Since the introduction of the Classic Physique division in 2016, Chris Bumstead has made sure to reign the division. Winning the title four times in his career, Bumstead is often thought of as the undisputed king in this category. However, things took a surprising turn recently after IFBB introduced a new rule, allowing all the competitors an extra stage weight of approximately seven pounds. This came as great news for especially the Classic Physique athletes, who were a bit shorter in height. 

One of the bodybuilders who seems to be most excited and happy by this change is bodybuilding veteran Breon Ansley. ‘The Black Swan’ is already a Classic Physique winner twice, winning in 2017 and 2018. However, Bumstead soon got the better of him, securing the title four times after that. At the Mr. Olympia 2022, Ansley said his goodbyes to the division as he announced his commitment to the 212 division. Surprisingly, due to the changed weight restrictions, Ansley announced his return to the division as he hopes to get another title win. 

Breon Ansley’s exciting new announcement

Ansley, who was renowned for his demon back secured a victory twice in the Classic Physique division as Bumstead placed second at both the shows. However, Bumstead made sure to make a statement when he stepped on the stage in 2019. Since then, CBum has not allowed anyone to touch the trophy. As Bumstead is currently preparing for his fifth victory, Tyler Manion, IFBB vice-president, came out with an exciting announcement a short while ago. “We’re going to be upping our Classic Physique weights for the Pros slightly…The lowest height classes will be getting seven additional pounds,” he stated.

Coming across the news, Ansley figured that this might prove to be the chance that he had been looking for so long. Announcing his comeback to the division quite recently, Breon made this announcement via a YouTube video saying, “I’ll be competing in Classic Physique again this year at the Olympia.” But what can be the reason behind this? Let’s take a look.

Ansley explains the logic behind his return 

Explaining the reasoning behind his decision, Ansley stated, “The main reason…given the seven pounds…I feel like than can be an entirely different look for me, and that’ll ultimately be what I need…to get the win.” Continuing further, talking about the new rule, he revealed, “I feel like I can capitalize on that, and I feel like I have the advantage.”

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While Bumstead was one of the bodybuilders who benefited the most from the previous weight-cap rules, this new change has been introduced with the intention of providing a level playing field for all the bodybuilders. While Breon took an off from this category last year due to his frustrations with the weight limit, the new rules surely look pleasing enough for Ansley.

While Breon concluded the video by admitting that it’s still not going to be an easy ride, he assured his viewers that he would give his best in order to win the show. What are your views on Ansley’s return? Let us know in the comments. 

Read More: “My Career Was a Hill in the Shadow of the Mountain That Is Cbum”: Man Who Gifted Chris Bumstead To Bodybuilding Makes a Painful Confession as He Bid Farewell to the Sport