not clear cut. Isn't that what makes this more interesting?

Who do you think will win the 2007 IFBB Montreal Pro Classic?

What do you think the top 10 will look like? Why do you put them in this order?

Who do you believe will make the biggest improvement? Who do you think is the most under-rated competitor that could surprise people this year?

Competitor List:

* Tentative Competitor List And Is Subject To Change At Any Time. (Confirmed athletes, in no particular order)

1. Chris Cormier
2. Johnnie Jackson
3. Darrem Charles
4. Quincy Taylor
5. Henderson Thorne
6. King Kamali
7. Mike Asiedu
8. Troy Alves
9. Frederic Sauvage
10. Simon Voyer
11. Fedel Clarke
12. Matt Duvall
13. Fouad Abiad
14. Reza Amin Torabi
15. Wong Hong
16. Joel Stubbs
17. Christian Lobarede
18. Troy Brown
19. Manfred Petautschnig
20. Tua Dexter
21. Arnaud Plaisant
22. Aiman Faour
23. Ian Morgan
24. Patrick Skailes
25. Danielle Seccarecci
26. Thomas Stellander
27. Greg Rando
28. Steve Namat
29. Jocelyn Pelletier

Bonus Question: Have you ever attended the Montreal Pro Classic? 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?

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Thanks.

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[Rigit23]

I don't know who "Wong Hong" is. But with a name with that, I hope he wins.

[The Crush]

I don't know who "Wong Hong" is. But with a name with that, I hope he wins.

Wong Hong: http://contest.bodybuilding.com/contestantbio.php?id=429

[TR90]

good luck all

[aznrapsta]

1 Darrem Charles – This man is essentially the definition of consistency. He always brings a top package, and has placed higher than any of the other competitors lately. Johnnie Jackson may have the advantage being the returning champ, but has added the right amount of mass in all the right places since last years show, so as long as he brings the superior condition he is known for, he will most likely have enough to overthrow Jackson.

2 Johnnie Jackson - If Darrem Charles misses his peak ever so slightly, and Johnnie brings the same or better package he brought last year, he will retain his crown. Johnnie is known for packing a lot of dense muscle on a small frame, but has only won one show in his career, so he is still learning how to dial in his physique at the right time. Proportionally, he is huge for how much muscle he has given his height, but standing next to the other actual big guys in the lineup, he could easily drop a few places if his conditioning is way off.

3 Chris Cormier - It is hard to place Chris as he has been out of the game since the 2005 Olympia, but he is still a threat to the top contenders. In fact, if he comes in looking like he did at the San Francisco pro of 2005, the show is his. However, most pros who try to make a comeback (especially the ones lately; no names will be mentioned), usually fall short and have people saying “he should have quit while he was ahead.” Chris may not fall into this category as he has had much greater success in the past than anyone else in the lineup, but he is getting older, and he is most likely nearing retirement.

4 Troy Alves - Troy hasn’t done much lately, but looking at his guest posing pics from the 1st Annual Flex Wheeler Classic, he looks like he was in good shape for the coming contest. An expert once commented on how Troy often stresses out around the time of a contest, and in turn, ironically holds water because of the stress of not losing water fast enough. With his great balance and symmetry, if he can come in stress free (i.e. holding little water) he could place as high as third against this tough lineup.

5 Quincy Taylor - “The biggest man on the stage” as he always claims, may not be the biggest on this night with Joel Stubbs in the lineup. Luckily for QT, he’s got a much better balance than Joel, and usually much better conditioning. It is worrisome that he may not even place 5th since he thought it was a for sure win at Europa, but that definitely wasn’t close. Hopefully, he swallows his pride and doesn’t think that it was the judges fault (like he often does), and gets his act together. If he’s humble, he will place as high as 2nd, if hes stubborn, he could be as low as 8th.

6 King Kamali - King is definitely not blessed with the best physique, but he works with what hes got. In the past he has been like Quincy Taylor in that he thinks the world is against him, but thankfully, in recent he has taken responsibility for his poor placings, and it has brought him up through the ranks. His placing depends on his condition more than most since he doesn’t have much symmetry working in his favor, and he isn’t the biggest guy in the line up.

