JUSTIN RODRIGUEZ & TONIO BURTON TAKE THE TOP SPOTS! ONTO THE OLYMPIA!
by Ron Harris
The season opener for Open and 212 Pro bodybuilding is in the books, and it was a day full of surprises and upsets
It kicked off with the 212 men. John Jewett, who has placed as high as fourth at the Olympia, was the favorite going in, and I honestly would’ve had no problem with him winning. But the victory went to a rookie from Nevada, Tonio Burton, making his pro debut here. Tonio was round and full, with a wide back and shoulders and a tiny waist. Runner-up was Nathan Epler from right here in Indiana, also taking the stage for the first time as a pro. Nathan has beautiful shape and symmetry and his condition was insane. Jewett was third, while yet another newcomer, Bryan Balzano, took fourth. Rounding out the top five was former Indy Pro 212 champ Noel Adame, who to my eyes should’ve been fighting for the win. He’s packed head to toe with thick, dense muscle, and he was s