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Getbig Bodybuilding Boards => History - Stories - and Memories => Topic started by: Figo on May 11, 2007, 12:24:26 PM
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Along with Labrada IMO, the best ever shorter man, if not one of the greatest ever.
One wonders what could have happened had he been allowed to compete and not been "benched" at 75 Universe. Maybe a Sandow? Was robbed in 81 for sure.
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best short man ever is really a coin toss between Labrada, Padilla, Priest and Momo. When Momo was totally on he was just really, really impressive but he came into some shows looking less than stellar so he might get marked down for that. Priest has been around for along time and looks great. Danny is just incredible for the most part and Labrada is totally underrated, he should have won the O in 89 and 90.
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Priest and Momo are/were :( 2 true genetic freaks. Labrada was def robbed in 89 in Italy, and the following year, (think it was in Chicago) Haney was off (drug tests that year), and Labrada albeit not at his best, was really close. Priest has been robbed so any times, its a disgrace.
Padilla made damage I think it was 89 or 90, where he beat a lot of younger guys at Niagara pro during his brief comeback finishing second to then new pro Eddie Robinson, beating Dearth, Beckles, Sonny Schmidt, Thorne, and another short-guy, Brisbois.
Woulda been great to have seen him at Masters O, I think 2001, but Weider/IFBB b.s. reigned supreme again. I think he would have taken it. This guy had real amazing genes, blessed with tremendous shape.
Benaziza was a real sad loss, he was one of the 1st true freaks, although a bit of a gut was already starting to sprout up, I think he had reached his limit size-wise, and conditioning wasnt his forte, which eventually, unfortunately led to his early demise. He did beat Yates at NOC, didnt he?
(http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/gearuzr2dbig.jpg)
And Padilla finished 3rd at that NOC!
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How can we leave out Flavio Baccianini, all 4'11" of him.
Genetic freak though, he only trained 6 months of a year, otherwise he didnt even go near a gym. Now thats taking the term off-season literally...(http://www.musclefx.com/gallery/thumbnail/baccianini,flavio/flavio_baccianini_001s.jpg)
(http://www.fitwell.com/images/favio.gif)
(http://www.terra.es/personal2/fjposada/flavio01.jpg)
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best short man ever is really a coin toss between Labrada, Padilla, Priest and Momo.
No. Padilla by far, virtually perfect balance, excellent size, shape and aesthetics. Priest has an odd torso, muscle shape not quite as aesthetic, and arguably too much size for that height. Momo closer to Padilla's perfection, but not quite the shape or balance.
Padilla ever losing to Columbu's always the perfect evidence & example that some of the shows are fixed.
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Some? ;)
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Not sure if he is under 5'5" but Pavol is awesome
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Lee Priest, the best of the modern era, Lee Labrada best of the nineties, Padilla best of the 80's & Franco best of the seventies.
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Benaziza by a country mile.
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Benaziza by a country mile.
Great but you can see Padilla here owning Yates and Benny.
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Great but you can see Padilla here owning Yates and Benny.
One of the many times Padilla got robbed. Momo 2nd, Yates 3rd there.
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Padilla, Preist, Momo... Are all great...
but man...I keep forgetting about Brisbois. He was pretty good too.
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Padilla, easily. And he was 5' 2".
Benaziza had a HUGE GH gut. Watch the Olympia videos.
Second I'd say was Labrada but only from '89 and earlier. After that, he started to lose his tiny waist and his calves got worse with no real improvements. Go back and watch Labrada from the Grand Prix contests in 88/89 - he was AMAZING!
1986, but looking amazing!
(http://www.musclememory.com/magCovers/im/im4601.jpg)
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Danny, Lee P. , Lee L
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Belknap & Makkawy were also good
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Padilla, easily. And he was 5' 2".
Benaziza had a HUGE GH gut. Watch the Olympia videos.
Second I'd say was Labrada but only from '89 and earlier. After that, he started to lose his tiny waist and his calves got worse with no real improvements. Go back and watch Labrada from the Grand Prix contests in 88/89 - he was AMAZING!
