Getbig.com: American Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure

Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: affeman on April 23, 2021, 12:10:40 PM

Title: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: affeman on April 23, 2021, 12:10:40 PM
Highest placing at the Olympia was 15th, while he was probably better than a Levrone physique wise...lol

Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 23, 2021, 12:20:45 PM
Looked phenomenal for a short while. Then caught a case of Palumboism. Abnormal genes for building muscle for sure and his facial features were like a black man/gorilla. I mean even his face was similar to Palumbo in a way, ape-like.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Grape Ape on April 23, 2021, 12:38:37 PM
Link us to the pro ratings list so we can adequately judge.

In the absence of data, and from a purely subjective criteria at the contests I saw, I'd say Pavol Jablonsky.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Bevo on April 23, 2021, 12:41:01 PM
Aaron baker
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Hypertrophy on April 23, 2021, 12:56:39 PM
Highest placing at the Olympia was 15th, while he was probably better than a Levrone physique wise...lol




Yes - definitely underrated. As well as a bodybuilder who should've been a pro, Jeff King.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: LurkerNoMore on April 23, 2021, 01:00:25 PM
JJ Marsh should have done better (during his era)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: wes on April 23, 2021, 03:36:53 PM
Phil Hill would crush him.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: IroNat on April 23, 2021, 04:18:40 PM
Just a little too smooth.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Flexacon on April 23, 2021, 04:24:35 PM
Just a little too smooth.

That's harsh. His glutes were peeled.

Maybe a little too smooth when compared to the best in his era, but he'd be a very decent pro if he competed now.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: balzac on April 24, 2021, 03:07:01 AM
is he still in prison ?
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: affeman on April 24, 2021, 04:42:28 AM
Just a little too smooth.

Smooth? :D

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mC1TEdZ4gks/S1tdQVJmPSI/AAAAAAAAF2I/ImU4_bnTCYU/s400/1996_arnold_classic_62_20090827_1008963403.jpg)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Grenache on April 24, 2021, 05:26:43 AM
Aaron Baker; highest Olympia placing 9th in 1995 (punished for his stint in Vince McMahon's WBF).
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: wes on April 24, 2021, 05:37:46 AM
 8)
Hill competed in a different era so he is not as shredded as Roland, but he was a beast and I`m sure he could get shrinkwrapped if that was his goal.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: balsac69 on April 24, 2021, 06:47:12 AM
Pavol jablonicky. Maybe not underrated in terms of placings he's had a couple good show results but seems alot of people don't remember him
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Grape Ape on April 24, 2021, 06:51:50 AM
Pavol jablonicky. Maybe not underrated in terms of placings he's had a couple good show results but seems alot of people don't remember him

In the absence of data, and from a purely subjective criteria at the contests I saw, I'd say Pavol Jablonsky.

Yup.

He was always in shape, at least every NOC I attended.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: balsac69 on April 24, 2021, 07:11:36 AM
Yup.

He was always in shape, at least every NOC I attended.

As you said always in shape consistently over his career.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: balsac69 on April 24, 2021, 07:14:36 AM
Guestposing at 55 years old or so
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: balsac69 on April 24, 2021, 07:15:49 AM
Guestposing at 55 years old or so
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 24, 2021, 09:23:37 AM
From what I remember Pavol Jablonicky was the worst poser ever, worse than Paul Dillet. Maybe I misremember but I thought that back then.

Great relaxed pose, relaxed for real, not like today's "relaxed."
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: wes on April 24, 2021, 09:30:47 AM
Pavol jablonicky. Maybe not underrated in terms of placings he's had a couple good show results but seems alot of people don't remember him
I always thought Pavol and Baker got robbed in almost every contest they were in.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Grape Ape on April 24, 2021, 10:55:30 AM
I always thought Pavol and Baker got robbed in almost every contest they were in.

Thread officially closed.

Pavol is the clear winner.

I will put this into the official get big records, so the next moron who starts this thread for the 500th time will have the answer.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 24, 2021, 11:22:36 AM
Thread officially closed.

Pavol is the clear winner.

I will put this into the official get big records, so the next moron who starts this thread for the 500th time will have the answer.

Could you put here some good comparison pictures and perhaps video of shows where he was robbed?

