One was too early, the other was too late. When Lebanon’s Ahmad Haidar competed in the IFBB Pro League from 1998–2009, there were no 212 or classic physique divisions. Had he been born a decade later, he undoubtedly would’ve won 212 or classic shows. Instead, he fended off Goliaths in the open class, where he placed second twice and flexed in four Mr. Olympias. On the other hand, Sami Al Haddad, of Bahrain, has competed exclusively in the 212, but he was late to the party. Despite dominating annually as an amateur, he didn’t go pro until 2012, when, at 39, he trounced the top contenders while placing second to Flex Lewis twice. Since then, he’s won three 212 shows, but his stellar rookie year leaves us to wonder what could’ve been if he were 29 when he first faced Flex.
AL HADDAD vs. HAIDAR
as of November 2017
PRO WINS: Al Haddad: 3VS. Haidar: 0
YEARS AS PRO: Al Haddad: 6VS. Haidar: 10
PRO CONTESTS: Al Haddad: 14VS. Haidar: 30
WEIGHT: Al Haddad: 212VS. Haidar: 215
HEIGHT: Al Haddad: 5'6"VS. Haidar: 5'6"
BEST POSE: Al Haddad: Front Lat SpreadVS. Haidar: Abs and Thighs
WORST POST: Al Haddad: Rear Lat SpreadVS. Haidar: Rear Double Biceps
STRENGTHS: Al Haddad: Arms, Chest, QuadsVS. Haidar: Abs, Symmetry
WEAKNESSES: Al Haddad: Back, HamstringsVS. Haidar: Hamstrings, Triceps
