Zane even with his injury and hospital stay was the most ripped he ever was. I think he said he weighed 184lbs that day. Coe looked fantastic but standing by Dickerson or Arnold he wasn't the winner. Mentzer was just delusional despite the incredible publicity he had in his prime. He was easily the most written about bodybuilder in the late 70's and 1980. Platz was not at his best shape this contest. Seriously watch the film. Arnold standing by anyone that day looked second rate except Dickerson who looked carved out of ice.
Again Mentzer's publicity at the time was insane. When Robby and Kalman beat him for the Universe in respective years they were clearly better yet there are so many saying the opposite that leaves me thinking did you see the same contest? I was a major fan of Mentzer yet through mature eyes I see he wasn't the winner in the Universe when Robby won. He wasn't the winner when Kalman beat him. He deserved 5th at the 1980 Olympia too. Arnold, Coe, Dickerson, Zane were better.
Zane was smaller and flat. Had zane been in 79 shape or bigger as claimed pre-accident, no way anyone else wins
Mentzer believed his own pub
Coe was deluded
Wasn't dickersons time yet, his streak started then, he won everything under the sun after that, and culminated with a late gift in 82, past his prime. Was he better than arnold? IMO, condition-wise,yes, definitely, but it was Arnold.. And arnolds superior size, height, name and the fix won it
Platz was ripped, but upper body lagged
Bannout was smooth, holding water