Branch Warren believes that Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan were only two who showed up in shape.
The 2023 Olympia concluded last month and many opinions have been shared regarding the outcome. During a recent interview, Branch Warren spoke on the competition and how bodybuilders looked on stage. Outside of the top two, Warren did not seem impressed and believe that his former self could have won the title.
Warren sat down with Dave Palumbo of RxMuscle to breakdown the event. As a veteran of the sport, Warren has plenty of experience on the Olympia stage and competed at shows for over a decade spanning across the 1990s. Warren was unable to capture the elusive Sandow Trophy but is considered one of the best of all-time without an Olympia win.
Warren, who is a two-time Arnold Classic champion, continues to share his opinion on today’s era of bodybuilding and that includes the 2023 Olympia.
“There were two guys in that show that were really in shape and that was first and second place. I think Derek was in good shape and I think Hadi was in good shape. Beyond that, Samson was soft and you just go down the line, everybody was soft.”
Warren continued to discuss the state of the competition and compared it to back in his prime.
Branch Warren: “I Say I Would Have Won”
Branch Warren knows what it is like to compete on the biggest stages in bodybuilding. He became known for his insane quads and overall muscle tone. During his conversation with Palumbo, they looked at past photos of Warren’s physique and when he came across one specifically, Warren believes he would have won.
“You know, I think the condition is definitely a big factor. If I, that physique you just put on the screen there, I say I would have won.”
“The reason I lost in 2009 was Jay was bigger. He was taller. Size matters, plain and simple. I’ve known that going into it, before then, and since then. Size matters. Was I in better shape than Jay? 100%/ He brought his all-time best that year.”
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Branch Warren Talks Top Three In Competition Plus Nick Walker
Nick Walker was forced to miss the 2023 Olympia with a hamstring injury. If he was in the mix, the top three could have looked quite different and Branch Warren believes he would have contended for the title.
“I think Nick walker would have been the hardest one in the show. Going against the way Derek looked this year, you never know. Maybe Nick would have shown up and showed us something we haven’t seen before and win the whole thing.”
Warren also claimed that Samson Dauda came in soft and could improve his physique by switching around aspects of his diet. With his current size around 300 pounds, Dauda could be unstoppable if he makes certain improvements.
“If Samson would get hard, he beats everybody for years. Nobody can match him if he comes in ripped. I don’t know anything about his training and nutrition but I would speculate he needs to make some adjustments to the nutrition plan to come in a little bit tighter.”
Competitors now have their sights set on the 2024 Olympia. Those who are not qualified will work to punch their ticket and prepare for the biggest show once again.
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