1986, but looking amazing!
(http://www.musclememory.com/magCovers/im/im4601.jpg)
Basically the 'stached' version was better. When he shaved it, it was all downhill...
But seriously, in his day, Labrada should have taken 1 Sandow home.
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Forgot Brisbois... :-[
(http://www.musclepage.com/data/media/86/brisbo01.jpg)
A really fair comparison with Ralf moeller...
(http://www.professionalmuscle.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5400&stc=1&d=1124065492)
(http://www.musclememory.com/magCovers/im/im5106.jpg)
(http://www.musclememory.com/magCovers/mmi/mmi072.jpg)
Had a good career, lots of top 6's, but, at 5'2" was never gonna be Mr O.
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No. Padilla by far, virtually perfect balance, excellent size, shape and aesthetics. Priest has an odd torso, muscle shape not quite as aesthetic, and arguably too much size for that height. Momo closer to Padilla's perfection, but not quite the shape or balance.
Padilla ever losing to Columbu's always the perfect evidence & example that some of the shows are fixed.
I agree 100%, Danny Padilla had the whole package-shape, size and the best conditioning of his day.
Lee Priest has more size, but no where near the shape Padilla had.
The pics posted here of Padilla, the gym vacuum shot, the 81 O shot, they are really unmatched.
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So no mention of John the Tank Sherman, who pushed Flex in the 1992 USA's for the pro card, it was almost a toss up. He was like a short Brian Buchanan...won the Niagara Falls Classic, and was said that his quads could go toe to toe with none other than Mike Francois
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I think its because he's 5'5", but really held his own against anybody, massive guy.
Always placed on the top tier in early 90's, turned pro 92, I think? But didn't get his dues.
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(http://www.mostmuscular.com/2002swusapro/men/sherman1728.JPG)
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Speaking of Sherman, reminded me of this guy
(http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/data/2/medium/40012index_php.jpg)
(http://www.darkwoods.com/bodybuilder/male/bb/gallery/fullsize/pastel02.jpg)
(http://www.darkwoods.com/bodybuilder/male/bb/gallery/fullsize/pastel03.jpg)
When you talk arms and abs, you gotta mention Pastel.
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Speaking of Sherman, reminded me of this guy
(http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/data/2/medium/40012index_php.jpg)
(http://www.darkwoods.com/bodybuilder/male/bb/gallery/fullsize/pastel02.jpg)
(http://www.darkwoods.com/bodybuilder/male/bb/gallery/fullsize/pastel03.jpg)
When you talk arms and abs, you gotta mention Pastel.
Yep, I was looking at a old 1992 Flex magazine last night and they had a calf training artilce of his, and I meant to mention him along with J. Sherman.....with Thierry being 5'2.
How tall was Brisbois?
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I think Brisbois was 5'2", he is definitely shorter than Padilla, I remember watching the Niagara pro show that Eddie Robinson won, and side-by-side, Padilla was taller. Actually, Robinson wasn't much taller neither... with real 20" arms!
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AAU,NABBA VICTOR TERRA 5'5 200/210 AWESOME,AND ALL THE GUYS ABOVE ARE GREAT TOO....
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AAU,NABBA VICTOR TERRA 5'5 200/210 AWESOME,AND ALL THE GUYS ABOVE ARE GREAT TOO....
Big man, relatively unknown, due to NABBA not being featured much in media.
Very young here, he could've done damage in IFBB:
(http://tm-mwgl.com/fullsize/t_terv01.jpg)
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Platz, Padilla, Labrada, Gaspari and Dickerson.
Honorable mention to Franco for arguably the best chest and back on any short man ever.
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Whats Platz's height? 5'7" ?
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Whats Platz's height? 5'7" ?
5'7" - 5'8".
Borderline short man, you could say.
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5'7" - 5'8".
Borderline short man, you could say.
NOT SHORT AS PADILLA,LEG SIZE GAVE ILLUSION OF BEING SHORTER.
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5'7" - 5'8".
Borderline short man, you could say.
