Tag: nEWS
Former Mr. Universe Gary Lewer Loses Appeal To Overturn Deportation
Gary Lewer will not be sent back to the UK after being a resident of Australia.
Former Mr. Universe champion Gary Lewer will be deported after losing his appeal was rejected to overturn the original decision. Lewer, a bodybuilding champion, will be sent to the UK after his extensive criminal history has come to light.
Lewer, 66, accepted his criminal history, including a prison sentence on weapons charges from over 25 years ago. During his appeal, Lewer argued that there has been no change in his character since he received his previous visa in 2017. Police have said that they believe he is involved in criminal drug importation and manufacturing enterprise. He has never been convicted of said crimes.
In 2020, Lewer’s deportation was requested on character grounds by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton. Recently, it was Federal Court judge Justice Bernard Murphy who rejected Lewer’s appeal and upheld his visa cancellation.
Police have also said that he “possesses sound knowledge of police investigation methodology, is extremely disciplined in his criminal conduct to avoid detection and therefore is an extremely difficult suspect to investigate.” Lewer also has a conviction from 2004 when he was caught selling steroids.
Lewer began building a championship physique during the 1980s. He won the 1986 Mr. Australia competition, making it his second victory during the Australian National Championships. He has also competed in many other competitions, such as the Amateur Mr. Universe, over the course of his career.
Gary Lewer is a three-time bodybuilding champion who originally hails from Britain. He left at age five and did not take up Australian citizenship. He has been an Australian resident for close to 60 years.
There has been a petition started in hopes of “stopping this wrongful deportation.” The petition claims that Lewer did not commit a crime and that this is not the right decision. The final goal is to get to 500 signatures. The petition has already reached 387. The petition believes that this is an abuse of power by the police.
Gary Lewer was being held in a detention center during the process. Now, there is an answer on his future and it will be interesting to see if there are any more moves that he can make to stay in his home in Australia.
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Nick Walker Does Insane 200Lb Incline Dumbbell Press
Nick Walker pushes 200lb dumbbells!
Nick Walker put up some serious numbers in the gym recently as he performed the incline dumbbell press with 200lb dumbbells. The mass monster continues on his mission for even more muscle as he trains in his off season.
One of the most talented up and coming bodybuilders, Nick Walker is always looking to push his limits. The young up and comer has been hard at work in the gym putting up some serious numbers during his training. Hoping to make some considerable gains before stepping on stage again, Walker is taking no prisoners and his strength is exceptional.
The Mission
Nick Walker has been looking to make some solid gains in the last several months. Ever since taking fifth at the 2021 Olympia, Walker has been on a mission. He believed that he could have placed higher but isn’t allowing his ego to take the driver’s seat. Instead Walker is taking a much more refreshing approach and holding himself accountable.
As such, Nick Walker is intent on building quality muscle. But not just building up shoulders or biceps. Walker is looking to build his entire body while maintaining a trim midsection. As such he’s putting up some incredible numbers in the gym. A recent training session saw Walker put up 160lbs for 18 reps on the incline bench press.
First set from yesterday 160s for 18 reps!!!!!! Feeling strong now!!!!!!!!
200Lb Incline Dumbbell Press
But Nick Walker was apparently only getting started. Lately Walker has been putting up some impressive numbers in training. That said, his most recent feats in the gym are putting many heavy lifters to shame.
After putting up 160lbs for 18 reps, Nick Walker would go on to push an astonishing 200lbs!
Was feeling really good today!!!! Went heavy on incline db press 3rd set in went after the 200s for 6 reps
1st set was the 160s for 18 reps
2nd set was the 180s for 12 reps
3rd was the 200s for 6 reps.
Then ended with some Biceps!!!!!!!
What do think of Nick Walker and his ever developing physique?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Fitness Star Simeon Panda Named Global Brand Ambassador For Gold’s Gym
Simeon Panda will now join an exclusive group connected with the famous Gold’s Gym.
Fitness superstar and bodybuilder Simeon Panda is joining one of the biggest names in fitness. Gold’s Gym is an institution that has been linked to legends such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu. Now, Panda will join that list after being named a Global Brand Ambassador for Gold’s Gym.
Panda has built a huge following on social media, including eight million followers on Instagram. He shared a video on the social media platform to make the announcement and explain what an honor it is to him.
“I am very proud to announce my new position as @goldsgym Global Brand Ambassador ??
