We caught our first glimpse at some of names hoping to make their mark this weekend at the 2008 NPC USA Bodybuilding and Figure Championships when they took to the Embassy Suites for official weigh-ins. Early impressions, from the light heavies and up:
Light heavyweight Brandon Ray, who won the light heavies at the 2007 Junior Nationals, has been working with Dexter Jackson and is in great condition. Ray weighed in at 186 pounds though so, while it could be enough to take the light heavies, he could have problems in the hunt for the overall.
Heavyweight Michael Liberatore, the heavyweight winner at the Junior Nationals in June, is conditioned as usual. Quads look good. Back could hurt him in this class as could chest thickness, particularly because …
Brandon Curry is in the best condition he’s ever been in. Curry weighed in at 220 pounds. If he holds this condition for tomorrow night, it will be tough for anyone to take out Curry, the odds-on precontest favorite here.
Malcolm Marshall could be the surprise of the show. Marshall weighed in at 281 pounds, and his rear lat spread is lights out. He needs to tighter up over the next 24 hours but, if he can, he could be the man to beat in the super heavies.
