Shawn Ray speaks bluntly about Samson Dauda's form: "I don't see any improvement!"

Samson Dauda, nicknamed the “Nigerian Lion,” is one of the top contenders for the Sandow Trophy thanks to his massive size and incredible physique. Expectations from fans and experts alike are sky-high. However, bodybuilding veteran Shawn Ray has a rather strong opinion about his final phase of preparation for this year’s Olympia.

In a recent media appearance, Ray pointed out that while Dauda possesses breathtaking muscle mass and aesthetics, he consistently struggles to achieve peak conditioning. He lacks that proverbial “granite-like hardness” and deep separation that sets the winner apart from the rest of the field on stage.

Genetics and bulk aren’t enough to win

“When I look at his latest updates and compare them to previous years, I simply don’t see the necessary progress,” Raysaid bluntly.

According to the legend from the 1990s, Dauda may be relying too heavily on his amazing physique, while his main rivals—such as reigning champion Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker—are constantly pushing the boundaries of their preparation.

On the Olympia stage, it’s not enough to be “just” huge and symmetrical. In recent years, the judges have clearly favored extreme leanness (conditioning). If Samson Dauda doesn’t show up with a deep cut and reveal definition on the back of his thighs and glutes, the title will once again slip through his fingers, according to Ray. Whether Ray’s words are justified criticism or just pre-competition mind games will become clear in a few weeks in Las Vegas. But the pressure on Dauda is extreme right now!

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