I probably wouldn’t be living in LA were it not for @goldsgym Venice. I live and breath bodybuilding, so when I first visited LA everything was centred around it. The hotels I stayed at, and then later the apartments I rented all had to be close by.Jump a few years, I now have the only official home Gold’s Gym in the world!”
Simeon Panda will be linked to the legendary gym and continue to add to the brand. Beginning in May, Panda and Gold’s Gym will reveal a four-week fitness program called “The Mecca Method.” Not only will Panda lead workouts physically but he will create motivational and instructional content.
Simeon Panda, a London-born bodybuilder, has competed in Musclemania competitions over the course of his career. Recently, he has built his brand on social media and is now working to better others. Now, he will join Gold’s Gym and be able to reach more who are interested in fitness.
Gold’s Gym began as a small gym in Venice Beach in 1965. This gym began being associated with some of the biggest names in bodybuilding. Over the last 57 years, Gold’s Gym has over 600 locations on six different continents.
“I am truly excited about this partnership and will do everything I can to continue the Golds Gym core value of building a worldwide fitness community.”
Simeon Panda made the announcement on social media two days ago and will begin his work immediately. Fans can look forward to workout plans that are going to be released in the future by Panda and Gold’s Gym.
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Tyson Fury’s Promoter Bob Arum Believes Fight With Francis Ngannou “Should Be Easy To Make”
Could Tyson Fury and Francis Nggannou put up bigger numbers than Mayweather vs. McGregor?
Tyson Fury has not been shy about calling out a fellow heavyweight champion in recent years. Fury and UFC champ Francis Ngannou have been going back-and-forth about a potential crossover fight. According to Tyson’s Promoter and CEO of Top Rank Bob Arum, this fight might not be that difficult to set up.
Fury made remarks about this meeting once again following his knockout victory over Dillian Whyte. The crossover affair has been compared to another of its kind. Of course, that is Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor. Arum believes that this fight could be even larger.
“I think Fury and this UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou, do bigger business than Mayweather and McGregor,” Arum recently told BoxingScene.
“They know each other and they know how much there is to be made for that fight…This UFC guy, assuming that he’s able to fight, that’ll do monumental business.”
That fight between Mayweather and McGregor saw 4.3 domestic buys, which is the second-highest buy rate in pay-per-view history. This was just behind Mayweather’s bout with Manny Pacquiao, which sold 4.6 million. Mayweather reportedly made around $280 million for the fight while McGregor, in a losing effort, took home $130 million.
Prior to his fight with Whyte, Tyson Fury announced that it would be his last and he had plans of retiring. This is true of official bouts but Fury has shown interest in appearing in exhibition fights and even teased a match wearing MMA gloves.
When McGregor made the switch to box Mayweather, it was the first time that a UFC fighter under contract was permitted to do so. This would not impact Francis Ngannou, who has no fights left on his current UFC deal. As champion, Ngannou is tied to his deal for another 12 months beginning this past January. Even so, Ngannou will not extend his contract if there is not a clause that allows him to take on Fury.
“The Tyson Fury fight has to be part of the discussion,” Ngannou told The MMA Hour.
“That’s not an option. It has to be part of the discussion because if that’s not part of the discussion, it never will be…If I sign another contract now, basically the same model of the contract, I’m screwed.”
According to Bob Arum, there is interest from both ends and we could see a Fury vs. Ngannou watch set up very soon.
“I don’t know what Ngannou’s contract situation over with the UFC is…Obviously, it’d be a massive fight, and it should be easy to make,” Arum said.
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Sadik Hadzovic Shares “Hellacious” Shoulder Workout Weeks Out From NY Pro
Weeks out from the NY Pro, Sadik Hadzovic shares epic shoulder workout.
Sadik Hadzovic shared an epic shoulder training workout that he dubbed “hellacious” in a recent YouTube video. The popular bodybuilder is making good on his promise to give it his all as he aims to return to action.
With six weeks to go until the 2022 New York Pro you can bet every athlete is pushing themselves in training. One in particular is giving it his all as he prepares himself to make his long awaited return.
Sadik Hadzovic is a household name in bodybuilding. Rising to prominence in the early 2010s, Hadzovic gained popularity out of the gate with strong showings in his first few pro shows. He would eventually go on to compete at the Olympia in the Men’s Physique division. This stint wouldn’t last forever though. Eventually Hadzovic would make the move to the Classic Physique division in its early days of inception.
