Johnnie O. Jackson shares the hardcore truth on who has the best shot for top placings at the Arnold Classic 2022.
Welcome to the Hardcore Truth – our new podcast and digital series staring one of the strongest pro bodybuilders in the world – Johnnie O. Jackson. Known for his incredible physique, strength, and hardcore training sessions with Branch Warren, Johnnie is gearing up with a mic and camera to share his most valuable lessons from a career in bodybuilding and strength training. This week, Johnnie O. Jackson breaks down the Arnold Classic 2022 lineup and predicts who will land the top 5 placings.
After a wild and confusing two years, the Arnold Classic has returned to its traditional date with a full fledged weekend of competition in 2022. The Arnold Classic 2022 will be held in Columbus, Ohio on March 3-6 and kick off the bodybuilding season with a bang. There’s quite a stacked lineup, with some unfortunate last minute dropouts. That’s why Johnnie O. Jackson decided to dedicate this week’s episode of Hardcore Truth to breaking down the competitor lineup and predicting who will take the top five spots. Let’s jump into it.
The Arnold Classic 2022 Will Be A Battle Between Brandon Curry and William Bonac
Johnnie O. Jackson isn’t just a couch critic giving his unsolicited opinions on the Arnold Classic, he’s a pro bodybuilder and powerlifter with first hand experience in the sport. His critical eye is able to break down the finer details of what we can expect from the top competitors going into the Arnold Classic 2022. And it’s that level of insight that predicts Brandon Curry will likely win first place.
But it won’t be a clear and easy victory. Johnnie O. Jackson sees William Bonac as the biggest threat to Curry’s throne. Bonac seems to have a fire in his stomach after his somewhat lackluster placing at sixth place at the Mr. Olympia 2021. Jackson believes it’s this fire in combination with his impressive physique that might up the ante for the Arnold Classic.
Of course, Brandon Curry is a former Mr. Olympia champion and also placed second at the Olympia 2021. He’s seen constant improvements each year with hardly any setbacks. So Johnnie O. Jackson still gives the tip of first place to Curry at this moment. But the beauty of a live competition is that anything can happen – and the truth is that these two competitors are going to have a battle for the ages.
Akim Williams, Brett Wilkin, and Steve Kuclo To Likely Round Out The Top 5
Beyond the top two placing, Johnnie O. Jackson predicts that Akim Williams will likely rise up to earn third place in the competition. Williams has had an explosive couple few years bringing him into the conversation of threats for both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia. With the current lineup as it stands – Jackson sees a clear path to third place for Williams.
Another notable bodybuilder turning heads is Brett Wilkin. A relative rookie in the sport, he has been shocking fans and experts alike with his physique updates. Based on what he’s seen, Johnnie O. Jackson believes that Wilkin can earn a solid fourth place spot. This nothing to slouch at – as it will put him truly in the spotlight for the rest of the season. He has some impressive potential to possibly be a future champion one day.
And bringing up the rear of the top five is Steve Kuclo. Kuclo has been a consistent and solid competitor over his entire career. His recent placings in 2021 seem to indicate that he can bring a powerful package to the Arnold Classic 2022.
Wrap Up
Johnnie O. Jackson goes into more detail about each competitor than we can cover here in this article. That’s why you should make sure to watch or listen to the full episode of Hardcore Truth above. Do you agree with Jackson’s predictions? Let us know by leaving your thoughts in the comments of the video or on our social channels!
