Olympia judge Terrick El Guindy and bodybuilding veteran Chris Cormier are back to assess a pair of top guns from the Classic Physique category. In a recent Prime Time Muscle episode, El Guindy and Cormier explained how Ramon Rocha Queiroz could unseat Bumstead as champion. In addition, they analyzed Queiroz’s and Bumstead’s physiques, highlighting flaws and strengths.
As one of the most famous and popular bodybuilders on the planet, it’s been an unforgettable ride for Chris Bumstead, who currently sits atop the Classic Physique Olympia mountain with five championships. His title reign has been defined by overcoming adversity. In 2022, Bumstead won the sport’s most prestigious trophy with a torn bicep.
In pursuit of his fifth Sandow, ‘Cbum’ dealt with several issues, like the sudden retirement of his brother-in-law, Open class star, Iain Valliere. Then, after raising gold above his head, Bumstead told the audience he was suffering from a torn lat. Still, that wasn’t the entire story. The Classic Physique champ also revealed that he was expecting his first child.
Fans and bodybuilding veterans alike are discussing the future of the growing division. With Bumstead setting his sights on retirement in two years, El Guindy and Cormier laid out what it’s going to take for Ramon Queiroz to seize the throne before Cbum’s swan song.
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Terrick El Guindy, Chris Cormier Talk Ramon Rocha Queiroz Catching Up to Chris Bumstead
According to El Guindy, the 2023 Olympia showdown between Bumstead and Queiroz was ‘very close.’
“Ramon Dino got close, very close, okay, very close, he was close okay? Ramon Dino got very close, here’s the deal Chris Bumstead was not as good especially at prejudging from his 2022 pre-judging performance. As soon as he came in for the group comparisons he was to the right side and I was right in front of him and I could tell from the back he wasn’t as lean as 2022.
I know a lot of people are scared to say anything about Chris Bumstead, oh my God, I’m not! Chris is a phenomenal bodybuilding, he won the Olympia, but he was not as good as 2022, especially at pre-judging and especially from the back. He has shown more separation. Ramon Dino was more conditioned than Chris at this event.”
Chris Cormier thought some of Bumstead’s signature back shots weren’t the same because his striations weren’t as visible.
“I feel like some of the trademarks shots, the three-quarter back shot… he was trying to hit it the same way he did, it was very dramatic the year before I give him that but some of the striations was faded.
Some of the shots from the back was not the same. We became accustomed to him doing some of his movements in the back double biceps, bringing up the Christmas tree, well it had a little snow on it, let’s just say,” explains Chris Cormier.
Bottom line, El Guindy said the only way Queiroz can close the gap against Chris Bumstead is by improving his posing skills and presentation.
“There’s two things about this guy Chris Bumstead that’s very very impressive. The large clavicle bones and he’s a master at posing. He’s out-posing Ramon. It’s not only beating him physically, you gotta out-pose Chris Bumstead so you start closing the gap,” said El Guindy.
From the back, El Guindy argued Queiroz was more conditioned than Bumstead, but stressed that he still needs to refine his posing to stand a chance.
“He’s been tighter on the glutes. He’s been tighter on the lower back. And Ramon was more conditioned than him on those parts. Ramon was tighter on the lower back and on the glutes. So, Ramon did squeeze him but Ramon has to become a better poser.”
Is There Too Much Respect Between Bumstead and Queiroz?
El Guindy and Cormier encouraged Queiroz to ‘stop being respectful and ‘sucking up’ to his adversary.
“A lot of respect being shown, too much respect. You have to go for the jugular up there, be friends afterwards but let Steve separate you type of thing,” said Cormier.
“Stop being too respectful. That’s not even the word. Stop sucking up to the guy. That’s the guy you want to beat. Stop! Stop with that!” said El Guindy.
Lastly, Terrick El Guindy highlighted that Queiroz lacks large clavicle bones like Bumstead’s which means he will always struggle with the Canadian’s width.
“There’s one thing about Chris Bumstead no one will never have. Ramon will never have and that’s the bottom line – large clavicle bones. Those large clavicle bones will assist him with the V-taper, it will assist him in terms of being more powerful. Ramon can come close to it.”
Despite his business and personal obligations, Bumstead has made it a point to check in with fans throughout his bodybuilding journey. He recently discussed the importance of having a ‘structured routine’ to fall back on, whether he’s committed to a contest prep or growing in the off-season.
With rest and recovery taking priority right now, Bumstead intends to return more refreshed than ever for his 2024 season. As for Ramon Queiroz, he is focused on his contest prep to bring home a second Arnold Classic title in March.
RELATED: Chris Bumstead Shares 2024 Off-Season Grocery Haul, Talks New ‘Push-Pull-Legs-Style’ Training Split
You can watch the full video from the Olympia TV YouTube channel below:
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