I think he placed about where he deserved but I'll be looking at some pics.

We complain about judging a lot and sometimes there are bad calls but what do we expect of a beauty pageant where things are somewhat subjective? I can't think of many competitors who were consistently and criminally poorly placed. I'm actually amazed how good the judging has been all things considered.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: oldschoolfan on April 24, 2021, 11:25:31 AM
Aron baker is guy looked great was similar to flex wheeler
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Royalty on April 24, 2021, 11:49:58 AM
Tom Prince showing Pavol what’s what
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Grape Ape on April 24, 2021, 11:51:39 AM
Could you put here some good comparison pictures and perhaps video of shows where he was robbed?

I think he placed about where he deserved but I'll be looking at some pics.

We complain about judging a lot and sometimes there are bad calls but what do we expect of a beauty pageant where things are somewhat subjective? I can't think of many competitors who were consistently and criminally poorly placed. I'm actually amazed how good the judging has been all things considered.

I am a straight male, so I don't have archived pictures of oiled up men from 2nd tier 1990s bodybuilding contests readily available.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 24, 2021, 11:55:50 AM
I tried looking for pics of Pavol and I can't find any clear pics of his whole body from contests! Quite amazing, a guy who competed as much as he did and it's like there is almost no record of him as far as good pics. I mean he placed maybe his best in 02-03 and there is shit for pics, there are better pics of Arnold circa 1960-65.

Royalty probably went looking for pics and that's the best he could do  :D
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Grape Ape on April 24, 2021, 12:00:06 PM
I tried looking for pics of Pavol and I can't find any clear pics of his whole body from contests! Quite amazing, a guy who competed as much as he did and it's like there is almost no record of him as far as good pics. I mean he placed maybe his best in 02-03 and there is shit for pics, there are better pics of Arnold circa 1960-65.

Royalty probably went looking for pics and that's the best he could do  :D

There aren't too many pics from the old NoCs.........likely have to get old magazines or something.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 24, 2021, 12:01:09 PM
I am a straight male, so I don't have archived pictures of oiled up men from 2nd tier 1990s bodybuilding contests readily available.

I'm sorry but that's a pathetic response, and I have no problem with you :D
Who cares if you did have saved pics, he is already burned into your brain and memory! His name immediately popped into your mind as "underrated bb"  :D

There aren't too many pics from the old NoCs.........likely have to get old magazines or something.

That's true but I had problems finding any good pics of the dude.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Grape Ape on April 24, 2021, 12:04:55 PM
I'm sorry but that's a pathetic response, and I have no problem with you :D
Who cares if you did have saved pics, he is already burned into your brain and memory! His name immediately popped into your mind as "underrated bb"  :D

That's true but I had problems finding any good pics of the dude.

As you said, it's all subjective.  But I do remember him being a consistently good at all the NoCs - Munzer too.  They were both always the fan favorites there.

"Underrated" is kind of a dumb criteria anyway.  There are no ratings to look at to see who is rated under where they should be.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: honest on April 24, 2021, 12:08:43 PM
In the mid 90s walking around  golds venice, Aaron baker was as much of a freak as Dillet was, he was officially the Mr Tank Top Mr Olympia, he looked better than Flex who grew on stage, and Cormier who whilst big just didn't stand out back in the 90s. But like Flex got appreciated and better when on stage , Aaron walking around with his super thickness looked one another level, on stage he looked a little narrow was the only thing that held him back plus his WBF history he wasn't established enough in the IFBB prior to command respect after his escapade like some others, but none of the WBF guys went well upon their return.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 24, 2021, 12:34:15 PM
Some think he was overrated.

.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: LurkerNoMore on April 24, 2021, 12:55:03 PM
Paco started out with tons of potential but then started getting blocky at the end.  He could dial it in hard as nails and vascular. 
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Humble Narcissist on April 24, 2021, 12:59:33 PM
Pavol jablonicky. Maybe not underrated in terms of placings he's had a couple good show results but seems alot of people don't remember him
My vote as well.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Royalty on April 24, 2021, 01:10:21 PM
I tried looking for pics of Pavol and I can't find any clear pics of his whole body from contests! Quite amazing, a guy who competed as much as he did and it's like there is almost no record of him as far as good pics. I mean he placed maybe his best in 02-03 and there is shit for pics, there are better pics of Arnold circa 1960-65.

