Get Ready to Rumble
posted by Large
Dear No Masians:
Big news. You might want to sit down for this.
No Mas and The Sporting News are partnering on a new website dedicated to both boxing and MMA to be called “The Rumble.” Below you can see the masthead, and if you want a more detailed view, you can just go on over to the actual site and take a gander.
There are a lot of kinks still to be ironed out, and we haven’t started publishing there yet, but the plan is that we’re going to get it up and running with content this week and then launch it officially and publicize next week in time for the pre-May/Marquez and UFC 103 festivities.
We have a distinguished crew of writers who will be joining us. The great I-berg has agreed to a contract that binds him to write at least twice a week – for those of you who are unaware of this fact, Sir I-bergs-a-Lot was quite the writer back in the day, pimping his wares to Details, the NY Times, the Voice, and, of course his spiritual home, Playboy. He hasn’t banged the keyboard with any regularity since he took it upon himself to become a multi-media entertainment mogul, but for The Rumble he’s agreed to take it back (doo doo doo doo), take it back like before…
Morty Bravo, another No Mas alum who has been heard from all too infrequently, is on the roster as well, penning himself into the batting order under the bizarre nom de plume “Bud Schmeling.” Our new star signing, Shoefly, is a linchpin of the squad, hitting cleanup and playing first base. Out in the outfield, we have a crack crew of recent acquisitions, MMA guys who are ready to blow your minds with various arm-bars and choke-holds and whatnot. I know many of you Masians will be skipping those posts, but for those of you who won’t, you will not be disappointed, because for the first time in our history the Mas is going to fulfill its promise of showing mixed martial arts the love it deserves.
Last but not least, on the mound, wearing number 32, it’s…. Steve Large-lton. I’m excited about this site for a lot of reasons – it’s a great platform for the Mas, allows us to assimilate a lot of things we’re doing in different places in one site that connects with a wider audience and gives the No Mas brand a primo affiliation with a bedrock sports brand like The Sporting News. But most of all I’m excited that this is going to allow me to do my daily boxing writing and prognostificating in one spot, and devote myself to that enterprise. In one way, this is a new site, but for me it more feels like I’m finally going to be able to write for No Mas full-time, which has been a fantasy of mine for a while now.
Sadly, the Mas as we know it will not continue. We’ll maintain a blog here for information related to No Mas happenings and non-boxng/MMA sports stuff that we’re doing. But the Mas blog as it has been will be subsumed by The Rumble. Though I think The Rumble is going to be everything the No Mas blog is and more, I admit that fact gives me pause. This has been a special place for me for a few years now, a place where we made the rules, preached it like we felt it, and built a small but to my mind incredibly rich, varied and high-minded community of which I’m proud to be a member.
All I can say is that it is our intention to thoroughly maintain our integrity at the new site. The Sporting News essentially has turned The Rumble over to us editorially. We still make the rules, and I think you’ll see that right from the get-go in the aesthetic of the page. We won’t be swearing over there (which is going to be kind of a pain to be honest, because it is very hard to write or talk about the sport of boxing without using the word, “motherfucker” – just ask Manny Steward or Roger Mayweather about that – I can just heard Rog’s reply – “motherfucker what?”) and there will be some new, young cats up in the crib doing their MMA thing, but otherwise, the scene will be Masian through and through. Along with everything else that we hope to bring with us over there, first and foremost is the respectful, insightful and unfailingly engaged tone of our debates and the like-minded spirit of our readers. On that front, let me say that I sincerely hope all you dudes will be the flagship members who lead the way for what is likely to become a much larger community. Because youse guys are the straws that stir the No Mas drink.
There will be new posts at The Rumble all this week as you dip our feet in to the deep end, so please check it out and let me know your thoughts. I’ll keep you posted on any other details.
Much love,
Large
August 30th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
The queen is dead, long live the queen.
You better not fake the funk on the mma.
I’ve been here too long and don’t want to hear some benchwarmer copy and paste bullshit from sherdog.
August 30th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Awesome, congrats Large et al!
The only downside of this is that we wont get the familiar commentators (at least, not without what I am assuming will be a sea of others). Seeing what the Mas community has to say about fights and developments has become one of the best things for me about being a die-hard boxing fan.
I second the request made the other day for an official No Mas Happy Hour in NYC. Word
August 30th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Congrats guys. I hope all the Masian commenters make the transition, as there are way too many mouthbreathing trogs over there on TSN boards commenting on boxing.
