Sports

This week on Mixed Marshall Arts

May 18, 2012
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As you may or may not know, I have another blog called Mixed Marshall Arts covering the world of combat sports & entertainment: MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Here’s a list of what’s gone down recently…

Now Blogging for Spike TV; ESPN Friday Night Fights live from the Times Union Center live blog

May 18, 2012
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Hey everyone!

Firstly, some big news: I’ve joined the ranks of Viacom (kinda) and will now be blogging for Spike TV’s new MMA blog. It’ll go live, and the first post will be up, later today.

Also, tonight is Star Boxing’s second foray into promoting boxing at the Times Union Center in Albany. As an added bonus, they’ll be broadcasting live on ESPN2 for Friday Night Fights. I’ll be providing live, round by round coverage of it over on the Mixed Marshall Arts blog.

Is that it for now? I think that’s it for now. My ribs still hurt but they’ve gotten noticeably better over the last twenty-four hours.

 

Cage Wars 12 Results: I Done Got My Ass Kicked

May 14, 2012
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I lost, and badly, in the first round by TKO. That put me in a depressive state for a couple days. But god DAMN was it fun. Hats off to my opponent, Josh Beretz, to whom I was all like “come at me, bro” and holy shit did he ever.

The right side of my jaw is still sore and my side still kills me every time I move thanks to a solid front kick. Nothing broken, just bruised. Only thing that hurts more is my pride and the disappointment I felt in the outcome. I’m putting on a good face but it’s fucking killing me that I didn’t and couldn’t do more. Nice guys, all involved, including the other fighters who were nothing but great before and after the fight. But FUCK I wanted to win. I recognize a big part of this are my own character flaws. I hate that I lost and that I didn’t go out on my shield. I feel ashamed that a fight was stopped and I was able to simply walk away from it. And there’s nothing anyone can say, despite their earnestness, that can convince or make me feel otherwise. I know just from viewing and knowing about combat sports that I shouldn’t feel that way, but I do, for better or worse.

But, again, god DAMN did I love it. The whole experience. Right up to and including getting owned by a vastly superior opponent and getting my bell rung. It was walking away, and every step I’ve taken afterwards, that is killing me. That shame, and the depression, is fading. Slowly. Very, very slowly. But I don’t regret a goddamn second and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Anyways. Thanks to Shannon Miller and Shawn Miller for prepping me the last few weeks. Kudos as well to Ed Kinner who made me privy to some more techniques the day of the fight. Also to Ryan Thompson and Kyle Spiak for cornering and Cage Wars for hosting the damn thing.

For a much more competitive (and damn good) fight, check out the main event title match after the jump.

Read more »

On the Eve of Fight Night

May 11, 2012
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Tomorrow, I fight.

Today, I’m hungry.

It was decided from the outset that the fight would be at or near my walking weight. At the time I first fully committed to it, that was 176. So I said “let’s do 170.” In the last few weeks of training, I’ve actually managed to drop down to a steady 172. Last night, after my workout, I was at 170 and a hair. I don’t even have to be right on the button, but for me, I set a goal for myself and I want to meet that goal even if I could still fight a few pounds over.

As a result, I haven’t eaten today. I have had a lot of caffeine. Apologies if this is rambling. That’s why.

I’m not going to wax poetic or anything. That’s not why I did this. I know some guys who have done this sort of thing to write about the experience, apeing a fighters’ experience for the sake of writing a poor imitation of a George Plimpton piece. For this, I didn’t even journal it. You’ll notice that, aside from my explanation of why I’m doing this, I haven’t even blogged about it (to give you an idea – this blog is nothing other than a space for me to get stuff out, hence why I give people quizzical looks when they ask about it or act as if it’s something I write for anybody other than myself). So you’ll be spared that piece that tries to get into the instincts and mindset of fighters, to bring you into the world vis a vis me. I can’t and won’t do that because, quite frankly, it’d be facetious. I’m training with Shannon Miller, and in the days leading up to the fight, he’s been trumpeting the line that anyone who gets in there, win or lose, is a fighter. I politely disagree with that assertion, at least in my case. I don’t think one fight can or will qualify me as a fighter in the eyes of anyone, and if it does, it certainly won’t qualify it in my own eyes. Right now, and even after tomorrow night, I consider myself a tourist. I’m putting on gloves and headgear and smiling in front of the statue of Liberty and visiting the Eiffel Tower.

