Coleman thinks Lunsford has the chops to hold with the perfect of the perfect.
On the 2022 Mr. Olympia, reigning two-time champion Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay might be a heavy favorite to complete a “three-peat” in taking home his third straight title. Nevertheless, with a mark like that sitting on the table, Elssbiay is certain to have an enormous goal on his shredded back from any variety of contenders. In accordance with one legendary bodybuilder, on Dec. 16-18, 2022, Elssbiay should actually be most wary of a newcomer to the Men’s Open division.
On Dec. 12, 2022, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005) appeared in a video on Muscular Development Magazine’s YouTube channel. In offering some pre-contest evaluation of the sphere coming to Las Vegas, NV, Coleman maintained that he thinks former 212 champion (2021) Derek Lunsford is the almost definitely athlete to push Elssbiay for the title. Lunsford will make his first appearance as a Men’s Open competitor after transitioning from the 212 division in late Summer 2022.
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Coleman didn’t mince words in his endorsement of Lunsford. Even while he ultimately believes Elssbiay will still retain his Olympia title, Coleman asserted Lunsford is the one competitor who can potentially match Elssbiay’s total package.
“Derek [Lunsford] is the one one which’s pretty near him [Elssbiay] without delay that’s got every little thing,” Coleman said. “He’s really complete; he’s got loads of thickness and every little thing.”
One other prime contender for the Olympia, Hadi Choopan, was also someone Coleman highlighted. Nevertheless, from his perspective, the all-time great noted that Lunsford’s physique is just more polished by comparison.
“I feel height makes a difference, in addition to conditioning and thickness, and I feel Derek [Lunsford] is near being complete,” Coleman explained. “Hadi Choopan is de facto good in some areas and never so good in another areas. He’s not complete like Derek [Lunsford] is without delay, but anything can change.”
As for the way Coleman viewed the highest five on the 2022 Olympia shaking out, he didn’t make a firm commitment to a prediction. To him, any variety of Lunsford, William Bonac, Brandon Curry, and Choopan may very well be in line for a second-place result to Elssbiay.
“Man, it’s so hard without delay, I do know so many good guys, but I see ‘Big Ramy’ [Elssbiay] first, then second it may very well be [William] Bonac, he’s looking real good,” Coleman said. “Then Brandon Curry all the time looks pretty good, after which these recent guys coming in here Derek [Lunsford], and I don’t think Andrew [Jacked] can place that prime … for the second, it’s going to be between [William] Bonac, Hadi [Choopan], Derek [Lunsford], and Brandon [Curry]. 4 guys can place second, I feel.”
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The 2022 Mr. Olympia could be Elssbiay’s to lose. That said, if an icon like Coleman thinks Lunsford has the tools to topple the Egyptian giant, then a good battle may very well be in store on the Las Vegas stage.
Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram