First of all, 225 lbs for 8 reps is phenomenal strength not many people can do that. If this is legit, then you could be able to workout with low reps (4-6) with 225 which is 15 more pounds than you weigh, there's nothing at all embarrassing about that.

If you lost strength during your cut, it's natural. Especially since you cut 40 pounds, that's a lot of weight, I would actually be surprised if you maintained the same strength during your cut.