August 30th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
while I will miss the swearing and discussions here, it’s great that you guys can get paid to do pretty much the same thing. congrats.
August 30th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Congrats to all involved. Sounds like this will be No Mas times 10
August 30th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
good shit, fellas. or is it “good stuff”? the MPAA giving the new blog a PG-13 rating is the only thing that gives me pause, but otherwise this sounds like a huge come up for all involved. congrats.
August 31st, 2009 at 12:09 am
Good stuff – how about premium-user-membership for us old NoMasians?
August 31st, 2009 at 4:53 am
Congrats on The Rumble….anybody hear reports that Freddie Roach is pissed with Manny Pacqiuao’s agent/adviser Michael Koncz for not nailing down when or where he’s going to train for the Cotto fight? Freddie is apparently in limbo, with no clue where Manny is going to train. Manny wants to train for the fight in the Philippines, but Roach thinks there will be way too many distractions there. Manny is currently working on a movie and endorsement deals and hasn’t decided where he going to train. An IRS provision states that non-resident aliens, like Manny, must limit the amount of time they spend in the US during a 3 year period. Manny is close to the limit so training at the Wild Card is out. Roach wants him to train in Mexico, in a mountain town called Toluca. 10,000 feet above sea level. Roach wants to stay away from tourists in places like Cancun or Puerto Vilallarta, but will step up camp there if that’s what Manny wants. Problem is Koncz, according to Roach, is “petrified” of demanding an answer from Manny. I hope this isn’t a sign of trouble, but we’ve certainly seen boxers in the past blow up like Manny has and lose focus.
August 31st, 2009 at 5:40 am
On more boxing related story that a friend e-mailed me. It seems that Ricky Hatton had a drunken screaming match with his girlfriend the other day. It was so bad the police were called. I guess this happens quite frequently, according to neighbors. A few weeks ago Ricky had to go to the hospital for an irregular heartbeat after one of their spats. Interesting…..any thoughts Large?
August 31st, 2009 at 7:39 am
Congrats Large & I, I’m anxious to see the new spot. Plus it keeps me from jumping back and forth between pages
Also, are you still gonna rock the merchandise?
August 31st, 2009 at 8:02 am
Good for Mas, great to see you hard work and passion paying off.
No cussing? Hmmmm. Oh well what the fuck can you do?
Is I-Berg gonna keep up with the clothing side of Mas?
August 31st, 2009 at 8:13 am
Most definitely, the clothing side of the Mas will continue to prosper. This site will be here just as it has been – eventually we’ll have a link here to The Rumble. Part of what we love about the deal with The Sporting News is that it gives us the ability to promote the Mas gear both at The Rumble and throughout the Sporting News family of sites, obviously a big upside for the Mas.
And as for the content over there – PG13 is not exactly how I’d describe it. I’d say that topic-wise, it will not be watered down at all from what we cover here. Just, yeah, no swearing. And lads, if we can’t live without the dirty words, well, we all need to take a good look in the mirror.
Brad, Pac has had very chaotic training scenes before and it never seems to affect him one iota. It was widespread rumors of chaos in his camp and loss of focus that led a certain Larginator to pick him to lose to David Diaz (at one point, Freddie couldn’t even find Pacquiao in the weeks leading up to that fight), and we know how that turned out. I imagine however they get it done, he’ll be in top shape come fight night, and I honestly think it’s going to be a hell of a fight.
As for Hatton and his woman… what can you say? I really have nothing against the guy personally. Seems like a boring sort of bloke to me. I liked his woman, though, what I saw of her on 24/7 anyway. If they’re arguing, she’s probably right.
August 31st, 2009 at 8:20 am
Sounds great, I can’t wait to check it out.
August 31st, 2009 at 8:40 am
If the “Hitman” gets into the ring with anyone with power, his career is going to end tragically. His “fitness” is non existent, he had to be checked for an irregular heart beat. He is a fairy tale that is going to come crashing down. You cannot lose that much weight, that many times. Its just not healthy.
Maybe he can join Oasis.
August 31st, 2009 at 9:00 am
Large – congrats on the TSN deal – sounds like a good move for all involved. One thing you may want to get corrected is the link to No Mas on The Rumble page. Right now it’s to this link http://www.nomas.com/ – which is no the Mas we know and love. Otherwise it looks good. Is Ariel going to be involved on the MMA end of things? I enjoyed his infrequent posts on here.
