Tivoli Theatre presents Battle at the River body building championship

He's a four-time Mr. Natural Universe, a former Mr. America, Mr. International and Mr. World. He's been on more than 500 fitness magazine covers - second only to Arnold Schwarzenegger. And he's recognized by thousands of female romance readers as the cover model for Topaz novels.

Athlete Mike O'Hearn - natural bodybuilder, strongman, power lifter - will be the featured guest at Battle at the River, a National Physique Committee-sanctioned bodybuilding championship set for Saturday, June 10, at the Tivoli Theatre.

"The biggest show we ever had in Chattanooga was two years ago when he was the guest poser. Mike puts on a spectacular show," says Bryan Hayworth, show promoter. Hayworth competed in the men's super heavyweight division from 1990-2005.

Mike O'Hearn is a four-time Mr. Natural Universe, a former Mr. America, Mr. International and Mr. World. He'll be the featured guest at Saturday's Battle at the River.

Battle at the River is an important competition to bodybuilders statewide because it is a qualifier for the NPC Nationals. More than 200 male and female bodybuilders had registered for this championship as of press time.

Athletes will check in at 8 a.m. Saturday before action gets underway at 9 a.m. with pre-judging.

"Pre-judging is open to the public, and tickets are sold at the door only. For people who really want to see the nitty-gritty of bodybuilding, pre-judging shows all the work they've done," says Hayworth.

The 6:30 p.m. show is "the glitz and glamour" of bodybuilding, says Hayworth. Doors open for this show at 5 p.m.

"This is when family comes, the competitors do their posing routines and it's more for the entertainment of the crowd. Mike O'Hearn's show will be right after intermission. He will be in the lobby during intermission and again after his show to meet fans."

There are a limited number of reserved seats for the evening show. Tickets for the evening show only may be purchased in advance by calling 423-642-8497.