2008 IFBB Arnold Classic Preview: Dexter Jackson
"I did not agree with it. Pictures don't lie. I was in much better condition than he was. The fact that it was a unanimous decision still puzzles me, because it indicates that his win was clear-cut without a question."
- Dexter Jackson on Victor Martinez' win at the 2007 IFBB Arnold Classic.
After winning the 2005 and the 2006 IFBB Arnold Classic competition by bringing his classic aesthetic physique, it is believed that Dexter Jackson was robbed last year by Victor Martinez. Victor brought an impressive package with hardness, fullness and size, but the Arnold is NOT the Olympia.
Conditioning Vs. Mass
The Arnold has traditionally placed a higher weighting on conditioning than it did on mass and sheer size, unlike the IFBB Mr. Olympia competition (where Dexter placed 3rd and Victor placed 2nd). This year, Dexter intends to take what he feels is rightfully his.
In 2005, Dexter beat Chris Cormier, who was about 30 lbs. heavier. In 2006, Dexter beat Branch Warren, who was about 20 lbs. heavier. As you can see, there was a pattern here; conditioning beat out mass.
Last year, that pattern was skewed. DJ is known in the bodybuilding circle as "The Blade" or "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle" because even in the off-season, he has an 8 pack and striations.
It's been said that Dexter actually eats coming INTO his competitions, rather than dieting down. He also goes easy on the cardio because of his extremely fast metabolism. Dexter, though one of the smaller competitors, brings the perfect combination of size and conditioning every time.
Many have claimed that Dexter's physique is "static" in that he brings the same package each year. But the way many see it, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" Dexter's placings have consistently improved because bodybuilding is slowly moving away from the "Freak-a-zoid" look, and moving more towards the aesthetic physiques like those of Dennis Wolfe, Darrem Charles and Dexter Jackson.
In this month's Flex magazine, George De Pirro claims that Dexter "(who) is the most consistent of all current IFBB Pros, knows that a third victory in Columbus, Ohio should spur his dazzling career to its zenith." This would mean bodybuilding as a sport could grow by leaps and bounds because every year, the Arnold grows bigger and bigger in terms of attendance, popularity and importance. So eventually, a 1st place finish at the Arnold could mean a 1st place finish at the Olympia...
A Body That Flows
Dexter Jackson has a body that "flows"; his physique is the epitome of completeness. His muscles and lines flow with elegance and sophistication in an era that rewards bulging bellies and watery backsides. Dexter has some of the tightest and driest glutes and hams this sport will ever see. He also has deep quads and, of course, those unbelievable abs.
If one REALLY wants to find fault in his physique, one could claim that his lats insert a little too high up, thus decreasing his back's fullness. He also has relatively small calves. That's pretty much it though. If Dexter tries to come in bigger, it might take away from his conditioning, but if he comes in any smaller, there's no way he'll be able to stand up there with the big boys.
This will definitely be a battle for the ages. Dexter Jackson is determined to get his title back, and complete his hat-trick of wins at the Arnold. "The Blade" is a force to be reckoned with... don't get slashed.
