The most-anticipated match in the sport of arm wrestling, a rematch between two of the greatest ever in the sport, Devon Larratt and Michael Todd, is just days away and is touted to be the biggest showdown in the sport ever!
After many rumors and speculations about pitting the two legendary arm wrestlers against each other for the second time, the WAL (World Armwrestling League) originally slated to schedule the match as the main event of WAL 601 on 21st April in Los Angeles last year.
Unfortunately, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic since last year has had its impact on the sport of arm wrestling like many other, and WAL had to postpone the fight. However, the global governing body has finally confirmed the match to take place on 29th May this year.
The cherry on top, the match will be orchestrated by none other than world famous professional powerlifter and bodybuilder Larry Wheels, who has garnered a newfound interest into the sport of arm wrestling.
The two arm wrestling supergiants previously clashed against each other at WAL 406 in September 2018 for the Heavyweight Championship. In a nail biting best of five, the game rolled into the fifth round in which Todd was able to overpower Larratt to secure a 3-2 win.
After almost three years, where do both arm wrestlers stand now?
Recovering from illness, Devon Larratt is focused on avenging the loss
If the postponement of WAL 601 was not enough of a disappointment for the arm wrestling community, the shocking revelation about Devon Larratt suffering from osteoarthritis became a woeful news for his fanbase.
While many thought that the disease would bring the 6-foot-5 and 270 pound Canadian Special Forces veteran’s arm wrestling career to termination, the nine time WAL titleholder underwent surgery last year and is ready to get back in the game.
The former youngster who shook the arm wrestling community back in 2008 when he defeated the legendary John Brzenk at the 2008 Arm Wars Super Series by 6-0, “No Limits” Larratt has won and defended WAL titles using both of his hands.
Persistently at his peak, Michael Todd absorbed on repeating the same result once again
Over the years, the reigning WAL Heavyweight Champion Michael Todd’s prowess on the arm wrestling table has earned him the nickname of “monster”, and staying true to the same, has become a household name in the sport.
A whopping 30 times national and world champion, Todd has been on tours n the past year to remain at the peak of his performance. He innovated the highly controversial “King’s Move” style, where he gains height during a match by dropping below the table.
Nonetheless for his disputed King’s Move which has often been a topic of debate, Todd displays sheer strength and technique which has kept him at the top of the arm wrestling hierarchy for years, despite suffering multiple fractures to his arm.
The showdown on 29th May: Larratt or Todd?
The live PPV event, which is touted as the “King of the Table”, will see Larratt and Todd locking their arms for the third time. While Larratt has defeated Todd in the past, the latter’s spectacular win at WAL 406 three years ago has put each other on the same level.
Larratt, who has shown remarkable comebacks from illness and surgeries, will no doubt give Todd the toughest challenge of his career yet, and will focus on not repeating the results of their previous encounter.
Todd, however, is a master of the King’s Move which edged him ahead of Larratt at WAL 406 and will be utilizing the same technique with the aim to overpower Larratt once again, but something to be kept in mind, Larratt himself may implement the same technique to topple the heavyweight champion.
Who do you think has the upper hand on May 29? Will Michael Todd trounce Devon Larratt once again, or will Larratt counter the situation and come out victorious? Let us know in the comments below.
