The 2026 Pittsburgh Pro is days away, and judge Terrick El Guindy broke down one of the show’s top threats. In an Instagram reel on May 13, El Guindy compared Tonio Burton to Dexter Jackson and predicted he’d make the first callout at the 2026 Mr. Olympia if he wins in Pittsburgh.
“I just love Tonio. He kind of reminds me a little of bit, and I’m not afraid to say it, of Dexter Jackson. I know Bob Cicherillo mentioned that. You look at some of his back poses; he reminds you of Dexter. His conditioning is flawless.”
Burton has quickly established himself as a top name in the Men’s Open class. At the 2025 Mr. Olympia, his conditioning and shape helped him secure eighth place. When it was time for his next contest, Burton dominated the Mexico Pro lineup. This victory qualified him for the 2026 Mr. Olympia early, which took pressure off the rest of his season.
His next stop came at the 2026 New York Pro, and Burton narrowly earned the win against Michal ‘Krizo’ Krizanek. Looking ahead, should Burton impress in Pennsylvania, El Guindy is adamant he could make waves at the biggest event of the year.
Terrick El Guindy Compares Burton to Jackson, Says He Can Make Olympia 1st Callout With Pittsburgh Win
In the video, El Guindy shared that if Burton can defeat Brandon Curry and the rest of the Pittsburgh lineup, he could secure a spot in the first callout at Mr. Olympia.
“He’s got great genetics. He comes in, and he poses well. He is one of the best bodybuilders we have. He’s now heading to Pittsburgh. If he beats Brandon Curry and all those guys there… I mean, you have to start looking at Tonio Burton as possibly on the first callout of the Mr. Olympia. That is how good this guy is.”
Overall, he credited Burton for his lines, density, and conditioning, labeling him as one of the best athletes we have in the Open currently:
“Tonio Burton is the real deal. He can move up to the first callout of the Olympia, and his physique is just incredible. His lines, his conditioning, his density. He’s one of the best bodybuilders we have nowadays,” explained Terrick El Guindy.
While El Guindy appreciates the quality of Burton’s physique, there have been criticisms. Most notably, some have accused Burton of injecting his shoulders with synthol. He brushed off these allegations and blamed social media.
Burton has the chance to extend his winning streak in just a few days. Don’t miss the 2026 Pittsburgh Pro from May 16-17 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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