7 Joel Stubbs - The biggest back in the world needs to definitely bring his legs up. It wouldn’t be surprising if he hasn’t done it in the past year since he had such a long way to go since the last time he competed, so unless a miracle occurred, it’s safe to say he will break top 10, but not top 5.

8 Matt Duvall - I consider Matt to be similar to Will Harris: They both won the show that turned them pro, but ever since entering the pro ranks, they haven’t done much, even though they are definitely equipped with the right tools. But at Europa, Big Will made his breakthrough, and I believe it is Matt’s turn soon. He is a dark horse who could easily upset the top 5 balance, but if he continues as he has done in the past, we won’t be seeing him in the final posedown.

9 Mike Asiedu - Placing 6th last year at the same show was pretty impressive, but the line up seems much better this year than last. He could be the next Silvio Samuel or Eddie Abbew – a no name competitor who turned pro in another country and one day shows up with a package the judges cannot deny. If anyone in the lineup can cause a big surprise, Mike Asiedu is the one to do it.

10 Henderson Thorne - Another competitor from last year. Out of all the other competitors listed at this time of writing this, he placed the highest. I generously placed him 10th, but realistically, I don’t think he can achieve this high a ranking.

2nd question:
As I mentioned before, I believe Mike Asiedu could be the guy who has made the most improvements since last year in order to move up the ranks and is probably the most underrated guy in the line up (relative to what he deserves).

Bonus Question: I have been to Montreal, but I have never been there when the contest was held. In fact, according to records, it seems like the Montreal Pro is just a replacement for the Toronto Pro which was held until 2005, and then stopped. The solution: the Montreal Pro to help out all the Canadian Pros who wanted to compete.

[metal4me]

Good luck guys!

[NoNameNecessary]

The 2007 Montreal Pro

Johnnie Jackson won the 2006 IFBB Montreal Pro and returns this year to defend his crown. After facing a difficult field last year that included greats such as Darrem Charles, Paul Dillet, King Kamali, and Dennis Wolfe, JOJ will again have to fight through a difficult field to repeat as champion. Chris Cormier returns from his long hiatus from professional bodybuilding after being hospitalized. It will be great to see Chris back on stage but what do or what should we expect to see from him? There is a lot at stake at this competition, as the top three qualify for the Olympia.

Competitor List:

* Tentative Competitor List And Is Subject To Change At Any Time. (Confirmed athletes, in no particular order)

1. Chris Cormier
2. Johnnie Jackson
3. Darrem Charles
4. Quincy Taylor
5. Henderson Thorne
6. King Kamali
7. Mike Asiedu
8. Troy Alves
9. Frederic Sauvage
10. Simon Voyer
11. Fedel Clarke
12. Matt Duvall
13. Fouad Abiad
14. Reza Amin Torabi
15. Wong Hong
16. Joel Stubbs
17. Christian Lobarede
18. Troy Brown
19. Manfred Petautschnig
20. Tua Dexter
21. Arnaud Plaisant
22. Aiman Faour
23. Ian Morgan
24. Patrick Skailes
25. Danielle Seccarecci
26. Thomas Stellander
27. Greg Rando
28. Steve Namat
29. Jocelyn Pelletier

Who do you think will win the 2007 IFBB Montreal Pro Classic?

Chris Cormier.

Chris is arguably one of the best bodybuilders of our time, winning twelve (12) competitions, having over fifty-three (53) top-six posedowns, and competing in an amazing seventy (70) shows. Though he hasn't been on stage in a few years, Chris is the most experienced competitor of the bunch and would not come back unless he knew he could win. In a recent interview, Chris stated "Well, it is burning inside of my heart to do what I do..."

What do you think the top 10 will look like? Why do you put them in this order?

1. Chris Cormier - Chris was hospitalized a few years back and hasn't competed in a competition in a few years. However, when he was competing, he continued to improve every time and was one of the most dominant professionals of our time, winning 12 of 70 shows. He has one of the best physique's ever and brings aesthetics and mass to the stage. If he Chris has the package we are used to seeing, he will not lose.

