The Battle of South Beach: The Results

I'm know you've all been waiting with baited breathe for this past weekend's NPC Nationals Bodybuilding Championship results, so here are bodybuilding's new IFBB pros:

Bantemweight: Randy Jackson, Sr.
Lightweight: Henderson Gordon
Welterweight: Abiu Feliz
Middleweight: Garrett Allin
Light Heavyweight: Stan McQuay
Heavyweight: Lionel Brown
Super Heavyweight & Overall: Desmond Miller

As you see, only one of my three "predictions" came to any fruition, with "pretty boy" Stan taking the light heavies. Stan's win was a controversial one however, as again at the Nationals the judges decisions seemed at odds with the will of the crowd. Runner up Charles Dixon was thought by many, but obviously not the judges, to be the clear winner, coming in bigger, harder and more separated. Now in this case both lads have, arguably, paid their dues, but Stan certainly has the more appealing physique, especially when it comes to attracting a broader, more mainstream audience (and is therefore much more lucrative for the supplement company which ultimately sponsors him). Interesting!

Evan Centopani, many a critics pick for the Overall, instead took second to Desmond Miller in the super heavies. At 5'11" and 245 lbs Evan is one big 24 year old with a great future in the sport. Did he deserve to win the Overall? I think not. The guy certainly needs to work on his legs and could add even more mass to his already massive physique. Should he have beaten Miller? Maybe, at least from the pix I saw (though I know real-time viewing can give one a whole different perspective). Next time Evan, next time!

But I ask you to look at the pictures, didn't the 5'5" 170 plus pounds 42 year old middleweight Garrett Allin actually steal the show? The guy was as thick as shit (and you can't beat a good bald head).

Do the heavies and super heavies always have to win the big prize?

And sadly, no word yet on Candied Yam!