Royalty probably went looking for pics and that's the best he could do  :D

No I actually didn’t try.

I’ve seen Pavol in person in 1996. I’m not sure why everyone now is on his jock LOL.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: honest on April 24, 2021, 01:11:00 PM
Some think he was overrated.

.

Could you have found a worse photo or at least one from when he was bodybuilding not pursuing his failed acting career.  :)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 24, 2021, 01:16:59 PM
Paco started out with tons of potential but then started getting blocky at the end.  He could dial it in hard as nails and vascular.

His structure was absolute disaster from the start. Not necessarily affected much by his bb practices. Long, wide waist, short arms and legs. All genetics. Without the mass he wouldn't have gone anywhere, no way to make that structure aesthetic. Freakiness was all he had going for him.

I'm thinking about one show in Europe where he looked absolutely nuts with the conditioning, mass and vascularity.

Could you have found a worse photo or at least one from when he was bodybuilding not pursuing his failed acting career.  :)

Baker was legit, looked crazy at his best.  :)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Royalty on April 24, 2021, 01:19:12 PM
Could you have found a worse photo or at least one from when he was bodybuilding not pursuing his failed acting career.  :)

1995
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 24, 2021, 01:23:18 PM


I'm thinking about one show in Europe where he looked absolutely nuts with the conditioning, mass and vascularity.


Here.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: affeman on April 24, 2021, 01:23:29 PM
Is that Apollo Creed? ???
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Royalty on April 24, 2021, 01:35:15 PM
Savolainen
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: _bruce_ on April 24, 2021, 01:41:17 PM
Paco started out with tons of potential but then started getting blocky at the end.  He could dial it in hard as nails and vascular.

The marriage with Ky-homo destroyed him.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: wes on April 24, 2021, 01:58:38 PM
I bet Narcissistic Deity has some pics of Pavol....when he see this thread hopefully he can post some good clear contest shots.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: affeman on April 24, 2021, 02:16:34 PM
Savolainen

Hardly underrated with those oilbag balloons...
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Earl1972 on April 24, 2021, 02:16:52 PM
Some think he was overrated.

.

haha i always wondered the story behind this pic

the most underrated pro ever is chris cormier

should've gotten 2nd at the olympia at least once or twice, and should have at least 2 arnold's

E
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Humble Narcissist on April 24, 2021, 03:39:06 PM
No I actually didn’t try.

I’ve seen Pavol in person in 1996. I’m not sure why everyone now is on his jock LOL.
Pavol started out in another bodybuilding organization and that could be why he never got better placings.  I remember first seeing him in the mags in the late 80's or early 90's and thinking "who the Hell is that!"  He looked awesome but placed pretty low.  I figured it was because he was a Slav, or Pollock, or whatever he was.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Dave D on April 24, 2021, 03:55:02 PM
I believe it was Pavol who suggested to  Heath that Phil should compete.


That alone undoes any and all underrating.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: honest on April 24, 2021, 05:17:01 PM
I remember originally seeing pavol from 1988 Ifbb amateur worlds in australia, he was stand out along with Munzer and Renel Janvier, first time i had ever seen striated glutes. Javier conditioning was unbelievable, Pavel was thick as but was basically a blown up light heavy competing as a heavy at this stage. I think he placed well over the years, I can't ever remember him getting robbed overly, structurally he was always going to struggle at the very top olympia level. But great physique and good to see him still at it in his 50s
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: oldschoolfan on April 25, 2021, 04:44:34 AM
I remember originally seeing pavol from 1988 Ifbb amateur worlds in australia, he was stand out along with Munzer and Renel Janvier, first time i had ever seen striated glutes. Javier conditioning was unbelievable, Pavel was thick as but was basically a blown up light heavy competing as a heavy at this stage. I think he placed well over the years, I can't ever remember him getting robbed overly, structurally he was always going to struggle at the very top olympia level. But great physique and good to see him still at it in his 50s

Great point he was never even close top tier unlike baker and Cormier
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: BayGBM on April 25, 2021, 05:23:31 AM
That's a great everyday look, easy to maintain without a ton of gear.


