Jose Raymond – High Stakes at the Sheru Classic
This certainly has been 
a key year for IFBB Pro Jose Raymond, with victories at the NY and Toronto Pro contests.The Boston Mass has been dazzling bodybuilding fans for over twenty years. Initially, he scored high marks as a natural phenom, qualifying for IFBB Pro status four times in three different weight classes. He was also the first ever welterweight to win the overall at the NPC Team Universe. It was at Team U that he competed against the likes of National Champion Skip LaCour and IFBB Pro Jeff Willet, two icons with fond memories of him and those now classic battles.
When Raymond finally accepted his IFBB Pro status, he took his physique to the next level, competing in the 202 class. He won his first contest (the Pro Bodybuilding Weekly) in his second year on the Pro Circuit. He'd go on to win other key titles, including the NY Pro, which he'd also win in the new 212 class earlier this year.
But despite his 20-plus years on the bodybuilding stage, Raymond is often written off as "the Branch Warren of the 212/202." To some it's a badge of honor, meanwhile to others it's no more than pigeon-holing an otherwise promising contender.
Jose, like many other popular bodybuilders, is often attacked on the message boards and shown very little love by the critics. In this day and age, with the frequency and availability of contest, guest posing, and even training shots, it's all but impossible for a person to be "just a fan." The "keyboard critics" claim that Raymond is too short and blocky, but he's actually towing the line (see heights below); others complain that he's just "too big" and that he lacks separation and cuts.
Eduardo Correa: 5'7”
Jose Raymond: 5'5”
Guy Cisternino: 5'5”
Flex Lewis: 5'5”
David Henry: 5'5”
Tricky Jackson: 5'5”
Kevin English: 5'4”
The established critics’ (those from key sites, magazines, or former competitors turned commentators) main point of contention is that Raymond's major flaws are actually outside of his control (e.g. his genetics). I personally would like to see a smaller, equally ripped version of the Boston Mass – with more attention to cuts and striations than mass appeal. I don't think that this look is out of his control; however, for any successful bodybuilder, at this high level, it can be quite the daunting task to change.
There's no question in my mind that Jose Raymond lacks the heart to be number one, but time is of the essence! The stakes are very high at Sheru, but they continue to be high as 2013 closes out, because 2014 is the year that could be monumental for the famed giant killer.
"I have the utmost respect for Jose Raymond's work ethic, accomplishments, passion, and longevity."
He's a real winner in every sense of the word."
– Skip LaCour
"I met Jose competing with him multiple years at the Team Universe. He is a great competitor, always in outstanding condition but most of all what I remember is he is a nice guy, respectful to all fellow athletes."
– IFBB Pro Jeff Willet
Jeff Willet's Powerhouse Gym, Owner
Jose Raymond is a phenomenal athlete and a gifted guru. Gurus are increasingly important for the success of their clients, they often direct them regarding diet, supplements, and drug regimens, but there's something they should include (which Raymond badly needs): A How-To on public relations. Take PR geniuses like IFBB Pro Andy Haman, IFBB Pro Dana Linn Bailey, or NPC Mr. California Rich Piana. These people know the value of Popular.
They take time to study and implement the latest hairstyles and clothing trends. And they've perfected how to brush off awkward questions meanwhile celebrate positive ones. They never, ever engage in self-deprecation!
How many times – just during this Olympia – did Raymond make asides about his physique or his potential (e.g. “I'm may not be the prettiest thing to look at, not the tallest…”)? He even set himself up for ribbing by Bob Cicherillo.
It's not a flaw per se, because I get what Raymond is trying to battle – he doesn't want to be the cocky, self-centered bodybuilder belittled by the MUSCLEHEDZ® cartoons or the Planet Fitness commercials run ad nauseam on television and online. But there's a huge difference between humility and low self confidence. With Raymond, it reads as the latter, not the former.
Heck, even Jay Cutler changed his hairstyle when he won in 2006. I'm not suggesting Raymond go blonde or appear in a shredded t-shirt, but do something. Mix it up. Smile, laugh – but not at yourself! And quit going to the message boards – most of those people are buffoons!
Satisfy your contractual obligations and, if need be, post replies to questions and then log off. Part of PR overall requires receiving and projecting as much positive energy as possible. When Raymond starts acting and feeling like a champion, he will be that much closer.
Take Flex Lewis or Jay Cutler or Phil Heath – they're confident and they're happy – but it never comes off as forced. Kai Greene is quiet (now), but it's clearly not him – he’s playing a part (and badly, might I add). Dexter Jackson fidgets with his name card and is a man of few words, but he too HATES being underrated and overlooked.
There are athletes (and artists, from painters to rock stars) who dismiss the critics as being insignificant – “They don’t write or perform or pose for the critics, so forget the critics!” That’s nice and all, but it's bullshit just as well! Every artist, every athlete, every bodybuilder YEARNS to be recognized. What athlete wouldn't want to be the favorite to win? Or even, the favorite to be Top 3?
The stakes are high at the Sheru Classic because it could mark the beginning of the reign of a brand new Boston Mass. It would be splendid for Raymond to defeat David Henry and become the true number one contender for the 212 Olympia, but even that is secondary. The true test will be, can Jose Raymond truly reinvent himself, change his mindset, and then with renewed spirits take it all in 2014?
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