Then Shawn Ray is also short. And Bannout, Gaspari, etc. Short is 5'4"/5'5", IMO.
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Then Shawn Ray is also short. And Bannout, Gaspari, etc. Short is 5'4"/5'5", IMO.
Sean Rey is 5'5 MAX, in case you have never seen him in person. He is a midget.
Whats Platz's height? 5'7" ?
Platz is 5'7 max.
Platz, Padilla, Labrada, Gaspari and Dickerson.
Honorable mention to Franco for arguably the best chest and back on any short man ever.
Gaspari does not qualify as short at 5'8, maybe a bit taller even.
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Then Shawn Ray is also short. And Bannout, Gaspari, etc. Short is 5'4"/5'5", IMO.
Fair enough. Someone like a Platz or Gaspari just looked shorter than most BBers to me, which is why I included them.
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Ray appears to be same height as Gaspari, or slightly shorter. Definitely taller than Labrada by couple of inches, he appears 5'7" ish.
Anyway, I wouldnt put Ray, Gaspari nor Platz in the "short" category.
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I thought Shawn was 5,5 also. I'd have to go with Labrada. Then Padilla. Brisbois and Pastel often get overlooked. i think also Benfatto is pretty short and he was amazing at one point.
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Ray appears to be same height as Gaspari, or slightly shorter. Definitely taller than Labrada by couple of inches, he appears 5'7" ish.
Anyway, I wouldnt put Ray, Gaspari nor Platz in the "short" category.
I have trained with Gaspari (OK, I spotted Rich...LOL), and seen have SR numerous times in person.
Gaspari is at least 2-3 inches taller than SR. Im 5'7, I am taller than SR, and Gaspari is taller than me.
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dickerson never gets his fair vote. i think that their isnt alot of good pics of him if you have seen some contest photos with him platz and zane he was only 180 but he carried alot of muscle in excellant condition. columbu in 75 and 76 was really awsome. labrada was the best moderan day short man he was one of a few who were able to actually win shows. he understand for him to win he had to be in perfect condition.
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Freddie o in the 1960s, Danny padilla in the late 1970s-early 1980s, Rich gaspari in the mid 1980s, and although he never did quiet get a Mr O title its hard to go past Shawn ray in the 1990s, todays top short bloke has to be Dexer Jackson with a few A/C titles and several o top 6 finals placings.
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Franco period
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Freddie o in the 1960s
Yes!
(http://www.ironage.us/articles/images/bicep_peak/ortiz.jpg)
(http://www.musclememory.com/images/vintage/OrtizFreddy.jpg)
(http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/images/2008/legendary_freddy_ortiz_e.jpg)
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I see where no one has said anything about the 1st and 2nd Mr. Olympia Larry Scott wasn't he only about 5'5", I see where they say he is 5'7" -5'8"...but he looks alot shorter than Harold Poole who was 5'10" back in 65 & 66.
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I see where no one has said anything about the 1st and 2nd Mr. Olympia Larry Scott wasn't he only about 5'5", I see where they say he is 5'7" -5'8"...but he looks alot shorter than Harold Poole who was 5'10" back in 65 & 66.
Larry Scott is 5'7, but I do not consider him one of the great short guys. Great arms and shoulders, but the rest is lacking.
Same with Freddy Ortiz, his legs were just too small, even for his era to be one of the greatest-if going on upper body alone Freddy is the man though.
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Well JohnnyV if winning two Olympias isn't good enough LOL then how about Tim Belknap 5'4" and quite massive for his time and size. Or how about the late Ron Tuefel? Both these guys were quite impressive.
Pete by the way I agree Larry as to be considered.
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Well JohnnyV if winning two Olympias isn't good enough LOL then how about Tim Belknap 5'4" and quite massive for his time and size. Or how about the late Ron Tuefel? Both these guys were quite impressive.
Pete by the way I agree Larry as to be considered.
Larry Scott won the first 2 O's, which only had 2 other competitors, so that does not qualify him in my book.
Tim Belknap was large, especially for his 5'4 height, but his blocky look takes him out of the running very easily.
