The IFBB Men’s 202 lb Division

Is this here to stay?


The new Men’s Pro Division in only its second year of existence seems to have found a home for itself among the Giant’s of the Bodybuilding industry. Names like; Cutler, Greene, Heath, Jackson, Branch, Freeman and Wolfe seem to have been common place when discussing the Best Built Men in the World. However, now more than ever, we are not only watching but hearing the buzz around the industry by the fans discussing the likes of; Henry, English, Lewis, Mc Quay, R. Jackson, Correa, Dugdale and more recently Powell, Gee, Dixon and Hodgson all of whom are tipping the scales at under 202lbs. It begs a few questions: Is there really room for Two Weight Divisions to Co-exist without a proper “Posedown” to determine an Overall Winner? Will this division ever get a suitable “Name” for its division other than the 202lbs & Under Class? Why are the 202lbs & Under competing for so much less prize money when the Open Men’s Prize Money is rising in Professional Bodybuilding? Do they get paid less because they weigh less and are smaller?

With so many good Pro Bodybuilders competing at under 202lbs, will we see the Prize Money at the Olympia Showdown exceed $10,000.00 for 1st Place at the Biggest Event in Bodybuilding for these great athletes while the Open Men compete for a 1st Place Prize of $200,000, an increase of $45,000 from last year alone? Is it me or is there some serious disparity here in that some of these 202lb guys train as hard if not harder than some of the Open Men with less reward in the near future?

Now we can clearly see that while the sport is evolving and growing to be more inclusive of all our athletes, we can also see there is a long way to go for equality among the Pro Men in terms of recognition and Prize Money. It is this disparity that may be the “undoing” of what clearly seems to be a saving grace for many of our sports “Crown Jewels” weighing in at 202lbs who now have an avenue of prolonging their careers and developing their physiques for our viewing pleasure.

The 2008 Olympia Showdown Champion, David Henry defeated all comers to earn the respect of his peers as the Supreme 202lbs Bodybuilder. This year in 2009, his Metal will be tested against more formidable foe with the likes of several Champions in their own right whom all have qualified for this year’s event by way of “VICTORY” at other shows throughout the year. Most notably is the ensuing rematch of sorts with New York’s own, Kevin English the two time reigning and defending champion of the New York Pro where he not only defeated David Henry but held off a much improved, Mark Dugdale who smartly, dropped down into this weight division and was richly rewarded with a 1st place runner-up slot to English. Now throw in the Pittsburgh Pro Champ, Eduardo Correa, Jacksonville Pro Champ, Stan Mc Quay, Europa Pro Champion, Ricky Jackson and a few Brits who served notice of what proper conditioning looks like in the form of Lee Powell and John Hodgson, suddenly you can see we have a serious “Battle Royale” taking shape! Mix in James “Flex” Lewis and some beef in the form of Charles Dixon with the Rookie Pro and USA Middleweight Champion, Daryl Gee and the show just gets better by the minute!

Overall one of the most anticipated events of 2009 will be the “Olympia Showdown” taking place at Saturday Mornings EXPO with the top 5 Finalists being Showcased at the Finals of the Open Pro Men at the Orleans Arena Saturday night September 26th.

I for one will not want to miss the class of these “Giant Killers” but like many at the Mr. Olympia Finals will be left to wonder what the winner of this division would look like standing next to the winner of the Open Division reminiscent of Arnold & Franco back in 1975. While the bigger guy would typically get the nod in situations like this, a comparison of sorts is warranted to draw conclusively who reigns supreme in our sport, for without one there is room for speculation and division of opinions. At the end of the day, bodybuilding purists like myself will be front and center to see this Clash of Titans the 2009 version hoping that we can realize a “Mini” Pose down with the two Champs from both divisions!

S Ray