Pavol and Roland are both good choices.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Stephano on April 25, 2021, 05:26:23 AM
I believe it was Pavol who suggested to  Heath that Phil should compete.


That alone undoes any and all underrating.
That was Claude Groulx, IIRC.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 25, 2021, 10:58:50 AM
Could you have found a worse photo or at least one from when he was bodybuilding not pursuing his failed acting career.  :)

He heard your call...
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 25, 2021, 11:03:49 AM
Is that Apollo Creed? ???

(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=672134.0;attach=1302573;image)

Well spotted - he was on a date with Christopher Moltisanti (Soprano)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 25, 2021, 11:06:03 AM
The marriage with Ky-homo destroyed him.

Sorry, I know this is my 3rd post in a row, but this is too interdasting to ignore so I have to ask - what does this mean?
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Dave D on April 25, 2021, 11:11:16 AM
That was Claude Groulx, IIRC.

Common mistake.

All white European bodybuilders look alike to me.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Flexacon on April 25, 2021, 11:41:15 AM
Sorry, I know this is my 3rd post in a row, but this is too interdasting to ignore so I have to ask - what does this mean?

Kyomo was some tag along asian guy that seemed to know Paco and might have been part of his training crew.

Imagine if Darren Avey knew Martin Ford in real life and posted about it on here. That was Kyomo

(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=281144.0;attach=1141180;image)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Darren Avey on April 25, 2021, 11:46:01 AM
Dareem Charles.  I always believed he could do it
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Kwon on April 25, 2021, 11:50:42 AM
Is that Apollo Creed? ???
(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=672134.0;attach=1302572;image)
Well spotted - he was on a date with Christopher Moltisanti (Soprano)
(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=672134.0;attach=1302687;image)

They were there to meet Rihanna
(https://i.ibb.co/x1s7ZQm/Rihanna.jpg)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: falco on April 25, 2021, 12:00:02 PM
Sorry, I know this is my 3rd post in a row, but this is too interdasting to ignore so I have to ask - what does this mean?

Paco had a fan here. His nickname was Kyomu.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 25, 2021, 12:22:05 PM
They were there to meet Rihanna
(https://i.ibb.co/x1s7ZQm/Rihanna.jpg)

Hahahahaha!  Don't you mean the ginger offspring of Drew Barrymore and Jamie Lee Curtis?!?!


(http://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aveleyman.com%2FGallery%2F2017%2FC%2F4016-19933-1.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
(http://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F99%2F84%2F06%2F998406c801e59ea09ed2961d9cd82a08.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Bevo on April 25, 2021, 01:45:08 PM
haha i always wondered the story behind this pic

the most underrated pro ever is chris cormier

should've gotten 2nd at the olympia at least once or twice, and should have at least 2 arnold's

E

And flex wheeler was a bit overrated, aside from a few showings, suspect calves, arms, shoulders
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Bevo on April 25, 2021, 01:46:55 PM
Pavol and Roland are both good choices.

Good choices for schmoeing?
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Flexacon on April 25, 2021, 01:58:31 PM
Certain bodybuilders are underrated at the beginning of their pro career, gain some notoriety and then become overrated towards the end of their career.

Dennis Wolf and Branch Warren are perfect examples.

(https://i.redd.it/pgu2itbe1et31.jpg)

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5b/c2/bc/5bc2bc3d631e2a7dc0046034a7f6fe16.jpg)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: pamith on April 25, 2021, 06:14:47 PM
Aaron Baker and Savolainen
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: BB on April 25, 2021, 06:36:31 PM
I tried looking for pics of Pavol and I can't find any clear pics of his whole body from contests! Quite amazing, a guy who competed as much as he did and it's like there is almost no record of him as far as good pics. I mean he placed maybe his best in 02-03 and there is shit for pics, there are better pics of Arnold circa 1960-65.

Royalty probably went looking for pics and that's the best he could do  :D

Against Sarcev -

.

Bunch of photos here, including contests - https://www.facebook.com/pavoljablonickycom/ .

2002 Olympia alone -

.

Bad posing - https://www.facebook.com/mrofansite/videos/mr-olympia-1999-pavol-jablonicky/913207662080968/ .
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 25, 2021, 08:04:19 PM
Against Sarcev -

.

Bunch of photos here, including contests - https://www.facebook.com/pavoljablonickycom/ .

