{"id":24386,"date":"2026-07-10T01:49:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T01:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=24386"},"modified":"2026-07-10T01:49:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T01:49:02","slug":"shawn-ray-and-bob-cicherillo-explain-why-nick-walker-should-dominate-the-2026-tampa-pro-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=24386","title":{"rendered":"Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo Explain Why Nick Walker Should Dominate the 2026 Tampa Pro \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Anticipation around Nick Walker\u2019s upcoming show is ramping up quickly. In a YouTube video from July 8, 2026, Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo discussed his chances at the Tampa Pro, highlighting that the contest shouldn\u2019t be close.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The elusive Sandow trophy has become the final boss for Nick Walker<\/a>. In 2025, he fell short of expectations, missed the mark, and settled for sixth place. This was the lowest Olympia finish of his career, which left many unsure of his future. However, Walker redeemed himself at the 2026 Arnold Classic<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He pushed Chinedu Andrew \u201cJacked\u201d Obiekea<\/a> and secured second place. Walker considered the performance a win in itself since it was the first time he defeated Hadi Choopan<\/a>. For a moment, it looked like Walker might take time off, but he announced his Tampa Pro entry<\/a>, as he aims to once again grace the Olympia stage this September.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt Shouldn\u2019t Be Close\u201d \u2014 Shawn Ray, Bob Cicherillo on Nick Walker at the 2026 Tampa Pro\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the latest Voice of Bodybuilding<\/em> episode, Cicherillo gave credit to Walker for maintaining his conditioning year-round. He believes this is the single-best thing Walker can do because it keeps his waist tighter, which has been one of his biggest criticisms.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Get Fitter, Faster<\/em><\/h3>\n

Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cI got to give credit where it\u2019s due because he\u2019s taken a lot of flak this year, but you know he\u2019s done probably the smartest thing he could possibly do. He\u2019s been lean all year, since the beginning.<\/p>\n

He never got out of shape. It looks like he\u2019s been maintaining pretty damn good conditioning, and that\u2019s the best thing a guy like Nick can do because it will keep that waist as small as he can possibly keep it. The smaller his waist looks, bro, the better a bodybuilder he\u2019s going to look,\u201d said<\/a> Bob Cicherillo.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

According to Shawn Ray, the Tampa Pro shouldn\u2019t be close given Walker\u2019s credentials in the Men\u2019s Open class.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHe\u2019s had the time to make the corrections. He\u2019s going to be in a lineup that he should win. On paper, these guys shouldn\u2019t be able to stand next to him. It shouldn\u2019t be close. He should win this running away, and he shouldn\u2019t take it lightly,\u201d adds Ray.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Though he favors Walker\u2019s chances in Tampa, Cicherillo pointed out that his blockiness and lack of quad sweeps are weaknesses that need addressing:\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cKudos to Nick, like I said, I think he\u2019s got the right path in terms of keeping lean. Is that going to result in a better physique? We\u2019re going to see.<\/p>\n

He does have an issue with blockiness, the way he\u2019s structured, but he doesn\u2019t have a whole lot of sweep to his legs either. He\u2019s not old by any stretch in terms of bodybuilding, but his front shots, there\u2019s no sweeps on his legs. From the back, he looks like a whole different person.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Ray and Cicherillo aren\u2019t the only bodybuilders suggesting that the Tampa Pro shouldn\u2019t be close. \u201cThe Real Deal,\u201d Chris Cormier recently broke down the event. He argued that Walker\u2019s muscle density and hardness put him \u2018lightyears\u2019 ahead of the Tampa lineup<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Walker isn\u2019t short on confidence as he aims to qualify for the Mr. Olympia. The 2026 Tampa Pro takes place from July 30 to August 1 in Tampa, Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong>\u00a0Nick Walker Scaling Back \u2018Drastic Cardio\u2019 for 2026 Tampa Pro, Says He Feels Better Than Most Preps<\/a><\/p>\n

Watch the full video from the VOB Media YouTube channel below:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n