Jackson Bests Cutler in Show of Strength

Reported November 9, 2003

Jackson Bests Cutler in Show of Strength

Dexter Jackson, who finished third–one slot behind Jay Cutler–at the 2003 Mr. Olympia two weeks earlier, got revenge on The Ultimate Beef by nabbing the $100,000 grand prize at the GNC Show of Strength held in Atlanta, Georgia on November 8. Ronnie Coleman, who won his sixth consecutive ‘Olympia crown this year and who was upset by Gunter Schlierkamp at the Show of Strength last season, did not compete.

The 5’6 1/2″ Jackson, who said he weighed in the “220-225″ range for the ‘Olympia, narrowly won all four rounds in scoring the victory over the 5’9”, 260-pound Cutler. Cutler had competed in three Grand Prix events the previous weekend in Russia, England and Holland, while Jackson stayed home in Jacksonville, Florida, to concentrate on the Atlanta battle.

The show marked the end of a great year for Cutler, and an awfully good one for Jackson. Cutler entered eight contests, and won five of them. He placed second in the other three, and racked up $275,000 in prize money for the current season. Jackson finished fourth at the Arnold Classic, third at the San Francisco Grand Prix and third at the ‘Olympia prior to his second’and biggest’win as a pro to date. He won the England Grand Prix in 2002 for his initial pro victory.

2003 GNC Show of Strength
November 8, 2003

1) Dexter Jackson*
2) Jay Cutler*
3) Kevin Levrone*
4) Dennis James
5) G’nter Schlierkamp
6) Darrem Charles
7) Chris Cormier
8) Melvin Anthony
9) Toney Freeman
10) Johnnie Jackson
11) George Farah
12) Rodney St. Cloud
13) Aaron Maddron
14) Stan McCrary
15) Claude Groulx
*Qualifies for 2004 Olympia