Sadik Hadzovic would take third place in his initial showing at the 2016 Olympia in the Classic Physique division. Unfortunately he would drop to seventh the following year and hadn’t stepped on stage since.
Return to the Stage
All that is about to change however as Sadik Hadzovic has declared he’s making a come back. Looking to impress at the 2022 NY Pro, Hadzovic has been hard at work in the gym. He’s left no stone unturned as he hopes to make a dominant return to the stage.
In preparation for his return Sadik Hadzovic has put himself through the ringer. That includes a pretty intense shoulder workout that he recently shared on his YouTube channel.
In regards to the approach to his shoulder training, Sadik Hadzovic has this to say.
“I want to really isolate like what we talked about earlier… you’re doing laterals and focus on the laterals here. Presses, a few people emphasize.
“I find for me, it’s actually safer on the shoulder joint and it really isolates that anterior deltoid. So it’s just your traditional military presses.
“I utilize every type of presses there is… from seated military to standing hammer press…”
You can see the full work out here.
Below is a list of the exercises found in the video.
Standing machine lateral raise
Seated dumbbell side lateral raise
Reverse standing machine lateral raise
Bent over dumbbell side lateral raise
Cable front raise with rope attachment
Seated dumbbell shoulder press
Seated dumbbell hammer grip shoulder press
Seated dumbbell side lateral raise
Do you think Sadik Hadzovic will make a dominant return to the stage at the NY Pro?
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News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Krzysztof Wierzbicki Pulls Heaviest Deadlift Seen With 502.5 (1,107.8lb) Lift
Krzysztof Wierzbicki completed the lift with lifting straps and a sumo stance.
Krzysztof Wierzbicki is a Polish powerlifter that might be flirting with the heaviest deadlift of all-time. In a recent video, the powerlifter is seen completing an eye-opening 502.5kg (1,107.8lb) deadlift during a training session. He completed the lift with lifting straps and in a sumo stance.
Wierzbicki shared the video during an Instagram story. He is seen stepping up to the weight looking to build on other massive lifts accomplished recently. Just this month, Wierzbicki was seen pulling 490kg (1,080.3lb) and 461kg (1,016.3lb) on separate occasions.
While this is already an unofficial lift, where does it rank with the other deadlifts of all-time?
Anytime a lift of this caliber is achieved, Eddie Hall and Hafthor Bjornsson have to be mentioned. Hall became the first strongman to achieve the ultimate 500kg club, setting a new world record at the time. This was later broken by Bjornsson, who set a new mark with a lift of 501kg.
Both Hall and Bjornsson are former World’s Strongest Man champions and considered two of the best to ever do it. Bjornsson’s deadlift world record has stood since May 2, 2020.
When looking at the lift accomplished by Krzysztof Wierzbicki, there are a few glaring differences. First, this was done in a training session and not a sanctioned competition. Second, Wierzbicki approaches the bar with a sumo stance rather than a conventional stance. This has become a controversial topic in deadlifting because of the differences in the stance.
The sumo stance allows the lifter to get a wider base and the weight does not have to travel as far. Sumo stances are not legal in strongman, which is why both Hall and Bjornsson use conventional styles. Wierzbicki does not compete in strongman at this time.
The lift accomplished by Wierzbicki was achieved a bit more raw than that of Hall and Bjornsson. This is not considered a completely-raw lift because Wierbicki did use straps. However, he did not have a lifting suit on at the time. Danny Grigsby recently achieved the heaviest deadlift in a powerlifting meet. This was a 465kg (1,025.2lb) lift during the Virginia Beach Classic 2 in March.
It is unknown if Krzysztof Wierzbicki would be able to approach the numbers of Hall and Bjornsson with a conventional stance but nonetheless, this is an impressive lift regardless of stance.
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Nick Walker On Hadi Choopan: ‘He Has the Ability To Win The Olympia As Much As I Do’
Nick Walker believes that Hadi Choopan flies under the radar a bit in bodybuilding.
Hadi Choopan has turned into one of the best bodybuilders in the world but is there a chance that he is still a bit underrated? Nick Walker recently spoke on Choopan during a recent Q&A and feels like he is not mentioned as much as he should be.
Choopan does not appear on stage much but his preparation is up there with the best in the world. Despite Visa issues in the past, he has competed at the Olympia in each of the last three years. Choopan began competing professionally in 2013 and earned a gold medal at the Amateur Olympia in 2018. After another victory during the 2019 Vancouver Pro, Choopan finished third at the Olympia that same year. The 2020 show saw Choopan finish fourth.