August 31st, 2009 at 9:01 am
Just wanted to address the point about the No Mas community…
The knowledge of the commentors, the level of discussion, and the respect shown for the people and things we talks about is half of what made the Mas the Mas–the other half being Large’s unparalleled writing.
We are exploring ways that we can help carry over that environment to the new site. I don’t have firm answers yet on what we can do infrastructurally to privilege true No Masians and weed out trogs, but it’s something we realize is very important to address. A lot of it’s gonna ride on TSNs backend which is not worspress, but I’m assuming we should be able to approve comments before posting which would be a simple way to do things in the beginning. No matter what the beat chance we’re going to have to maintain the vibe here over there is if you guys are active early and help set the tone.
On a Mas gathering what about watching may-marq at mendez boxing club and grabbing additional pre and post fight beverages?
August 31st, 2009 at 9:01 am
Just wanted to address the point about the No Mas community…
The knowledge of the commentors, the level of discussion, and the respect shown for the people and things we talks about is half of what made the Mas the Mas–the other half being Large’s unparalleled writing.
We are exploring ways that we can help carry over that environment to the new site. I don’t have firm answers yet on what we can do infrastructurally to privilege true No Masians and weed out trogs, but it’s something we realize is very important to address. A lot of it’s gonna ride on TSNs backend which is not wordpress, but I’m assuming we should be able to approve comments before posting which would be a simple way to do things in the beginning. No matter what the beat chance we’re going to have to maintain the vibe here over there is if you guys are active early and help set the tone.
On a Mas gathering what about watching may-marq at mendez boxing club and grabbing additional pre and post fight beverages?
August 31st, 2009 at 9:04 am
Sorry trying post from phone an spazzing.
August 31st, 2009 at 9:07 am
Well the “Hitman” has always said Duran was his hero, so maybe the weight gain-loss thing is his way of paying respects to his hero. Of course, Duran never really celebrated the fact that he got fat in between fights, like Hatton does. Hatton, in a weird way, appears to be almost proud of it. With Duran, I think it was the result of him growing up poor and hungry. Once he was successful,he ate and drank like there was no tomorrow. Freddie Brown was the one in the early days that had the difficult job of getting Duran in shape. Unlike Hatton, Duran had no real love for training. Brown would get very frustrated because Duran would often try to skip morning runs or be lazy during workouts. He was just so fucking talented, that he got by many fights not being in top shape. When he did train…look out. Those fights, like the third DeJesus fight, he was good as any fighter in boxing history. If weight has hurt Ricky boxing wise, I don’t know how. He’s always in shape. His two losses had to do with the fact that he was up against fighter that were simply far more talented then him-the two best fighters in the world. There is certainly no shame in losing to Mayweather and Pacquiao. I hear they are looking at Diaz.
August 31st, 2009 at 12:19 pm
great news
” It was widespread rumors of chaos in his camp and loss of focus that led a certain Larginator to pick him to lose to David Diaz (at one point, Freddie couldn’ even find Pacquiao in the weeks leading up to that fight), and we know how that turned out.”
this is by far pacs most dangerous opponent…and freddie knows it…they are now stepping into the arena…heres a guy beat shane mosley to the punch…and a guy that can flat out bang…if they are able to make cotto look like diaz…then you probably have to start completely believing in the pac hype machine(if u dont already)…i think freddie may be worried that their great matchmaking may have lulled pac and his people into a false sense of greatness/security…they are now stepping in with a pitbull
August 31st, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Hatton/Diaz? Hmmm…if Hatton’s on the fence about returning, I wonder if that matchup generates enough $ (or ₤) to convince him. Assume that would have to be in the UK? Anyway, adds some interest to Diaz’s fight later this month.
August 31st, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I think you’re right Ricky. Freddie knows this one will be tougher than Hatton. Cotto is a big,tough fighter that has a good jab,a good body game, and pretty good defense. You saw that Roach was getting more and more anxious with Pacquiao’s focus before the Hatton fight (San Fran. baseball game, celebrities and fans at the Wild Card, him trying to entertain the crowd,etc). This time they haven’t even started camp for his toughest challenge yet and he’s filming a movie? With his advisers too intimidated to sit him down and commit to a training location?….Oscar started his downward arc seconds after embarking on a singing career. I hope this acting move isn’t the start of Manny’s downward slide.
