Dennis James and Milos Sarcev talk about whether Tonio Burton can beat Nick Walker at the 2024 New York Pro

The 2024 New York Pro is coming up and two Open class champions are getting ready to do battle. In a recent YouTube video, Dennis James and Milos Sarcev debated whether Tonio Burton can beat Nick Walker on May 18. It's been an unusual season for "The Mutant," who was forced to withdraw from the 2023 Olympia competition due to a devastating calf and hamstring tear. After winning the New York Pro title in 2021, Walker envisioned himself becoming a two-time champion before stepping under the spotlight.

To ensure his place on the sport's biggest stage, Walker announced his participation in the 2024 New York Pro. Known for its prestige, reigning 2023 titleholder Tonio Burton will also be fighting for gold at the New York Pro. He recently finished second to Rafael Brandao at the Arnold Classic South America. But also heading there are our Czech competitors, such as Josef Květoň, who took a beautiful third place last year, as well as Milan Šádek, who is looking to show his best form. Fans are ready for another battle, and so bodybuilding veterans Dennis James, Milos Sarčev and Chris Cormier discuss the favourites heading to New York.

Dennis James, Milos Sarcev talk about the "Freaky Jacked" Nick Walker vs. Tonio Burton fight at the 2024 New York Pro

Milos Sarchev says it's "hard to imagine" Tonio Burton beating Walker in a few weeks.

"It's hard to imagine. Let's put it this way, we're talking about Nick Walker. Nick is coming with a vengeance, he wants to win the Olympia, he's pumped up right now. Tonio can't beat him pose for pose, muscle for muscle on monstrous size and all that shit."

While it seems unlikely, Sarcev believes it's possible Burton will win.

"He's already said even he can be close or better, he's in better shape, now he has to create the illusion and work on every pose. He has to analyse Nick's front 'double biceps'. Nick's 'lat spread' or Nick's 'side chest', what he'll do when comparing on the boards. I think he has to fine-tune it in every detail in front of the mirror, fine-tune it and it will be a real battle," Milos Sarchev shares his experience.

"Can he beat Nick? Yes, it's possible," Sarchev says.

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Příspěvek sdílený Nick "the Mutant" Walker (@nick_walker39)

As for Dennis James, he says it's "almost impossible" for Walker to lose in New York. He clarified that Burton could only win if "Nick screws up and loses his seat".

"I'll give my honest opinion, I think it's going to be almost impossible to beat Nick Walker at the New York Pro. I'll explain why: I say almost impossible because the chance that Tonio has is that Nick screws up and comes out on top. That will be the only chance at this point. I say that with all due respect because you're in shape (Tonio)."

Although Dennis James gave Burton credit for his form, he can't ignore Walker's fitness level and monstrous physique.

"Yes, you have better form, but so do a lot of other people who can't beat him. It's downright because he's got the conditioning and he's got that huge muscle mass, so he's going to roll over you if you were 260 pounds, his size... then you have a much better chance. Because he's gonna beat you anyway. That's what we always talk about. Sometimes less symmetry, but granite fitness and monster body parts, that's just what people like to see."

"That's exactly what I think, but here's what I think is going to happen to you, it's going to be closer than a lot of people think," Dennis James adds.