Lee Priest was one of the top pro bodybuilders during the 90s. And although he never won an Olympia gold medal, he was always in the top 10 in the open class. His insane muscular density and some of the most well-defined arms in the IFBB Pro League more than made up for his lack of height.
Keone Pearson’s career, on the other hand, peaked in 2023 when he defeated former two-time Olympia champion Shaun Clarida. Last year he won his second Olympia in the 212 class.
Although Lee only competed in the open class, Keone Pearson is certain that his physique would hold up against top 90’s bodybuilders. According to Pearson, Lee Priest, the Australian pro wouldn’t be able to compete with him.
“He Wouldn’t Stand a Chance Against Me”
Pearson was recently questioned in an Instagram video about how Priest would stack up against him on stage, despite the fact that they competed in separate eras.
“If Lee Priest competed nowadays in 212, do you think you’d stand a chance against him?
– No. He won’t stand a chance against me, no. I have a chance, he won’t. No. I’m just better,” said Keone Pearson.
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Like we mentioned, Lee Priest is not your typical bodybuilder. He didn’t win Mr. Olympia or the Arnold Classic, but he put some of the most successful bodybuilders to the test. On stage, he even defeated Ronnie Coleman during his career.
Given that he established himself in the Open with a notable size disparity, Lee Priest is not a big fan of the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding division. He thinks the Men’s Open division should take up all of the 212 category’s rivals and eliminate it from the IFBB Pro League schedule.
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Lee Priest is regarded as one of the most well-liked and well-known athletes to come out of the 1990s, and his contributions to the sport are highly valued. It’s debatable if he would triumph over Keone Pearson on stage.
Pearson, however, is adamant that he is the superior opponent overall and maintains that if they had ever faced off during Priest’s best years, he would have won.
Related:
Lee Priest Talks Returning To Masters Olympia: ‘I Never Rule It Out But At The Moment, No’
Ronnie Coleman Explains Why Many Bodybuilders Today Look Like Non Lifters