Ron Tuefel, great BBer, but not one of the best in my book.
Freddy comes in before both Ron and Tim.
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I will agree that Freddy was a little monster.
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Yes!
(http://www.musclememory.com/images/vintage/OrtizFreddy.jpg)
He sure did have some crazy coracobrachialis development.
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He sure did have some crazy coracobrachialis development.
Very complete arms, similar to Boyer Coe, without the extreme split peaks.
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Franco period
No, good but also over-rated and protected by Weider. Clearly undeserving of the 81 Olympia, and not the best-built guy in 76 either when alot of the top guys didn't enter the highly political Olympia. 81 is probably THE textbook example of Weider politics actually.
Ortiz had great arms, some of the best of the era along with Scott and Wayne.
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My vote goes to Padilla but not just for the best little guy but for one of the greatest of all time.
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Franco bye way of Fact 2 time MR O (politics or not)...several others bye way of opinon, politics, excuses etc...
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dencity plus........ :o
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The dencity in Francos back in 1981 was outstanding and his chest was always a real strong point, the legs were missing in 1981, but his over-all muscaluarity/cuts etc was spot on.
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His abs were very sharp in 1981... :P
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(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=147826.0;attach=283183;image)
1975 Mr. Olympia.
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Baccianini.
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(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=147826.0;attach=283183;image)
1975 Mr. Olympia.
yip thats why i put 1970s under that picture.
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yip thats why i put 1970s under that picture.
Oops, didn't see that.
Great pics posted so far, johnny1.
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Shawn Ray. Closed case
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Shawn Ray. Closed case
Yeah shawn was Outstanding hard to beleave he never got one... just 1 Mr O title...unlucky to start in the late 80s (the O in 88) was there to see a prime Lee Haney though-out the years :(...then had to see Dorian hit his peak though the 90s :P.........then the poor Bastard run into Ronnie Coleman .... ??? ??? ???...ive gone with Franco for his 2 O titles and the new standard he brought in the 1970s in terms of Dencity/hardness etc.
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Shawn Ray. Closed case
Not short enough. Labrada and shorter is short, Ray is about an inch taller than Lee. Otherwise next thing, we'll be calling Gaspari short as well, cause he's just a little taller than Shawn. And Eddie Robinson, Platz, etc.
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Nice symmetrical physiques! 8)
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How can we leave out Flavio Baccianini, all 4'11" of him.
Genetic freak though, he only trained 6 months of a year, otherwise he didnt even go near a gym. Now thats taking the term off-season literally...(http://www.musclefx.com/gallery/thumbnail/baccianini,flavio/flavio_baccianini_001s.jpg)
(http://www.fitwell.com/images/favio.gif)
(http://www.terra.es/personal2/fjposada/flavio01.jpg)
Figo,
I agree with you regarding Flavio........ man was he awesome! He was just like Arnold and Franco in that he grew into a show...... stay lean and when you begin your prep for a show...... you actually gain weight and size instead of bulking nd then coming down in weight for competition. Flavio always looked superb on stage.
Plus his joints and tendons probably appreciated the 6 month lay off.
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Columbu had unusually good density and dryness but was NEVER the world's best-built man, including the years of Olympia wins in shows where many of the world's top BBs weren't there. Obviously he benefitted mightily from the Schwarzenegger/Weider connection-he only came to America because of Schwarzenegger. His "win" in 81 is still the textbook example of Olympia politics.
Not the best short man either, could never beat Padilla for example if looked at objectively. Exactly and understandibly why Padilla retired after this nonsense.
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and at 62 john citrone still one of the best shorts 5 ft 3
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Wow! Citrone is looking unbeatable there.....
Lee Labrada, Shawn Ray, Mike Ashley, Danny Padilla, Momo Benaziza..... just to name a few.
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Francis Benfatto...... Porter Cottrell..... John Sherman
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now adays brian chamberlain is ridiculous, he looks like mr 5 by 5. 5 foot tall and 5 ft around.
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danny padilla in top shape . and franco well .... maybe second.