2002 Olympia alone -

.

Bad posing - https://www.facebook.com/mrofansite/videos/mr-olympia-1999-pavol-jablonicky/913207662080968/ .

I saw those. The posing routine is shot very poorly. I mean I can get a good idea of what he's lacking from seeing half a second of a pose from a bad angle but it's hard to show to others with these shit quality pics.

His conditioning was there say on his delts and pecs but his backside and quads quite a bit off, enough to knock him down a few spots. This is a type of physique where absolutely nothing pops as he poses. Terrible posing in general.

He did beat Cutler by one spot at a Mr O, I think they were like 15 and 16  :D Even got a 2nd place at the NOC.
But in general he wasn't overlooked or underrated at all.

What he had was this great relaxed shot, that's half the hits as you search for pics.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 25, 2021, 08:29:11 PM
A name that always comes up in these types of threads is Mendenhall. He was hardly underrated, everyone has been prasing him nonstop for decades on end  :D
He just never put it together to decively win that card. He is judged on his potential, not what he was.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Grape Ape on April 25, 2021, 08:29:38 PM

But in general he wasn't overlooked or underrated at all.

What he had was this great relaxed shot, that's half the hits as you search for pics.

He looked fantastic onstage in person.  Saw him a bunch of times.

Constant boos at his placings each year.

As for finding quality videos of posing routines, they may not exist.  Not because they can't be found, but because BB video guys suck.  Look how they botched the 1993 olympia - close ups that show nothing, odd angles, constant zoom in.....awful.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: BossBoss on April 25, 2021, 10:26:53 PM
Pavol Jablonicky, Mr.Olympia 2004,
TOP Video-Quality, his best Olympia placing (11th), in his prime..
In 2003-2004 he got his best placings..

2003 Grand Prix Hungary, 1st
2003 Night of Champions, 2nd
2004 Hungarian Pro Invitational, 1st

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xt7hbx

Maybe it's different in person, or something went wrong in this contest, but he does not look anything special.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Darren Avey on April 26, 2021, 01:05:03 AM
The fact remains all these guys are great role models for us and our children to look up to.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 26, 2021, 10:17:58 AM
The fact remains all these guys are great role models for us and our children to look up to.

And they are very good at fighting because of the muscles - don't forget that
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: usmcdevildoc on April 26, 2021, 10:40:43 AM
Tom Prince showing Pavol what’s what

Didn't Price escort and pose nude in gay mags?
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: BB on April 26, 2021, 11:06:52 AM
Pavol Jablonicky, Mr.Olympia 2004,
TOP Video-Quality, his best Olympia placing (11th), in his prime..
In 2003-2004 he got his best placings..

2003 Grand Prix Hungary, 1st
2003 Night of Champions, 2nd
2004 Hungarian Pro Invitational, 1st

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xt7hbx

Maybe it's different in person, or something went wrong in this contest, but he does not look anything special.

He looks like what he was, an upper mid tier pro. When you see him against other top tier guys, you can see he was placed fairly. Here's the 2004 Olympia results -


1     Ronnie Coleman
2     Jay Cutler
3     Gustavo Badell
4     Dexter Jackson
5     Markus Ruhl
6     Gunter Schlierkamp
7     Chris Cormier
8     Dennis James
9     Victor Martinez
10     Darrem Charles
11     Pavol Jablonicky

----------

When some looks at that line up can we really say Pavol wasn't getting his fair shake?

He maybe was unfairly forgotten, but he was pretty fairly placed, give or take a position or two.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: BossBoss on April 26, 2021, 02:05:28 PM
He looks like what he was, an upper mid tier pro.
..
When some looks at that line up can we really say Pavol wasn't getting his fair shake?
He maybe was unfairly forgotten, but he was pretty fairly placed, give or take a position or two.

Yes, he has too many flaws:

very bad calves, thin legs, wide midsection, extendet belly, soft lower body.

"upper mid tier pro" is a good description.

He looks best in the relaxed pose..

(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d5/f8/f7/d5f8f7fe2c542cfde5fbcab2f056d667.jpg)

What i can see in the pictures is that he has wide shoulders in relation to his height,
which looks impressive in person or with the right lighting. (from behind or above)
 
He has an impressive frame, wide upper body, almost like a square.

Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: pellius on April 26, 2021, 05:36:34 PM
In the mid 90s walking around  golds venice, Aaron baker was as much of a freak as Dillet was, he was officially the Mr Tank Top Mr Olympia, he looked better than Flex who grew on stage, and Cormier who whilst big just didn't stand out back in the 90s. But like Flex got appreciated and better when on stage , Aaron walking around with his super thickness looked one another level, on stage he looked a little narrow was the only thing that held him back plus his WBF history he wasn't established enough in the IFBB prior to command respect after his escapade like some others, but none of the WBF guys went well upon their return.

I was training at Golds from 1989-94 and I remember Baker. I stopped following competitive bbing after the 1981 fiasco. Actually, I was pretty disillusioned after 1980 but '81 was the final straw so I wasn't familiar with the names but did take note of the world class physiques at that gym. I would come to know their names much later. So my impression wasn't influenced by reputation and popularity. The one who stood out the most I person was Paul
Dillet. Just absolutely mind-blowing in person. Then there was Lou Ferrigno. Again, enormous beyond belief. As far as sheer perfection, it was Flex Wheeler that I would have most wanted to look like. For some reason Aaron Baker never impressed me. I definitely looked like an advance BBer but I didn't think he was a pro competing on the same stage as Dillet, Flex, and Cormier. He wasn't freaky huge nor did he seem to have the crazy conditioning so many nobodies at that gym had. What struck me most about him was he still wore that greasy Jheri-curl type hair style and always wore those super skin tight lycra-type pants.

Just goes to show how subjective this sport is. Some think he was Olympia caliber whereas I thought he was just a good amateur.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Bevo on April 26, 2021, 05:49:52 PM
He looks like what he was, an upper mid tier pro. When you see him against other top tier guys, you can see he was placed fairly. Here's the 2004 Olympia results -


1     Ronnie Coleman
2     Jay Cutler
3     Gustavo Badell
4     Dexter Jackson
5     Markus Ruhl
6     Gunter Schlierkamp
7     Chris Cormier
8     Dennis James
9     Victor Martinez
10     Darrem Charles
11     Pavol Jablonicky

----------

When some looks at that line up can we really say Pavol wasn't getting his fair shake?

He maybe was unfairly forgotten, but he was pretty fairly placed, give or take a position or two.

Pavol was far from underrated, a mid tier pro like some mentioned, nothing more, nothing less
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Coach is Back! on April 26, 2021, 06:07:08 PM
Aaron Baker; highest Olympia placing 9th in 1995 (punished for his stint in Vince McMahon's WBF).


Aaron Baker by farmers
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: pamith on April 28, 2021, 11:55:26 AM
Craig Titus
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 28, 2021, 02:22:24 PM
I was training at Golds from 1989-94 and I remember Baker. I stopped following competitive bbing after the 1981 fiasco. Actually, I was pretty disillusioned after 1980 but '81 was the final straw so I wasn't familiar with the names but did take note of the world class physiques at that gym. I would come to know their names much later. So my impression wasn't influenced by reputation and popularity. The one who stood out the most I person was Paul Dillet. Just absolutely mind-blowing in person. Then there was Lou Ferrigno. Again, enormous beyond belief. As far as sheer perfection, it was Flex Wheeler that I would have most wanted to look like

I'm rarely envious of other people, but this is an exception - very very cool  8)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 28, 2021, 02:25:44 PM
Too late to throw this guy in the mix?  I know he was hardly underrated in NABBA terms, but IFBB?

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fexternal-preview.redd.it%2FBb1oEcigZ6WS6MbR2cz4tlmYp8C41PTZubjLU3teCbo.jpg%3Fauto%3Dwebp%26s%3D72c6b53ba8713401990b9a30d71f3b4b9f33cc56&f=1&nofb=1)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Van_Bilderass on April 28, 2021, 02:38:30 PM
Too late to throw this guy in the mix?  I know he was hardly underrated in NABBA terms, but IFBB?

