At the end of Rocky, a banged-up Apollo Creed muttered something about, "There ain't going to be no rematch." Well, if you notice, "ain't no" is a double negative, meaning there was going to be a rematch. If you saw Rocky II you know what I'm saying. Well, rematches are like that. You think you may not want one, or that another shot at a title might be impossible, but the universe has a strange way of making things happen. Things such as rematches.
Case in point: at the 2006 NPC Junior Nationals, Ben White won the heavyweight class and Evan Centopani won the super heavyweight class. When they faced each other in the posedown for the overall, Evan came out victorious. This was a very hard pill for the "Show Stoppa" to swallow. I know he has harbored that bad taste in his mouth for years hoping to find a venue to face off against Evan once again and come out on top. Well, that time has finally come!
About three seconds after this photo was taken, Ben asked Evan when he was going to compete again. Evan answered in his usual friendly way, "Next year at the Arnold." Ben asked him to confirm that idea and Evan said it again, "The 2011 Arnold Classic."
"You sure?" Ben asked. And Evan once again replied affirmatively. Then Ben said, "Me too! If you're doing that show then so am I."
There you have it! The showdown Ben has been waiting for! We always knew that, as pros, both men would face each other again, but now the date has been set and it is on! The 2011 Arnold Classic is already shaping up to be an incredible show even before the 2010 version has been played out. I may not know what is going to happen at the finals tomorrow night, but I know what's happening on Monday. Ben White is going home to Albany and he is pasting a picture of Evan on his mirror. The Show Stoppa has his sights set and he heading to the bison ranch to stock up. Ben is on a mission. I just hope Evan takes him seriously. If he does, and I'm pretty sure he will, this little challenge is going to ensure that next year's show is going to have some drama!