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Along with Labrada IMO, the best ever shorter man, if not one of the greatest ever.
One wonders what could have happened had he been allowed to compete and not been "benched" at 75 Universe. Maybe a Sandow? Was robbed in 81 for sure.
Padilla was the best short man ever. Take his head off and he looks like a mini Arnold. ;)
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Along with Labrada IMO, the best ever shorter man, if not one of the greatest ever.
One wonders what could have happened had he been allowed to compete and not been "benched" at 75 Universe. Maybe a Sandow? Was robbed in 81 for sure.
danny was fantastic i think hes the best short man ever and most screwed by the ifbb , labadra was awesome but danny just looked more thick and complete
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Not sure if he is under 5'5" but Pavol is awesome
Pavol is awesome!!!!! probably 5'7-5'8 and about 225-230.
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I just thinking about this last night....... what about Thierry Pastel!!!!! He was truly outstanding!!!!
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A young Danny from the 1970s.
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A young Danny from the 1970s.
Danny was a monster the best without adoubt IMO.
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Padilla gets my vote
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Padilla gets my vote
Well:
There is Flavio Bacchini
Pierre Vandenstein
Mohammad Makkaway
Renato Bertagna
John Citrone
Dean Tornabeane
Chuck Collras
Steve Brisbois
Maybe only Makkaway on his best day could stand up to Padilla, who rose above all
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Well:
There is Flavio Bacchini
Pierre Vandenstein
Mohammad Makkaway
Renato Bertagna
John Citrone
Dean Tornabeane
Chuck Collras
Steve Brisbois
Maybe only Makkaway on his best day could stand up to Padilla, who rose above all
I would put Makkaway right behind Danny.
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Padilla still gets my vote.
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I would put Makkaway right behind Danny.
agreed
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(http://www.musclememory.com/magCovers/mmi/mmi072.jpg)
(http://www.musclememory.com/magCovers/im/im5106.jpg)
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i mentioned earlier in this thread a while back,vic terra a beast ,shape,condition,size,great bber
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padilla looks mind blowing!
how about the great phil williams......only 5'7 but he possessed an incredible physique and went on to win the 88 chicago pro show!!!
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agreed
X3
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padilla looks mind blowing!
how about the great phil williams......only 5'7 but he possessed an incredible physique and went on to win the 88 chicago pro show!!!
he'd be more of a medium
not short, I think
but he was great...I was at that show
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What about Mohammad Makkaway?
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http://pictureposter.allbrand.nu/pictures/tjwes/mak%20bw.jpghttp://
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What about Mohammad Makkaway?
Makkaway was definitly up there but my pick has to go to the original Giant Killer at his best he was pure perfection.
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I'm old school and at 48 I'd love to vote for the older guys but...........the pure mass that Lee Priest carries is incredible. I'm even originally from Rochester (Danny Padilla's home town) but still, Lee in his prime was mind blowing.
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i mentioned earlier in this thread a while back,vic terra a beast ,shape,condition,size,great bber
(http://www.gmv.com.au/images/catalog/Victor%20Terra%202.jpg)
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Terra
(http://www.gmv.com.au/images/09%20bodybuilding%20pix/Victor-Terra.jpg)
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Terra
(http://www.gmv.com.au/images/09%20bodybuilding%20pix/Victor-Terra.jpg)
thanx figo there u go one of the best,,,
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No mention of John Sherman? ???
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No mention of John Sherman? ???
The "Tank"!
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Padilla and Makkaway.
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best short man ever is really a coin toss between Labrada, Padilla, Priest and Momo. When Momo was totally on he was just really, really impressive but he came into some shows looking less than stellar so he might get marked down for that. Priest has been around for along time and looks great. Danny is just incredible for the most part and Labrada is totally underrated, he should have won the O in 89 and 90.
That first pic of Padilla is brutal.
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thanx figo there u go one of the best,,,
I just read a post somewhere about Vic Terra and how he could have won it all. Talk about a guy that never got any publicity. Perfect build and good looking. The guy should have been on the cover of everything.