Dexter “The Blade” Jackson went some way toward restoring the sagging image of the many world-class pro bodybuilders who have had below par guest posing exhibitions in Barbados.
Jackson was not A Class by any means but he earned a passing grade for his solid performance at the Darcy Beckles Invitational Classic at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, over the weekend.
I gave him a seven on a scale of ten, largely for his captivating personality and determination to save the day for promoter Roger Boyce, after the unavailability at the 11th hour of Miss Olympia Iris Kyle, who was originally booked to be the guest poser.
Jackson filled the void admirably, showcasing his 22-inch arms, and huge quads for an audience that included new Caribbean men’s physique overall winner, Ramon Dodson and former Caribbean lightweight king Marlon Hinds.
“Roger called me at the last minute and I came for you guys and gave it my best shot.
“If you give me a seven on a scale of ten, I am happy with that,” he said.
Jackson has partially made up for the painful reminder of last year when Shawn “The Flexatron” Rhoden was a major disappointment.
This country has a history of being let down by world-class pros. One of our very own, Charles Clairmonte, who was born here, guest posed at the 1994 Bernard Sealy Classic and was smoother than a Perry Como ballad. Others such as Olympia empress Lenda Murray, three-time Miss International Laura Creavalle, were off the mark as well at the Bernard Sealy Classic.
Boyce has had it tough too with the Darcy Beckles Classic. Joel Stubbs, Leo Ingram and Darrem Charles, have all failed to impress.
The only pro to have given a truly quality performance here was Sharon Marvel, who gave a breath-taking performance at the 1991 Bernard Sealy Classic, rocking the George Street Auditorium with 142 pounds of ripped muscle. Marvel was just four weeks away from competing at the Jan Tana Classic and came in the shape befitting a top-class pro.
Timing is everything and Boyce surely will have to look at having his show two weeks earlier to get the pros right after the European Grand Prix tour that follows the Olympia.
On the contest stage, congrats must go out to Dario Bryan for his impressive capture of the open contest that preceded the Classic. Bryan, 23, and second-placed finisher Dave Archer (28), are among the best of the young brigade and must be given encouragement.
Archer is improving all the time and can make waves in the future while Bryan has the potential to be a future Barbados champion. It is important that these two and the likes of Ramon Broomes, who had to miss out because of illness, step up to the plate and take over the sport.
Hoskyn Worrell, winner of the invitational classic, following his Mr Barbados triumph, and victory on the regional front, has had a marvellous season, but he is 49 and nearing the end of a fine career.
He was not at his best over the weekend and had to pull out all the stops to beat the 6 ft, 2 in, Vincentian Garwin Phillips and the imposing Dorell Coulthrust.
“I am coming back next year. As long as I have breath, I am coming back. It’s been a great year, I can’t complain,” he said.
