Ronnie Coleman had high praise for the current 212 Olympia champion.
Keone Pearson has been climbing the ranks in bodybuilding during his career and catching the attention of many. This includes bodybuilding legend and 8x Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman. During a recent interview, Coleman praised Pearson and predicted that he will one day win a Mr. Olympia title.
[RELATED: Martin Fitzwater Calls Keone Pearson “Greatest 212 Of All-Time”]
The jump from 212 to Men’s Open has been common over the years and if Pearson decides to make the jump, Coleman believes he will one day be Mr. Olympia.
“He’ll win it. He will win it for sure. That’s how confident I am in him and I’m pretty sure he’s that confident in himself.”
Pearson has emerged as a star in bodybuilding in a short amount of time. His pro career, beginning in 2016, started in Classic Physique before making the move to 212. He spent a few years in the division before going head-to-head and defeating Shaun Clarida. Pearson is now the new face of the 212 division after winning back-to-back Olympia titles.
Will Keone Pearson Make The Switch To Men’s Open?
Keone Pearson has officially taken over the 212 division and his goal moving forward is to perfect his physique in the division first. He recently hit a workout with Martin Fitzwater and the two discussed the possibility of Pearson competing in Open.
“I’m trying to focus on that and try to max out, not trying to go straight to the Open division. I still have a lot of improvements to make before I battle with you guys. When I get up there, I’ll be ready.”
Pearson is coming off two consecutive Olympia titles and is looking to three-peat here in 2025. That will be his main focus as he will not be competing otherwise.
“Just Olympia this year. I have so much travel going on this year. I won’t really have time to compete, I want to focus on creating distance in 212.”
Derek Lunsford won his first 212 Olympia title in 2021 before making the big jump to Men’s Open. Two years later, Lunsford became the first bodybuilder to win an Olympia title in two divisions, being crowned the 2023 Mr. Olympia. If Pearson is next in line, it will not be soon as he claims to have work to do before making the jump. When Pearson eventually does make the jump, it will be a sight to see for bodybuilding fans.
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