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fexternal-preview.redd.it%2FBb1oEcigZ6WS6MbR2cz4tlmYp8C41PTZubjLU3teCbo.jpg%3Fauto%3Dwebp%26s%3D72c6b53ba8713401990b9a30d71f3b4b9f33cc56&f=1&nofb=1)

This is Milos Sarcev's favorite. He was rated pretty high I think, by both judges and fellow competitors. Everyone seems to speak highly of his physique. I don't remember thinking he was especially fucked over but it was a long time ago... he competed in a very competitive era.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: BB on April 28, 2021, 02:47:00 PM
Charles Clairmonte's best Olympia appearances -

1993 -

1     Dorian Yates
2     Ken Wheeler
3     Shawn Ray
4     Lee Labrada
5     Kevin Levrone
6     Paul Dillett
7     Charles Clairmonte

-----------------------------

1994 -

1     Dorian Yates
2     Shawn Ray
3     Kevin Levrone
4     Paul Dillett
5     Porter Cottrell
6     Chris Cormier
7     Nasser El Sonbaty
8     Charles Clairmonte

-------------------------------------

This seems to be one of those unfairly forgotten rather than unfairly placed moments.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Royalty on April 28, 2021, 02:51:43 PM
This video might prove that Clairmonte actually beat Flex at the 1993 Olympia (Clairmonte did officially beat Wheeler a week after the 1993 Olympia on the Grand Prix Tour)


Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 30, 2021, 09:01:46 AM
This is Milos Sarcev's favorite. He was rated pretty high I think, by both judges and fellow competitors. Everyone seems to speak highly of his physique. I don't remember thinking he was especially fucked over but it was a long time ago... he competed in a very competitive era.

Charles Clairmonte's best Olympia appearances -

1993 -
7     Charles Clairmonte

1994 -
8     Charles Clairmonte

-------------------------------------

This seems to be one of those unfairly forgotten rather than unfairly placed moments.

Yeah, they're both pretty fair points - and yes, it was over a quarter of a century ago LOL

He's aged pretty well too - it looks that like Dorian he's cut right back on his weight, etc.



Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on April 30, 2021, 09:05:04 AM
This video might prove that Clairmonte actually beat Flex at the 1993 Olympia (Clairmonte did officially beat Wheeler a week after the 1993 Olympia on the Grand Prix Tour)




Interdasting.  He does mention the NABBA thing, and that maybe it might have influenced the IFBB judges

Same thing with the WBF guys - I remember people wondering if that got them treated differently
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Humble Narcissist on April 30, 2021, 09:52:24 AM
Interdasting.  He does mention the NABBA thing, and that maybe it might have influenced the IFBB judges

Same thing with the WBF guys - I remember people wondering if that got them treated differently
Of course in mattered.  Weider had a long memory.  There is a reason why Jeff King was never convinced to move over to the IFBB.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: DanielPaul on April 30, 2021, 10:01:00 AM
Tom Prince showing Pavol what’s what
pavol still has his kidneys though
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: pamith on May 01, 2021, 06:19:38 PM
Flex Wheeler had amazing arms
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: balsac69 on May 01, 2021, 06:26:41 PM
Flex Wheeler had amazing arms
And still has a great leg
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Humble Narcissist on May 02, 2021, 04:18:37 AM
And still has a great leg
:D
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Taffin on May 02, 2021, 07:15:13 AM
Flex Wheeler had amazing arms

He still does - they're just a different kind of amazing now...

(http://i.postimg.cc/3xntxw67/Flex-shoulder-press.gif)
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: pamith on May 02, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
And still has a great leg
Bro...
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Walter Sobchak on May 02, 2021, 05:57:50 PM
Too late to throw this guy in the mix?  I know he was hardly underrated in NABBA terms, but IFBB?

(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fexternal-preview.redd.it%2FBb1oEcigZ6WS6MbR2cz4tlmYp8C41PTZubjLU3teCbo.jpg%3Fauto%3Dwebp%26s%3D72c6b53ba8713401990b9a30d71f3b4b9f33cc56&f=1&nofb=1)

Charles Clairmonte and Eduardo Kawak were punished by the Weiders because they were champions in other organizations.
Title: Re: Was that the most underrated Pro ever ??
Post by: Humble Narcissist on May 03, 2021, 04:10:35 AM
He still does - they're just a different kind of amazing now...

(http://i.postimg.cc/3xntxw67/Flex-shoulder-press.gif)
Just the finishing 5%. :-\