Sheru Preview: Phil vs Kai Part 2
Coverage presented by GASP clothing
Phil vs Kai Part 2
October 3rd, 2012
It's been a full year since the inaugural Sheru Classic, and what a year it has been! Phil Heath, fresh off an upset victory over 4X Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler, bested Jay again in India, thus cementing his domination of the bodybuilding world. Jay took second, as he had in Vegas, while the Predator, Kai Greene, picked up the third place slot comfortably.
Fast forward to 2012, where Phil Heath is now the 2X and reigning Mr. Olympia, as well as the defending Sheru Classic Champion. The Gift, Phil Heath, returns to India to defend his title. This time, it would seem he only has one challenger that poses a real threat – Kai Greene. Last year, Phil's condition didn't seem to suffer a bit after the near twenty hour flight to India. The same could not be said for Mr. Cutler, who narrowly beat Kai for the first runner-up slot! Can Heath do it again?
This time around there seems to be a sentiment that if Phil slips, Kai wins. Only once in modern bodybuilding has the reigning Mr. Olympia been defeated in a post Olympia tour. Ronnie Coleman was defeated by Gunther Schlierkamp at the GNC Show of Strength at New Orleans in 2002. It’s been ten years, but it has been done.
While victories such as this are rare, it does open the door for questions. Is Phil ripe for defeat in a foreign land? Yes, but this reporter finds it highly doubtful. Each and every contest Phil enters holds personal significance to him, but then again, Kai’s will to win is second to none! No doubt this will be an interesting rematch. Should Kai win, this will go down as a battle of the ages.
Of course, this is not just a two man show. Several others are vying for points in India. Toney Freeman proved at the Olympia that he is still a force to be reckoned with via a top ten placing. At 45 years old, Toney is doing what the ageless Albert Beckles did before him. He simply continues to beat the younger pro competitors in head-to-head competition. Standing 6’ and weighing in close to 280 pounds, Toney will do what he does best, and that is improve the more he competes! Will the hands of time catch up to him in India? Time will tell. He has been known to hold water when competing overseas. This contest may prove no different, which could hurt his chances for a top three finish, should he slip up.
Former NPC National Champion, Ed Nunn is the mix as well. Initially planning on competing at the Arizona Pro this year, Ed found himself thrust into the Europa SuperShow upon finding out the Arizona show was cancelled. Ed was able to take fifth place at less than optimal condition. He has since been hard at work preparing for this show, knowing that Toney Freeman would be here. Taking him out would be a huge feather in his cap, not to mention a certain top three finish!
Roelly Winklaar, who notched a his second pro win in at the Nordic Pro September, 8th in Finland, will be competing in his fifth contest of the year. From where I sit, that spells disaster with regard to being 100% prepared and competitive. At the Mr. Olympia mere days ago, he appeared flat, tired, and in need of rest. That said, he may still be capable of finishing in the top five, which speaks volumes to what he is capable of even when he is off!
Another NPC National Overall Champion, Todd Jewell, is literally coming off his death bed to compete in India. Still in his rookie season, this will be Todd’s second time to compete outside of the states, and his fourth pro show. Just a few short weeks ago, Todd fell asleep at the wheel, rolling his small car several times going 76mph and smashing into a wall. He was able to walk away from the mangled car with only cuts, bruises, and a sore shoulder. Todd is a massive 280 pounds, and from what he said on MD Radio, dry and hard. Should he be able to make the trip without retaining water, he could be a surprise to his colleagues.
Mike Kefalianos got to the Mr. Olympia by way of a win at the Mr. Europe Pro, only to disappear on the Olympia stage. He will have to regain his ripped, thin, onion-skinned appearance if he is to do battle in India. These guys are all bigger and shapelier than he is. Throw in a few others like Big Ben White, who has been quiet since the Arnold waiting for this, and Russia's 6’, 270 pound Serge Shelestov, and we have a fight in the making!
Good luck to all the guys competing and safe travels! Tune into MD Radio #175 on Monday for a full recap of all the action in India!