Muscle Lover - The World of Bodybuilders: Mike Matarazzo

Monday, August 18, 2014

R.I.P. Mike Matarazzo (1965-2014)

Mike Matarazzo was a IFBB Pro bodybuilder.

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, he moved to Venice, California to further his bodybuilding career. Formerly a boxer, Mike Matarazzo first won the 1989 Gold's Gym Classic in Massachusetts. He competed for the first time in the Mr. Olympia contest in 1991. Known primarily for his massive arms, his best placing (out of seven total appearances) in the Mr. Olympia competition was 9th, in 1998.

Matarazzo's last appearance in a professional bodybuilding event was the 2001 Mr. Olympia, where he placed 21st. He was forced to retire due to having open heart surgery on 2004 as a result of clogged arteries. At the time of his death he was residing in Modesto, California, and was last reported to be working as a bail bondsman. He was forced to stop working due to limitations on physical activity related to his 20% heart function. In 2007, Mike suffered a heart attack, his second cardiac-related problem since his surgery in 2004. In 2014, he was in an intensive care unit due to heart complication.

Sadly, he passed away yesterday, Sunday 17 August 2014.