Julius Maddox, although holding the official World Record, has long aspired to achieve an 800-pound bench press. He already attempted to lift it twice in sanctioned powerlifting events, so he expected the third time to be the charm. Julius’ lead-up to this attempt looked better than any of his past ones, as he crushed a 361-kilogram (796-pound) bench press less than a month ago. It was Julius Maddox’s third attempt to do 365 kilograms (804.8 pounds) raw bench press that ultimately failed.
Julius Maddox attempted to lift 800 pounds at the 2022 RPS Redcon Rage Wars, which took place on June 4, 2022, in Nashville, TN. He looked ready to set a new World Record and cement his place in history as the greatest raw bench presser in the world. Julius positioned himself on the bench, picked up the bar, comfortably lowered the bar to his chest, and started pressing. In an impressive display of strength, Julius was able to press the 365 kilograms (804.8 pounds) off his chest without locking it in place. It seemed like his left arm could not endure the pressure, which in turn ruined his balance.
You can watch Julius Maddox’s lift here:
“804.8 This is a tough one. I’m struggling internally. Recap this week.”
Related: Powerlifter Julius Maddox Smashes 700 lbs (319 kg) Raw Bench Press For New Four Rep PR
In June 2020, Julius Maddox attempted the lift for the first time, but the misloaded barbell proved to be the issue. He accepted the spotters’ mistake in the hopes of becoming better and trying it again in the future. He got another chance to accomplish the feat on June 10, 2021, and they loaded the bar with the correct weight. However, Julius did not have the strength to lockout the weight. Now his third attempt turned out to be unsuccessful for the same reason.
Despite his long-term desire to officially become the first person to bench press 800 in a competition, Danial Zamani also serves as motivation for Julian Maddox. Danial unofficially bench pressed 365 kilograms (804.7 pounds) in his gym. As Zamani did not do it in a sanctioned competition, it is not an official record. So, Julius Maddox still holds the World Record of 355 kilograms (782 pounds), which he set at the 2021 WRPF Hybrid Showdown III.
Julius Maddox has taken part in 18 sanctioned powerlifting competitions, but has never competed in anything other than the bench press. As a result, he was always obsessed with bench pressing and striving to be the greatest.
Related: Powerlifter Julius Maddox Smokes A 735 lbs (333.4 kg) Raw Bench Press In Training
It is currently unclear whether Julius Maddox will continue training for the 800 pounds raw bench press or if he has something else planned. Additionally, he has not yet spoken about his latest attempt, but he intends to do so in the next few days.
