NEW-LOOK BIG TONE READY FOR VEGAS COMP

By Robert Balajadia

Anthony ‘Big Tone’ Salas has not competed in a power lifting competition in over a year. Guam’s strongest man, like the rest of the world, was tied down by COVID-19 restrictions, but March 2021 has presented Big Tone with his biggest opportunity yet as he sets off to Las Vegas to compete in the FQ Classic on March 27th, which also happens to be Salas’s birthday!

Salas departs Monday morning and will spend the week cutting weight to compete at 275 lbs. Only this time, Salas is walking around at 282 lbs., which is a completely new feat for Salas who would normally have to cut 20-30 lbs. during competition week.

His new look on a leaner regiment started in 2021 when he officially decided to compete again, cutting out fast food and his normal vices that kept him in the 300 lb. range. That, and catching COVID last August made him realize the importance of living a healthier, and lighter, lifestyle.

“At 308 lbs. I squatted 700 at my last meet. I’m hoping to get the same this meet but at a different weight class. I know 30 lbs. is a big weight cut, but with my coach (Team JQux), he was able to keep me strong and help me maintain this whole prep,” said Salas.

This version of ‘Big Tone’ might be a little smaller than usual, but the power is still there. Tone has been hitting the gym regularly, training five days a week, hitting outrages numbers like 672 lb. dead lift and 640 lb. squats for just the prep phase!

“I still feel super dominant at this weight class, but I don’t feel that my 500 lb. bench is there. I feel that I have 290-285, but my squats and deadlift have been phenomenal this prep so I feel really good,” said Big Tone.

Salas has well documented his training on his Instagram account (@bigtone88) during his prep and he’s more excited than ever to compete in his new weight class!

“After catching COVID I said I swore I was going to retire. Knowing that I’m feeling good and prepping for a meet after a whole year of being out, it all feels good. I want to represent Guam again and I’m ready,” said Salas.