That said, mentally, I’m more excited for this than I’ve even been in my entire life, with the notable exception of my stand-up comedy performances. I want to get in there and throw. I want to hit and get hit. Win, lose, or draw, I want to battle.

I know deep down that if I lose it won’t be the end of the world, but it will probably feel like it if it does come to that. But I’m not prepared to lose. I’m only prepared to win.

Work’s done. Time to go to weigh-ins. See you tomorrow night at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Tickets are $30 General Admission. Hope you can make it.

MORE INFO

UPDATE 5:45pm: Was just notified by Shannon that my opponent won’t make weigh-ins tonight, and instead we’ll be weighing in tomorrow on-site at the City Center.

UPDATE 9:20pm: Just confirmed that we are ON for tomorrow. LET’S DO THIS!

This week on Mixed Marshall Arts

May 11, 2012
By

As you may or may not know, I have another blog called Mixed Marshall Arts covering the world of combat sports & entertainment: MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Here’s a list of what’s gone down recently…

This week on Mixed Marshall Arts

May 4, 2012
By

As you may or may not know, I have another blog called Mixed Marshall Arts covering the world of combat sports & entertainment: MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Here’s a list of what’s gone down recently…

Junior Seau’s Suicide and MMA

May 3, 2012
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A lot is going through my head right now in the wake of Junior Seau’s suicide. If you’re a fan of sports, I’m sure a lot is going through yours as well. If not, then it should be. This should be giving everyone from the front offices to the bleachers pause and cause for concern, particularly in the NFL where the suicide rate among former players is nearly six times(!) the national average.

The links between concussions, CTE/TBI, depression, and suicide are far from “inconclusive” and it’s not tasteless nor is it irresponsible to bring it up. The only uncertainty is the vague metaphysical notion of universal uncertainty; the kind that people apply when they want to dismiss an argument because they’d prefer not hear it or don’t have the emotional or intellectual maturity to participate in the discussion. There’s no avoiding it: Seau killed himself, but before he did it, concussions killed Seau.

Red more over at the Mixed Marshall Arts blog

Upcoming Performance Dates and Why I’m Fighting

April 27, 2012
By
Come out and see me drop bombs on the mic! Comedy bombs, that is.

Come out and see me drop bombs on the mic! Comedy bombs, that is.

 

Friday, April 27th
The Comedy Gold Showcase
The Mine (Broadway, Saratoga NY)
8:00pm; FREE
Facebook link 

Sunday, April 29th
Happy Funtime All-Star Variety Show
Rumpy’s Tavern (16 Church St., Lenox MA)
8:00pm; FREE
Facebook link 

Saturday, May 5th
Phil Spelman featuring Kevin Marshall
Comic Syndrome @ Savannah’s (1 South Pearl St., Albany NY)
7:30pm; $15 ($25 w/ food)

 Saturday, May 12th
Cage Wars
Kevin Marshall gets his ass beat in an amateur boxing bout
@ The Saratoga Springs City Center (522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY)
Facebook link

===============

Yeah, that last one’s happening. Last update I had is that I have an opponent, it’s also going to be his first fight, and it should be confirmed hopefully soon. Once that happens and I know it’s a definite, I’ll let people know when/how to get tickets. Well, I think you should get them anyway because it’ll be an entertaining show regardless, but yeah.

The reaction from some people to this has been…interesting, to say the least.

To be honest, I wasn’t going to tell anyone at all I was doing it until after the event. I found out very early on that this was going to be impossible, so about three weeks ago I told a handful of people and finally broke the news to my mother, the one person whose reaction I was most concerned about, last week.

This is something that I’ve been mulling for over a year now, but the timing and circumstances were never right for it. I’m engaged in training now, know what to expect, and know the dangers and risks. This isn’t something I decided to do just to do it, not realizing what I was getting into. Some have insinuated or directly stated as such, which from some sources was laughable and others was heartbreaking. The idea that I, as an adult, wouldn’t know what I was getting into in an amateur boxing match and would go in fully unprepared is both upsetting and especially insulting to my intelligence.

Of course it’s dangerous. Sometimes people do dangerous things because they feel compelled to or have a self-destructive streak in them. I certainly have the latter; anyone that knows me intimately and/or for longer than the last six years could certainly attest to that. I can’t disregard that it’s a factor. But to say I have no idea that I’ll get hurt, that I’m unprepared to take a beating? That’s ludicrous.

But more than anything, I’ve had a nagging desire to do something like this for some time. When I started training at NY Boxing, it increased, particularly knowing I’d have guys like Shawn and Shannon Miller in my corner. Both have been of great assistance in preparing me and especially looking out for me. If it were anyone else, I’d be a lot more hesitant. But with those two having my back and in my corner, I know I’m at least in good hands. These are guys who I know and trust, and have seen them looking out for me. They made it clear from day one that they wouldn’t and won’t put me in a situation they don’t think I’d be prepared for.

In short, I’m serious. I wanted to do it for some time. Then, one day, I went in and sparred with someone for the first time. I got hit with a hard right that opened up my lip and dazed me. I don’t think the guy I was sparring with could see it, but a big smile hit my face. Getting hit and coming back from it gave me a rush that I haven’t had since I went sober. That’s the moment that it went from curiosity to urge.

So I understand if you’re a family member or a friend and you’re concerned, but I know what this is and I’m prepared to face it. I know I’m in good hands, but that doesn’t mean I’m ignorant of all the risks associated with this. I’m doing it because I want and need to, for myself.

I won’t ask that you understand, because if you can’t and won’t, that’s on you and there’s nothing I’m going to say that will change that.

See you at the shows.

NY Senate Passes MMA Legalization, but Assembly Still Iffy (Mixed Marshall Arts)

April 19, 2012
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Assembly majority leader Sheldon Silver

The New York State Senate passed the bill to legalize Mixed Martial Arts in the Empire State by a slightly larger margin than last year (43-14), but still faces uncertainty in the State Assembly. In the previous two years, the bill to legalize MMA (full text of bill) passed in the Senate only to be killed in Committee before it can reach the Assembly floor.

Assembly Majority leader Sheldon Silver reiterated his apprehension to the Times Union’s Jimmy Vielkind:

“I have mixed feelings about it,” said Silver at a press conference to announce tenant protection. “On the one hand I do believe it’s rather violent and it sets a tone for people. On the other hand, you can turn on the television and see it, a child can see it from their homes on a regular TV and we’re one of the few states that don’t legalize it. Obviously legalization comes with regulation, and we may be better off having regulation.”

 

“Members control the process,” he said. “The bill is in the legislative process at this point. We have a committee-driven process and we’ll see what happens. There’s a lot of sentiment for it and there’s a lot of sentiment against it.”

“I do believe it’s rather violent and sets a tone for people,” he said, ignoring the violence, injuries, and death associated with other sports. …

Read more over at the Mixed Marshall Arts blog

The Top 10 Most Annoying Things in the World (Right Now)

April 18, 2012
By

>:O

  1. Lists that purport to comprehensively rank uber-subjective and intangible concepts like “funniest.”
  2. Lists that purport to comprehensively rank uber-subjective and intangible concepts like “influential.”
  3. People complimenting other people on their tweets. It’s not a skill and it doesn’t deserve an “award” on a Best Of or any other thing. It’s like giving someone an award for Best Masturbater.
  4. The trailer for “The Raven” starring John Cusack as Edgar Allen Poe up against Jigsaw from “Saw,” complete with 19th century voice modulator.
  5. Airhorns in hip-hop songs.
  6. That “Just for Men” commercial where they CGI’ed a beard onto a baby’s head that’s CGI’ed onto a midget’s body.
  7. The awful song in that aforementioned “Just for Men” commercial.
  8. Readers asking things that common sense and just a tiny bit of initiative would answer for them. Not linking because it’s too stupid to refer to.
  9. Chael Sonnen. Well, not him necessarily but the stupid gimmick he walks around with. Moreso the people that say “right on” not realizing he’s either being facetious and/or a complete tool.
  10. NERDS/GEEKS. Actually, that’s not true. But seriously, guys, you need to stop reveling in the fact that you like things. It’s not an accomplishment.