It's still one year away but based on this year's lineup some of us should be able to make some pretty accurate guesses about the eventual outcome of next year's USA Championships.
Here's my long range forecast ..... (Pros and con and in-between).
Most impressive and unexpected newcomer this year (in my mind) was the Middle-Wt Champ - Nathan DeTracey. A bit more size or a possible jump in wt class and he should be a main contender in any contest he chooses to enter in 2009. From where I was sitting it was a close call between him and Bryant for that second pro card. But all in all, Bryant was the deserving winner due to his size advantage.
Major disappointment was Jeff Long who more than likely will still be considered a major contender in 2009. I'd like to hear him tell us what went wrong with his condition this year. Maybe some of you fans can speak (or mis-speak) on his behalf. But I do think that we will see a major improvement his next time on that posing platform.
Sean Allan looked great but I don't think he can really get any better than he appeared on that stage last weekend, so it's difficult to consider Big Sean as a serious contender next year. One hell of a huge bodybuilder though who has made some great changes this past couple of years. Good going, Sean!
Shavis Higa was a great Welter Wt winner but welter weights are usually lost standing amongst the heavier weight class winnners. But in this case Shavis held his own and made one hell of a great showing among all those weight class winners. Good going, Shavis!
It's too damn bad that these smaller guys never have a chance to get a pro card at the USA.
Not to overlook the bigger guys but Edward Nunn as next year's winner is too damn evident.
SO even though it's too darn early to make an accurate guess for next year's victor, my "too damn early guess" is that Nunn and DeTracy will be IFBB Pros this time next year.
First picture is DeTracy.
Second is Nunn.
