"Derek can beat me, but not this year..." Walker talks about possibly racing Lunsford in the Open

Last week we published an article informing you that Derek Lusford may not be able to compete at the 2022 Olympia 212 Showdown because he won't be able to fit the weight limit. This fact was brought to the attention of President Dan Solomon himself.

"So Derek Lunsford's situation is more unique than any other. First of all, he's the reigning 212 champion. He hasn't even had a chance to step in and defend his 212 title yet, that's the first thing. But then we have the health issue. I'm not saying Derek has a health problem, Derek is very healthy, so let me be clear. Here's why it's a health issue. Derek is not close to 212lb at this point. We've seen it.

Derek is much heavier than 212lb. Then we ask ourselves what his body has to go through to get below 212lbs. That's a legitimate question, right? We all wonder about that.

I talked to his trainer, Hany Rambod. We've all communicated about viability and safety when he got under that weight. So, yes, the Derek Lunsford thing is one we've never encountered.

Our reigning champion may not even be able to compete at 212 because his body has grown at such a feverish pace."

However, things are moving at such a pace that it looks like Derek will get an invite to Mr. Olympia in the Open division. For one thing, Solomon himself has been talking about it, but so has scout Nick Walker, who is already guessing how Lusford might turn out at Olympia.

"I think he'll get an invitation. Look, I see him almost every day, there's no way this guy is racing at 212. He might beat Iain Valliere or William Bonac at Mr. Olympia. He's got good shape, he's got size, but I don't think he's got the size to beat the top five that were there last year.

He's not going to beat me, but he's going to challenge everybody..."

So what do you think about Derek racing in the Open? And do you think he has a chance to make it on the racing podium?