Supermatches-shouldn't be weight limited

[Bruce Urabe]

Now it could just be me, but I think if you want to arm wrestle someone especially if they aren't known for being in your weight class that they shouldn't have to come down to your weight nor should you have to gain weight. basically...you are challenging them and them only. why not you both come in the best shape you could come regardless of weight.

say two guys who are normally in the same class...lets just say the 165's. the weight difference between the two wouldn't be that different in anyone's favor that i think it would matter.

and if two guys in diffeent weight classes say a 165 and a 198. the 198 guy shouldn't be forced to drop weight to make the 165's. if the 165 guy challenges or accepts a challenge from a 198 he agrees to challenge a 198 guy...not a 165 guy. same vice versa of course. i don't like the i can beat so and so if they lost 30lbs and was in my class. what if they naturally aren't anywhere near that small?

me personally rather challenge someone at there best and rather win or lose to someone at there best than not. of course this can be agreed upon and usually is, but it seems like to be the only option and i don't think it should be.

[Frank "The PREZ" Hirst]

Not all challenge matches are the same weight. I got challenged this year by a heavy weight.It best of 5. He weighed in at 410 lbs. I was 220.

[Bruce Urabe]

true there are matches like that, but not many unless they are in a bar or at a tournament already and is on the fly kind of challenge. but when say...like john's trips to europe for supermatches. he had to lose weight to get down to rustam's weight. to me unless the heavier guy wants to lose the weight he shouldn't have to.

[Johnny Edwards]

Thats different though Bruce, that was for that weight classes title. You have to actual weigh that amount to hold that title.

[Pete & Tim]

John doesn't have to lose weight. He chooses to lose the weight. I'm sure John is capable of saying NO.

[Johnny Edwards]

But just for a regular ole challenge match I agree with you. Healthiest weight your the strongest at.

[Bruce Urabe]

yeah i figured that was the case with john's one, but i was just trying to use it as an example. i just remembered seeing a couple challenge posts sayin they would pull, but they were asking what weight they should be.

of course john would say no if he didn't want to. john just really loves the challenge and doesn't care if he wins or loses.

[Josh Handeland]

I say it depends on the circumstances. For example, if John Brzenk were going to have a supermatch with Travis Bagent he wouldn't want/tell Travis to get down to 220 lbs. because Travis would lose a lot getting that low (plus 60 lbs. is a ridiculous amount to lose) and it would be a good match if they went with no weight limit. Lets take another example, if say Chris Chandler were going to have a supermatch with Brzenk it would make sense if Chris wanted a 198 lbs. weight limit because John would be the favorite anyways. Makes sense to me anyways.

Also as mentioned above, neither puller is forced to accept the supermatch, if they don't like the conditions they can refuse or propose different ones.

[Travis Berggren]

I think it should be up to the pullers in the supermach to agree to terms, unless like said earlier, for a title then if a heavier puller wants the title then he would need to cut the weight

[CHRISTIAN BINNIE]

John and Rustam never pulled, it was cancelled...But if John or anyone else agrees to a specific weight to pull, then who even has to lose or gain does, IF they have to....

[Justin Kaufman]

I would think if you weren't confident you could win, you shouldn't call someone out that is a lot heavier and expect them to lose to pull you!! Either that or only challenge someone close to your weight and pull at their respected walking around weight.

[jamesretarides]

I agree with some on here, it is up to the heavier competitor. You don't have to accept just because you are challenged. There is not cut or dry answer to the question. Some pullers don't mind trimming the weight others do.

[Neil Pickup]

Hi Bruce

Challenges matches are very different to what John has been competing in when he pulls in Europe mate. They are actually title matches under a six round Pro format thats all, they are not Challenge matches as neither athlete Challenges the other one specifically.

The matches are actually selected by the organization responsible for that event ie. International Armwrestling Super Series, P.A.L., ARM WARS International, whoever before the athletes are approached and the specifics of the match agreed.

As far as I was aware "Challenge Matches can be specified however the individuals involved like, ie. weight, duration, rules......etc. they are an entirely different animal.

Take it easy mate

Neil