In 2021, Hadi Choopan was able to make it to Orlando and many thought he showed up with the best physique. Choopan finished third, behind Big Ramy and Brandon Curry, but this was a controversial victory. There were many around bodybuilding that believed Choopan was the best-conditioned competitor at the show.
This is where Nick Walker began his answers when discussing Choopan.
“I don’t think Hadi gets mentioned as much because he’s probably a little smaller but he has the ability to win the Olympia just as much as I do. His conditioning was second to none and backstage, he was the most impressive bodybuilder,” Walker explained.
Hadi Choopan edged out Hunter Labrada and Nick Walker, who finished fourth and fifth respectively at the Olympia. Walker is not the first competitor to say that Choopan showed up in the best shape.
Nick Walker also took some time to discuss Blessing Awodibu, who used to have a bit of a rivalry with Walker. This stemmed from previous competitions but they have seemed to settle any differences. The two have since began training together on multiple occasions and Walker believes Awodibu is going to be a dark-horse this year.
“I think Blessing is going to surprise us and I think he’s going to place really, really well.”
The 2022 Olympia is scheduled to take place in December and returning to Las Vegas. There are many competitors near the top that can win the show and this includes both Nick Walker and Hadi Choopan.
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Iranian Hulk Shows Crazy Strength By Bending Frying Pan With Bare Hands
The Iranian Hulk has made it clear that he still holds super-human strength.
Is the Iranian Hulk still frustrated over his fight being cancelled? Is this just a show of brute strength? Either way, Sajad Gharibi has made it known that he still holds super-human strength and is capable of doing some crazy things with his bare hands.
In a recent YouTube video, Iranian Hulk is seen bending a frying pan using nothing but his hands. This video was released just four days before Gharibi was scheduled to step in the ring with Martyn Ford at the O2 Arena in London.
There was plenty of drama surrounding the cancellation of this fight earlier in April. Ford claimed that it was cancelled because of “mental well-being” and “health and safety risks.” This came after a video was released of a TV interview featuring an emotional Gharibi speaking on his relationship with his family following the initial stare down with Ford.
Of course, April 30 was not the original date for the fight. It was slated to take place on April 2 but was moved to give fights more time to prepare. On April 4, Ford released a video on social media explaining that the fight night will still be on but they would not be part of it. This did not go over well with Iranian Hulk, who threatened to sue for breach of contract.
During the pre-fight preparation, Iranian Hulk was seen doing some crazy things. In November, he released videos fighting off a group of men and punching concrete walls. More recently, Iranian Hulk was being hit in the midsection with wooden boards in order to build strength in different ways.
The Iranian Hulk did not post to social media much but there was an instance where he shared a YouTube video looking extremely slimmed down while working out on a treadmill.
It is unknown if Iranian Hulk and Martyn Ford will rescheduled their fight, which has been anticipated for years now. If they do, there will be even more hype surrounding the bout after the drama that ensued. If they do not, it is clear that both fighters will continue to train and show off their strength in different ways.
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2022 Arnold Classic South America Preview: Rafael Brandao Headlines Roster
The Arnold Classic will move to South America on Saturday.
Back in March, the bodybuilding season began with Brandon Curry winning the 2022 Arnold Classic. Now, nearly a month and a half later, the Arnold Sports Festival will travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil. The 2022 Arnold Classic South America will be held this weekend on April 29-30.
The Men’s Open division highlights bodybuilding shows around the globe but this will be the only competition that is on tap for the weekend. The winner of this division will earn qualification to the 2022 Olympia, which will take place from Dec. 16-18 in Las Vegas.
Pst winners of this event includes Curry, Kai Greene, and Juan Morel. There are currently six competitors on the list looking tp add their names to the history books in Brazil.
2022 Arnold Classic South America Lineup
Thiago Lins Adao
Alan Ramino Bonadiman
Rafael Brandão
Marcelo Pedro da Cruz
Sibusiso Kotelo
Eduardo Rodriguez
Rafael Brandão
Brandão last appeared on stage in this competition in 2019, when he finished as the runner-up to Morel. He has competed sparingly since but is still considered an up-and-coming talent ready to breakout. In 2021, Brandão won the Romania Muscle Fest Pro to secure his first professional victory. He was slated to appear at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH but was forced to withdraw his name. Now, Brandão will enter Brazil as the favorite to win this event.
