IFBB Pro League Hall of Famer Kevin Levrone took a closer look at some of the contenders one week before the 2023 Arnold Classic. In a recent RxMuscle interview, Levrone advised Nick Walker to focus on quality instead of size and touched on Samson Dauda‘s physique.
“Nick Walker… is – he scares me. He scares me. Because of his size and the mass that he’s walking around with you know. It’s kind of scary man,” says Kevin Levrone.
Columbus, Ohio will become the epicenter of bodybuilding action from March 2-5. Organizers upped the ante a few weeks ago by offering an extra $100,000 to the Men’s Open winner. With a $300,000 check on the line, competitors Nick Walker, Andrew Jacked, Patrick Moore, and former two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay made surprise entries.
Given Walker’s third-place finish at Olympia last year, he will step on stage as the overwhelming favorite. At the nearing Arnold Classic, ‘The Mutant’ will be tasked with facing his teammate, reigning two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida among many others. Before his recent finish at Mr. Olympia, Walker made it clear his goal was to win as many Arnolds and Olympias as possible.
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With a chance to earn a second AC title, the New Jersey native hasn’t been shy about sharing his progress. From physique updates to intense training sessions, Walker’s confidence soared since performing in Las Vegas last December. The latest bodybuilding veteran to assess his chances is Kevin Levrone, who managed to earn a pair of Arnold titles in 1994 and 1996.
Kevin Levrone’s Advice to Nick Walker for 2023 Arnold Classic: ‘Focus on Quality, You Have Enough Size’
Levrone maintains that size ‘isn’t everything’ and said Walker’s only focus should be quality and getting ripped.
“I think if I was Nick I would focus on quality. Quality – you know, quality will take you far. You know, he doesn’t need to be any bigger. Just tone it down. Get ripped. Get shredded. Try to take what you have, the physique you have, and just get it top-notch quality. Size isn’t everything. Size is okay when you’re ripped to the bone.”
“You just got to be careful to where he doesn’t spill over you know,” Levrone added. “Yeah, I think that for sure will happen, quality. My advice to Nick, focus on quality man. You have enough size. Just bring it in ripped and bring it in shredded. Trust me, bodybuilding is an illusion.”
Levrone on Samson Dauda: ‘Don’t Be Afraid’ to Lose More Water and Body Fat
Similar to Walker’s physique, Levrone recommended Samson Dauda stay focused on conditioning.
“I would like to see… the quality as far as the definition – more separation. Yeah, conditioning man. I think these guys need to focus on conditioning. He looks good. I remember I saw him when I was over in Dubai. Just the conditioning man. He’s got a small tiny waist and everything.”
“He looks good. Just the conditioning. Bring that conditioning. With that amount of size, if you get ripped and shredded. Don’t be afraid to lose that you know – to lose a little more water and a little more body fat right. Just bring that illusion. Bring it down. Guys – some of these guys, they are afraid. They are looking at the scales. Throw the scale in the trash can, look in the mirror and judge by the mirror,” Kevin Levrone shared.
Check out the full video below:
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