August 31st, 2009 at 2:36 pm
According to IMDB, this is Pac’s 5th or 6th action flick. I’m sure the movie won’t be a distraction. There always seems to be something wrong with Pac’s camp before he begins training. Like clockwork, he puts on a great performance and all is forgiven. I think he’ll be fine. I don’t know if he’ll win, but he’ll be fine.
August 31st, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Iberg- that would be awesome (Mas gathering).
One suggestion for the Rumble is to only allow registered users to post (ie, not post anonymously). Which you may be doing anyway…
Btw, it occurred to me during 24/7 that Floyd looks very similar to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (the live-action movie variety). It would be awesome if he came to the ring in a full shell with his trainer dressed up as a rat. But there’s probably some sort of copyright thing…alas.
September 1st, 2009 at 7:17 am
anybody seen this marc lamont hill dude that is a talking head on fox news? dude looks, talks and postures just like floyd mayweather. it’s like having pretty boy floyd debate bill o’reilly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_ManrdKfuM
September 1st, 2009 at 10:34 am
Geegz – I’m stealing this observation for The Rumble. Will be up in a few. Of course you are getting full credit for the find.
September 1st, 2009 at 11:36 am
I was really hoping Marc Lamont Hill could give a cocky “ya digg” to O’Reilly
September 1st, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Just occurred to me that Brad mighta been talking about Juan, not David. Not sure anything changes but the last sentence.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
That’s great news. Congrats on all the continued success, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this new site has to offer.
March 15th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
I, as well, use a pit-bull who will be the most warm animal I have ever owned. Quickly, a brand new dog breed will appear together for the media to blast, as they have done rotties and dobies in preceding many years. Unfortunate that media sensationalism breeds a lot inaccurate information.
October 23rd, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Haha. NOBODY wants to fight Fedor, Except: Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin, Frank Mir, JDS, Roy Nelson, Cain Velasquez, Matt “Kimbo Killer” Mitrione(by popular demand) and the rest of the UFC Heavyweight division.
December 2nd, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Great website, I enjoy playing football. So much hours of enjoyment to be had!
December 14th, 2010 at 10:25 am
It’s excellent to find out web sites along with info and many thanks for the share that you’ve got given. Normally, I’m pretty stunned, but etc — – I am an only child. I have one sister. Woody Allen Born 1935 New Homes For Sale and Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
December 25th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
What a great site and informative posts, thanks
December 31st, 2010 at 4:50 am
Merry Christmas
January 19th, 2011 at 9:58 am
I personally advise Hostgator for webhosting. They are really professional, support is perfect and uptime good. Go to hostgator_dot_com and use “onecentcoupons” coupon code. You get first month just for free which is good deal.
January 21st, 2011 at 8:27 am
Tramadol (Ultram, Tramal, others beneath) is a centrally acting analgesic, utilized in treating average to moderately serious ache. Buy Tramadol drug
April 14th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
It took me time to read all the tips, but I clearly loved the blog. It proved to be very helpful to me and I’m sure to all of the commenters here!
April 15th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
Very interesting, I’m really gratefull!
April 17th, 2011 at 10:47 am
Thank you for this info. Waiting for next one.
September 12th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Hi all, I came across your site using Yahoo while hunting for a similar matter, your web site came up, it seems like fine. I’ve saved as a favorite it at my yahoo book mark
September 19th, 2011 at 7:46 am
Hi I like your comment and it is so informational and I am gonna bookmark it. One thing to say the Superb analysis you have done is greatly remarkable.No one goes that extra mile these days? Bravo. Just another suggestion you canget a Translator for your Global Audience .
February 13th, 2012 at 12:19 am
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea
February 17th, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Thank you an amazing put up, may examine your personal others posts. thanks for your ideas for this, I experienced a bit made an impact to by this text. Thanks again again! You earn a good time. Displays the beauty through excellent report here. I do think that if a greater number of people considered it that way, they’d have a better time period receive the hold ofing the matter.
April 12th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
Great write-up, I’m normal visitor of one’s site, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
June 2nd, 2012 at 3:53 am
We appreciate you a actual beneficial submit! So easy to comprehend together with labored first-time
June 12th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
jom kita berpakat memerdekakan pemikiran orang melayu yang mudah lupa! lupa asal usal kita dan lupa siapa pemimpin yang berjasa! Merdeka!!
June 16th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
every single and every time My spouse and i took in too as read a piece of writing I discovered a thing totally new to help me publish. Cheers!
September 12th, 2012 at 10:17 pm
My partner and i loved reading this article post together with could go along with every thing you said.