Sibusiso Kotelo
Kotelo won his Pro Card in 2018 after winning the Worldwide Shawn Rhoden Classic. In 2019, he competed three times but has not been on stage since. Kotelo finished ninth at the 2019 Chicago Pro during his debut before stepping on stage during the Vancouver Pro and Monsterzym Pro. Kotelo has built a strong physique with incredible symmetry to this point. It will be difficult to top Brandão but Kotelo has a chance if he shows up at his absolute best.
Eduardo Rodriguez
Rodriguez has appeared in one professional show and it came back in November during the Bigman Weekend Pro. Rodriguez finished fifth in Men’s Open during the event, which is impressive in its own right. He has plenty of experience at the NPC level and is ready to make a big jump in Brazil. With a small field prepared to take the stage, Rodriguez has a chance to make an impact once the show begins.
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Milos Sarcev: The Biggest Weaknesses Roelly Winklaar Must Improve To Dominate
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Milos Sarcev reflects on Roelly Winklaar’s struggles in 2021 and what he needs to do to dominate on the bodybuilding stage once again.
Roelly Winklaar is a beloved pro bodybuilder and often called the people’s champ by many fans. This is due to Winklaar’s enormous mass monster size that nearly shakes the earth whenever he steps on stage. Though he’s gotten close, the competitor has never earned a Mr. Olympia title. However, he has often been a top 5 competitor that many hoped would rise up to win one day. These hopes were somewhat dashed in 2021, with Roelly Winklaar placing lower than expected and also dropping out of select shows. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Milos Sarcev breaks down Roelly Winklaar’s 2021 physique and explains what needs to improve for success in 2022.
Many fans were shocked when Roelly Winklaar placed 11th at the 2021 Mr. Olympia. It was a large drop down for the elite competitor – who placed 5th in 2019 and 3rd in 2018 at the Mr. Olympia. However, the moment Winklaar stepped on stage last year, it was clear something was off. It wasn’t the people’s champ mass monster physique fans were used to.
That’s why we turned to bodybuilding coach and guru Milos Sarcev to give his thoughts on Roelly Winklaar’s 2021 physique. He pinpointed the two biggest weaknesses Winklaar is facing – and how he needs to improve them to become a dominant force on the stage once again. Milos believes it’s possible and even spoke briefly with Winklaar sharing his advice.
Roelly Winlaar’s biggest weaknesses
Milos Sarcev starts off by stating one big weakness that Roelly Winklaar has always suffered from – his conditioning. Much like Big Ramy, Winklaar is one of the biggest mass monster in the Men’s Open division. And also like Big Ramy, Winklaar often suffers from controlling his stomach and maintaining dry shredded conditioning. This was still evident in 2021, perhaps even slightly worse than in previous years. That lack of conditioning – in combination with another weak lagging body part – was the key element to his lower placing.
So what was that second weakness? Milos Sarcev believes that Roelly Winklaar’s legs were lacking. Of course, bringing up legs is always the hardest body part for most pro Men’s Open competitors. But when you are competing on the elite stage and battling the top five in the world – lacking in the leg department will knock you out of the top 5 or even top 10 at Mr. Olympia. That’s what seemed to happen here.
Milos Sarcev reveals during our interview that Roelly Winklaar spoke to him after his low placing at the Chicago Pro. According to Sarcev, Winklaar was actually worried that his size had gotten too small which is why he was placing low. Sarcev admitted that Winklaar had downsized slightly – but this was not in fact his weakness.
“He asked me what is my opinion and he thought he was much smaller. I said like, yeah. As smaller as he was he was still big enough. That wasn’t the problem. But he needed conditioning and he needed legs. So in other shows that he entered he tried to put size back on and by Prague he was humongous… but still the conditioning was not there.”
– Milos Sarcev
Milos Sarcev went on to say that Roelly Winklaar putting back on more size might have actually hurt him for the rest of his competitive season that year. Sarcev explains that for him to put on so much size so quickly – he lost even more control of his midsection.
Roelly Winklaar may have had a tough year – but we wouldn’t count him out just yet. Yes, he has been competing for quite some time and comes from an older era of the sport. But athletes like Dexter Jackson have proved that age is just a number. And while Big Ramy is somewhat younger – it did take him nearly a decade to become the Mr. Olympia champion. Winklaar is an experienced competitor with a passion for the sport. We are excited to see what he brings to the stage in 2022.
You can watch Milos Sarcev’s full comments on Roelly Winklaar (and some talk abotu Chris Bumstead’s dominance as well) in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above.