Flex Lewis discusses past matchups against both Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford.
Flex Lewis has been more open recently about discussing his own career and a potential return to the stage. There is no plan in place but the bodybuilding legend continues to focus on his own fitness and keeping his physique in the best shape possible. During a recent episode of Bradley Martyn’s Raw Talk, Lewis discussed how he would have fared in Men’s Open in 2022.
Lewis ran 212 Bodybuilding from 2012-18 with seven Olympia titles. When he decided to hang it up, he already had a career that dubbed him one of the best of all-time in the division.
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Lewis has been working with different Men’s Open competitors, such as Andrew Jacked, in the gym. While he did not compete in the division, Lewis believes that he would have had a chance in 2022.
Flex Lewis: “Who Just Came First And Second, I Beat Them Both”
If it was possible, Flex Lewis believes that he would have been the first competitor to win Olympia titles in 212 and Men’s Open in December.
“I truly believe I would’ve won the Olympia or been the first ever champ-champ but it’s a woulda, coulda, shoulda.”
Lewis highlights both Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford, who finished at the top of the scorecard. He battled both over the course of their careers and Lewis has victories against both.
“If you look at the people who just came first and second, I beat them both. Hadi Just won, I beat him in Korea and Derek Lunsford came second, who took over the reign from me as a 212 champ, incredible guy, will be a champion in the future but I’ve beaten him too.”
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Derek Lunsford earned a special invitation to compete in Men’s Open after winning the 2021 Olympia in 212. Also, Shaun Clarida was qualified for multiple divisions in 2022 but was unable to compete in both. He ultimately decided to regain his title in 212 once Lunsford made the jump.
Lewis touched on the idea of moving up in a division.
“That’s one of the reasons why because originally when I had this mentality of shifting from the 212 to the Open, people were telling me no they’re always going to go for the biggest guy. Then shape and structure started coming through because of guys like Chris Bumstead and the Classic Physique getting such a great response.”
The overall idea of bringing 212 competitors into Men’s Open has been proven possible by Lunsford. According to Lewis, it is something that he has been wanting and it will be interesting to see if he makes a return.
“I wanted to have the best of both worlds. Bringing Classic lines, symmetry, and structure, and bring it to Open class.”
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