Fulcher back for a shot at pro bodybuilding career
By Seabrook Mow
Special to The Advertiser
Salt Lake's Raoul Fulcher Jr. once stood biceps to biceps with someone who would become one of the world's best bodybuilders, Flex Wheeler.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
That was in 1989 during a Mr. California competition.
Raoul Fulcher Jr. of Salt Lake takes a rest after working on his 58-inch chest and 22-inch arms in preparation for tomorrow's contest.
Both had just won their weight classes: Fulcher, the heavyweight, and Wheeler, the light heavyweight.
The two met in a posedown, knowing that a win would help propel one's career.
Wheeler narrowly beat Fulcher and went on to become a top bodybuilder, with two second-place finishes and one third in the Mr. Olympia competition the past three years.
Fulcher, meanwhile, chose to put his career on hold.
Now, the 5-foot-8, 250-pound Fulcher is back, hoping to muscle his way into the professional ranks.
"Me and him (Wheeler) will settle it on stage again, in about two years. I guarantee, three years max," Fulcher, 37, said.
But Fulcher realizes he can't get too far ahead of himself.
First, he must qualify for a national meet. And to do that, he must win his weight class in Saturday's annual Hawaiian Islands competition.
The event will be held 6:30 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.
"You never know what can happen," Fulcher said. "If someone beats me, then that means I have to go back to the drawing board."
What: 2001 Hawaiian Islands Bodybuilding Championship
When: Tomorrow. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Contest begins at 6:30
Where: Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall
Tickets: All seats reserved. $41, $36, $31, $26, $21
Guest posers: Gunter Schlierkamp, European and World Champion; Victor Martines, 2000 National Overall Winner; Beth Horn, 2000 National Fitness Overall Winner; Daniel Smith, Contortionist; Janel Parrish, Entertainer
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Information: 988-7887
To avoid an upset, Fulcher works out 3-4 hours a day.
"He's the friendliest guy in the world ... just don't interrupt him when he's training," said Jennifer Kubin, 24, of Honolulu and manager at World Gym.
"He's been known to stop the gym by his training, his intensity is always up."
"I'm the kind of guy that when I (weight) train, don't talk to me, it's like being in the zone, but if I'm on the bike (cardio workout) then I'm more relaxed," Fulcher said. "It's like playing four quarters of football, you don't talk to the fans until after the game."
Why would anyone want to bother someone with a 58-inch chest and 22-inch arms — measured when relaxed?
Of course, he didn't start out looking this massive.
Fulcher's interest in bodybuilding started when he was a 140-pound freshman football player at Lakewood High, Calif. The noticeable difference in size and strength of the seniors led Fulcher to weightlifting.
From that point, bodybuilding was part of his life.
But after losing to Wheeler, Fulcher decided to step away from competitive bodybuilding and pursue other goals.
"I learned you don't quit things, you just put it aside for a while," Fulcher said.
He said his prolonged shot at the pros was due to burnout, frustration and mainly not having the financial freedom other competitors had.
Fulcher then opened his own personal training business called Body Most Wanted (BMW). He later joined 24-hour Fitness as a personal trainer/general manager, and five years ago was transferred to Hawai'i as a general manager.
He's since left to start his another personal training business called SWOE (Savior Worship on Everything) Unlimited.
Fulcher's passion to push his body through a daily grind comes from one of his many clients he trains.
He explained how this particular client has no legs, and only one arm, but she trains every day.
"I was like 'wow' that's very humbling, yet inspiring," Fulcher said. "What we take for granted, is what she would do anything to have."
Now, Fulcher is back and hungry.
At the pro level, sponsorships and contracts are waiting for the next Arnold Schwarzenegger. According to Fulcher, pros, such as his friends Chris Comier and Wheeler, sign contracts well within the six-figure range.
"Most guys just want to win the trophy; me, I want that lifestyle so I can provide for my family (especially for 4-year-old daughter Aija)," Fulcher said.
One thing is certain, Fulcher won't be lacking confidence when he goes up against the Flex Wheelers of the world.
"I plan on hurting some people's feelings when I turn pro," he said.
