Shawn Ray Says Nick Walker ‘Must Be 100%’ to Beat Quinton Eriya’s ‘X-Factor’ at New York Pro 2024 – Fitness Volt

Fan anticipation continues to build around Steve Weinberger’s 2024 New York Pro ahead of the May 18 showdown. In a recent Voice of Bodybuilding podcast, Bob Cicherillo and Shawn Ray discussed the strengths and weaknesses of favorites Nick Walker and Quinton Eriya.

With some of the biggest weapons in the IFBB Pro League, Nick Walker remains one of the most talked-about athletes in the world. After capturing a New York Pro title in 2021, ‘The Mutant’ plans to go 2-0 when he takes on the Open lineup in a few weeks.

Walker’s freak factor and muscle volume rank third on the Mr. Olympia stage and its powerful weapons. In his last showing, he narrowly finished second behind Samson Dauda at the 2023 Arnold Classic. Although he planned to dominate the 2023 Olympia, he was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a career-altering hamstring and calf tear.

Quinton Eriya was also on fire in 2022, posting impressive performances at the Tampa Pro (3rd) and Texas Pro (5th). He took the entire 2023 season off to build his physique and add a significant amount of muscle to his tall frame. His eyes are now set on the impending 2024 New York Pro, where he will meet his teammate Walker on the podium.

Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo Say Quinton Eriya Has a ‘Legitimate Chance’ to Beat Nick Walker at the 2024 New York Pro

According to Bob Cicherillo, Quinton Eriya reminds him of an early Paul Dillett.

“Quinton Eriya, man, not only is this guy big, but he’s very put together, he reminds me of an early Paul Dillett with his genetics. I think he’s made enough progress and has a legitimate chance to take down Nick Walker, says Bob Cicherillo.

Shawn Ray suggests Quinton Eriya could become a rare talent thanks to his height, shape and structure.

‘There’s always one right, every now and then someone gets thrown into the mix and you’re holy crap. For example, where did Dorian come from in 1990 or 91 when he arrived in Olympia? Every now and then a stray cat throws a wrench in it.”

Given that Nick Walker is recovering from injury, Ray suspects the Open star has had to train with caution.

‘Nick doesn’t take his foot off the accelerator. Listen, he’s heard all the criticism. He saw how vulnerable he was at the top when he got injured, having to sit there in a wheelchair and watch the Olympia, go to the Arnold Classic, a show he won before, and watch it go down. You regularly miss what you once did. He probably still trains with great caution for a very good reason. You don’t want to injure that leg.”

Ray made it clear that if Walker were to put his season in cruise control, a contender like Eriya would be his potential Mr. Could spoil Olympia plans.

“If he takes his foot off the gas and puts that thing on cruise control, someone like Quinton could come in and that would be an eye-opener, it would be a slap in the face because you can’t cruise to these shows. because you have to train for the unknown.”

With form and ‘x-factor’ on his side, if Eriya maintains his fitness, Shawn Ray believes Walker could be in trouble on stage.

“This man is the X factor. When he comes in conditioned, forget the form, he has the form, he actually has better form. If he gets in shape it will cause problems for Nick, regardless of what he has done in the past,” Ray added. “Nick has to be 100 percent, they judge the show on the day and not on anyone’s potential.”

Although legs have never been a weak point for Walker, Ray still has questions about his training intensity in light of the previous injuries he suffered.

“We are dealing with an injured Nick who has to mask, work around and treat an injury so serious that it cost him a year at the Olympia. So is Nick training harder than before the injury? Time will tell. Legs were not his weak point.

But if this guy knows that he can really be a topic of conversation if he can take this guy to a show, then that’s so important because they increased the prize money. The New York Pro has always been a very important show on the road to Olympia.”

Ray also called for off-stage finishers to receive more prize money at Pro shows.

“If fifth place costs $1,000, I can personally find a guest position job for $3,000 and not have to get in shape or take the abuse. “I think our federation needs to stop looking at the winner’s prize money and start taking care of the guys who are in the lower places so they have a chance to survive in this sport of Pro bodybuilding.”

Even though Nick Walker has yet to qualify for the biggest show of the year, public support behind him continues to grow. Lately, bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has been backing Walker to ‘possibly’ win the Mr. Olympia 2024 to win.

Other bodybuilding veterans like coach Chris Aceto have analyzed the upcoming battle between Walker and Eriya. Aceto claims that Walker’s size will help him neutralize many of Quinton Eriya’s strongest poses on stage.

The 2024 New York Pro promises to be one of the most exciting competitions of the year. Whoever emerges victorious will have significant momentum heading into this year’s Olympia show, which takes place October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Walker will also show off his physique during a special guest posing event at the upcoming Pittsburgh Pro on May 10.

Watch the full video from the Voice of Bodybuilding YouTube channel below:

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