2. Darrem Charles - Darrem missed his mark at this same competition last year and lost to JOJ. The only thing hurting Darrem recently has been his conditioning and though he qualified for the Olympia early last year, he missed his mark in some of the later competitions. He placed well at the Olympia and is looking to do the same this year. He is one of the true mass monsters of bodybuilding and should no doubt place well here. He always shows great balance and muscularity and is one of the better posers. He should do well and could win this show if Chris doesn't have it.

3. Quincy Taylor - Quincy Taylor finished foruth at the Europa, which continued his professional struggles. He came in looking smooth and flat. However, the extra time should allow him to bring strong conditioning and an amazing amount of mass to the stage. Standing at 6'4'', Quincy will be towering over the field. I look for him to earn his Olympia qualifications up North.

4. Johnnie Jackson - Johnnie Jackson was able to beat out Darrem Charles last year, as Darrem came in slightly off. Johnnie is full of dense muscle and has done well in his recent professional competitions, seeming to improve every time he steps on stage. He has greatly improved his arms and has shown deeper separations in his biceps and triceps. I doubt Darrem will miss his mark again and as a result, Johnnie will finish either third or fourth. If Quincy improves, I look for JOJ to finish third.

5. Troy Alves - Troy has added some serious mass in the recent years while maintaining the streamlined phsyique that he became famous for. He added tons of mass in his arms and has an aesthetically pleasing phsyique. However, he often flattens during many of his competitions and drops a few spots. If Troy brings tons of mass and conditioning to the stage, he could leap frog a few competitors and place in the top 3.

6. Fouad Abiad- In an interview, Clayton South stated ""Fouad Abiad is a star in the making. I know unique talent when I see it. Fouad has a lot of promise, an amazing mental perspective, and his destiny is one of unlimited possibility." He weighs in at an impressive (and chiseled) 250-pounds. He has an impressive X-frame that is reminiscent of Toney Freeman. Also, the fact that he is from Ontario shouldn't hurt - look for the hometown fans to be supporting Fouad. If he nails his conditioning, he could place very well.

7. King Kamali - King Kamali has found it difficult to overcome his genetic shortcomings throughout his career - he has found himself overconfident and disappointed in his finishes many times throughout his career. At this same competition last year, he finished fourth after a disappointing eleventh place finish at the Europa where he came in looking bloated. The King is a great poser and despite wide hips and a blocky appearance, has placed well in many competitions. If he nails his conditioning, which he is notorious for NOT doing, he could place higher and do some damage within the top five.

8. Joel Stubbs - Joel Stubbs back has achieved legendary status - it is one of the best in bodybuilding. His upper body is quite impressive - wide shoulders, huge arms and chest - though his lower body certainly lags far behind. His genetics are holding him back, as his quads are attached high on his legs making them appear smaller than they are. His upper body is impressive, Olympia worthy, but his poor lower body creates an unappealing imbalanced. He has placed poorly in recent competitions - I look for him to place low against strong competition.

9. Mike Asiedu - Mike Asiedu surprised everyone last year with his sixth place finish. He is the hometown favorite and the crowd will be pushing for him to place well again. His physique is reminiscent of another competitor who has performed well recently, Silvio Samuel. His body isn't on par with Silvio's now but in a few years, Mike could easily improve and place just as well. I look for Mike to drop a few spots, possibly out of the top ten, from his placement last year.

10. Matt Duvall - Matt Duvall is a towering figure - he stands at 5'11'' and weighs in at around 260-pounds. Matt Duvall hasn't placed well in his most recent competitions (13th, 19th) and I would expect his inexperience to hurt him. He could place well if he nails his conditioning but other competitors, such as Wong Hong, Christian Lobarede, and Aiman Fauor, could easily surpass him.

EDIT:

Who do you believe will make the biggest improvement?

Quincy Taylor.

Quincy had a disappointing showing at the Europa. He came out looking flat and disappointed many, including myself, that said he was a threat to win the show. With additional time to dial it in, he should come in looking sharper.

Who do you think is the most under-rated competitor that could surprise people this year?

Mike Asiedu.

Mike surprised many people with his sixth place finish last year and should again surprised people when he finishes in, or near, the top ten. He has a phsyique that brings Silvio Samuel to mind and should continue to improve as he gains more experience in professional shows.