Reigning New York Pro and Legion Sports Fest champion Tonio Burton has addressed circulating rumors regarding a personal rift with fellow Open Bodybuilding PRO Martin Fitzwater. Reports had surfaced suggesting that Fitzwater had blocked Burton on social media following a series of competitive remarks made by the 'Predator' regarding the upcoming Mr. Olympia rankings.
Burton clarified that no such block exists, noting that the two athletes simply do not follow one another by choice. The speculation began after Burton publicly stated his intention to surpass Fitzwater in the Olympia standings. Burton reiterated that his comments were rooted in competitive respect rather than animosity. Following a high-profile victory over former Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry at the Pittsburgh Pro, Burton has narrowed his focus toward the athletes currently positioned at the top of the division.
The drive to break into the Top 5 and Top 6 at the Mr. Olympia has placed Burton on a direct collision course with established names like Fitzwater and Nick Walker (yet to qualify). Burton viewed his recent momentum as a catalyst for aiming higher in the rankings, acknowledging that to move up, he must displace those who currently hold the positions he seeks.
As the 2026 season progresses, the Men's Open division continues to heat up with these strategic back-and-forth exchanges. Burton remains steadfast in his goal of climbing the elite ladder, viewing Fitzwater and Walker as the primary benchmarks for his progress on the world stage. The upcoming showdown at the Olympia will serve as the ultimate proving ground for whether Burton’s trajectory will indeed disrupt the current hierarchy of the sport.
