Not going to post this in the freak show/circus post:
Roach
Ben (Boston): Yo Freddie, Where does this fight rank in Manny's biggest challenges of his career?
Freddie Roach: I guess like No. 3 of the challenges. No. 1 was Oscar because it was such a big fight. No. 2 was his first break through fight against Barerra.
Tyler/ SLC, UT: Do you enjoy the smack talk? or is just another part of promoting the fight?
Freddie Roach: Manny and Ricky aren't big talkers, especially Manny. Floyd gets under my skin sometimes, so I try to retaliate back. But I try not to. This is the Manny-Ricky show, not the Floyd-Freddie show.
Miguel Orange County California: Coach, you know that Hattons will try to get into a brawl and pressure Manny. Do you see yourself telling manny to outbox him and use his speed, instead of falling into Hattons plans.
Freddie Roach: In training camp, that's exactly what we worked on. Manny will be more of a boxer in this fight than you've ever seen. We're going to use lateral movement and quick punches to get out of the way when he's coming at us.
Danny (Memphis): Freddie, do you see any weaknesses in Hatton that you can exploit like you did by continuously turning Oscar?
Freddie Roach: Definitely. He lunges in with his face first. He spreads his hands before he attacks. His footwork is terrible. The only time he has power is when he catches you on the ropes. If Manny gets caught on the ropes, he owes me $1,000.
manny (Riverside,CA): hatton says his power and body punching will be enough for a victory, how have you prepared manny for it?
Freddie Roach: He'll never find us. Our footwork will be too fast for him. It's just not going to work.
Adam (South Orange, NJ): Freddie, I'm so pumped for this fight. I can't wait. What does Pac-Man have to do to win this fight?
Freddie Roach: Be smart. Use lateral movement. Not move back in straight lines and not get caught in the ropes.
John (Philadelphia, PA): If Pacquiao comes out on top after this fight, who else would you like to see him fight afterwards?
Freddie Roach: Well, Floyd Jr. if he comes out of retirement, we'd l love to fight him. Shane Mosley, Cotto, Chavez Jr. We're looking for the best deal out there. We'll fight all of them.
Ben (Boston): Yo Freddie, What do you say to the critics who say that Manny hasn't fought a "real" fight above 130 pounds?
Freddie Roach: Well, Oscar De La Hoya was above 130 pounds, if I'm not mistaken. We absolutely killed him. We've beaten guys over 130 pounds. A Hall of Famer. One of the legends of boxing. we're going to destroy Hatton the same way.
Derek (st.pete fl): Does manny rank up there for the best fighters you have ever trained?
Freddie Roach: From the day we started until the day we are now, he's probably progressed the best. I've had a lot of people in my stable, but I think he's my best work to date.
Jami (Dallas, TX): How many miles a day do you have Manny run when in training? Thanks and good luck.
Freddie Roach: Non-sparring days, he runs about one hour, about 8 miles up hill. Very steep runs. On sparring days, he runs for 30 minutes on flat surfaces so he can save his legs for sparring that day.
Tyler/ SLC, UT: Do you have a specific diet for Manny or can he eat whatever he wants?
Freddie Roach: He eats whatever he wants. He has a strict Phillipine diet. He loves rice. If he can't have rice, he can't perform.
TJ (Chicago): Freddie, how soon is Manny gonna silence the fans behind Hatton at the Fight?
Freddie Roach: First round.
dave (detroit): freddie, i'm impressed with the footage of manny's workouts. is there a possibility he's overtraining?
Freddie Roach: That's always a possibility, because Manny Pacquiao wants to work all the time. But I know how to control him. We negotiate. I let him go sometimes and sometimes I'll hold him back. I can slow him down when I need to.
Joel, Washington, DC: How do you keep Manny focused and level headed with all the distractions and everyone from the Philippines worshiping him. How does that not go to his head?
Freddie Roach: That's an amazing thing about Manny. He's a movie star, he's a singer. His whole country is depending on him. But once he comes through the doors, his work ethic is unbelieveable. He separates the two. It's not a problem.
Pat, NYC: How concerned are you that interviews like this where you discuss strategy and the access youve given to 24/7 will provide Hatton an advantage that he may not have had otherwise?
Freddie Roach: I would invite Ricky Hatton to come train if he wants. There's nothing he can do about itl.
Chuck (Manila): what do you think of mayweather sr as a person and as a trainer? i hate it when he talks smack at you.
Freddie Roach: I don't either. His tone sucks. He shows up late for Ricky Hatton's training sessions. I think it's disgraceful for a trainer to show up late for a world championship level training.
JP (Columbus, OH): Freddie, what does Michael Moorer bring to the table that didn't exist before?
Freddie Roach: There's nothing that he's bringing in new. He called me and asked me to see if I could give him a job. He's working with me with all my fighters as my assistant. He and Pacquiao are getting to know each other. He's new to training of the game.
Ruben (Houston): On 24/7 they talk about how Hatton has learned how to use his defense better then he has in the past. Do you think he has learned enough to keep up with manny?
Freddie Roach: They say he has a faster jab also. I do believe that once he gets hit in the first round by the first punch against Manny, I think he'll revert to what he's done in his last 50 pro fights.
Jack (Philly): Name an athlete from one of the major sports that you think would make an excellent boxing prospect.
Freddie Roach: I watch other sports, but I never really thought that way. They're good with what they do and they should probably stick with it.
claude (nyc): do you forsee this fight going the distance? or do you believe manny will get a ko?
Freddie Roach: Definitely a Manny KO.
Tommy, NY: Outside of your boy, Pacquiao, who would you consider the world's pound for pound king?
Freddie Roach: Well, I like Shane Mosley. He's looking great in his last fight. Marquez is a great fighter. There are some guys out there, but Pacquiao's the best.
ZM (Los Angeles, CA): Freddie, any up-and-coming fighters out of Wild Card to keep an eye out for?
Freddie Roach: We've got some good prospects. Amir Khan. Silver medalist in the last Olympics. I've got four fights the night before Manny in Las Vegas. Quite a few prospects.
Freddie Roach: Thank you for your support. Don't miss this one. You're going to see the best Manny Pacquiao yet.
Dan Rafael (finishing soon)
Dan Rafael: (12:02 PM ET ) Greetings from Las Vegas, Fight Freaks! It's a huge fight weekend with Hatton-Pacquiao and I so psyched. We'll have live weigh in coverage at 3:10 PT/6:10 ET on ESPN and ESPNews! Let's get to it.
Jamesa (ottawa): AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day 1 more day
Dan Rafael: (12:02 PM ET ) How many days?
Geron (B-More, MD): I got Manny in the 11th....I think this will be a very entertaining fight. Hatton will look bigger and stronger at the beggining but fade towards the end from all the punches he's going to eat!! Your thoughts Dan?
Dan Rafael: (12:03 PM ET ) I think it's a very grueling, tough fight, but I like Manny late or on points.
Stitches Chicago,Il: How is the atmosphere?
Dan Rafael: (12:04 PM ET ) There was a buzz here already on Wednesday. It's been great. I just came from the arena where I was doing a TV shot for First Take on ESPN2 and when I came out there was already a huge line to get in for the weigh in several hours from now.
Mike: Hattons got a glass jaw. He will be KO's within 6.
Dan Rafael: (12:05 PM ET ) I don't think he has a glass jaw at all. Why? Because he got stopped by the best fighter in the world who was bigger late in the fight? Please.
Zach MPLS: Dan your so lucky to be there, I can't wait for the fight to stsrt. Any comment on the reported rift between Hatton and Mayweather?
Dan Rafael: (12:05 PM ET ) I think it's more between people in Hatton's camp with Floyd Sr. than between the figher and Floyd Sr.
Mike (San Diego, CA): Dan, your chat is on the front page of ESPN.com. Keep up the good work.
Dan Rafael: (12:07 PM ET ) That tells you how big this fight is. Boxing has been the lede story on page 1 for parts of the past two days. This is a big one.
Craig (Detroit): DTM - great call on watching the HBO Real Sports special on Ann Wolfe. Very interesting piece...a must see.
Luis (Utuado,Puerto Rico) [via mobile]: Hey dan! If pacman wins, Do you think he could be a dominating figure in the jr welter or welterweight division?
Dan Rafael: (12:08 PM ET ) Certainly at jr. .welterweight. We'll have to see him prove himself at welterweight.
Rick (Saint Paul, MN): What time do you expect the Hatton-Pac fight to start? I have to watch my kids during the beginning of the undercard and need to decide whether or not I'm going to go to a party or order it at home. I figure if it starts around 8:00 here, the main event shouldn't start until at least 10:00, am I right?
Dan Rafael: (12:09 PM ET ) The main event wll begin between 11 and 11:30 pm ET.
Kevin (CT): Who would the winner of this fight face next? Juan Manuel Marquez?
Dan Rafael: (12:09 PM ET ) There will be many options. Mayweather, Marquez, Mosley, Cotto. All depends on how things shake out.
Paul B (NY, NY): DTM- On the undercard, any life in Soto's opponent or will he walk over him?
Dan Rafael: (12:10 PM ET ) Gaudet is a solid pro who was an outstanding amateur. I've seen him on tape and he's not bad. But he doesn't see physically strong like Soto and he is not a big puncher.
Ricardo (Bronx, NY): Hey Dan, over/under (and the reason I'm not buying the fight) 10 total rounds for all the televised undercard fights.
Dan Rafael: (12:12 PM ET ) I don't care. The main event is awesome.
Juan: New Haven Ct: Urango almost folded Hatton in half with a body punch. Hatton thinks hes going to be the one to do damage to the body of Pac but Im not so sure. Any thoughts?
Dan Rafael: (12:12 PM ET ) I think Manny's body attack could be a very pivotal weapon for him. He can punch to the body.
Noe (Azusa, CA): Wooooo! Can't wait for it to be 8ish tomorrow. I have a weird feeling this will be damn good fight! Manny by Decision
Dan Rafael: (12:14 PM ET ) Why weird feeling? EVERYONE thinks it will be a good fight,
Ryan (Cleveland): Hatton KO, 8 or 9.
Aaron (Denver): Any disappointment in Kirkland's replacement
Dan Rafael: (12:15 PM ET ) Not at all. It will be a good test for Daniel Jacobs. He's a terrific prospect and Mike Walker is BY FAR his best opponent.
Rob (Halifax, Canada): Have you seen Floyd Jr? Do you expect him to be there tomorrow?
Dan Rafael: (12:15 PM ET ) No, and I doubt very much he will be here..
Alex (Clev, OH): DANNY - Do they have PPV in Jail so Kirkland can watch the fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:15 PM ET ) Probably not.
Mike (San Diego, CA): Are you in the media room for this chat?
Dan Rafael: (12:16 PM ET ) No, I came back up to my hotel room after the TV hit. It's so early here that the press room will be dead anyway.
Greg (Boston): Seriously, Saturday is the greatest day ever...Friesian Fire will win the Derby, The Celtics will beat the pesky Bulls, and Ricky Hatton will shock the world!!!!! Hatton in 11
Dan Rafael: (12:17 PM ET ) Settle down.
JR (San Jose, CA): Hatton says he'll assume Pacman's spot atop the P4P list with a victory. While I don't think one fight can put him at #1, a brilliant performance could put him arguably in the top 5. Thoughts?
Dan Rafael: (12:17 PM ET ) I'll wait to see the fight to see where Ricky goes but even if he wins, he won't become No. 1 on my list. But he will, obviously, move up big time.
Travis (Richmond, VA): Pacquiao KO in somewhere between the 7th and 9th rounds. I think hatton will look strong until he can't handle Manny's barrage of punches then he will suddenly go down.
Teddy Atlas: Jacobs is not a big puncher. I know he just knocked the guy out cold, but he is definitely not a big puncher!
Patrick, New York: Why is there so much hype aruond this fight? Hatton hasn't beaten anyone and looked terrible versus Mayweather. This seems like another poor attempt to create buzz within a sport that has died years ago. Thanks
Dan Rafael: (12:20 PM ET ) You're banned for being a moron.
Nathan (PA): Dan, considering the economy and the travel concerns, is there still as big a contingent from the UK there for the fight? How does it compare to the group that came over for Floyd-Hatton?
Dan Rafael: (12:20 PM ET ) There are a ton of Brits here but nothing will ever be like the Mayweather-Hatton fight. That was sick.
First Take ESPN: We like the winner of Saturday's fight to take on Valuev. Who do you like?
Banishment: Hellllllloooooooo Patrick.
John (San Fran): Dan, wikipedia shows the "According to ESPN", Mayweather is set to fight Marquez on July 18th. I know they are negotiating, but has it progressed beyond deciding what weight the fight will be at?
Dan Rafael: (12:21 PM ET ) It is in talks and there is no deal yet.
Rick,Marina, Ca: Whats up Dan, Well heres my prediction Manny in 7, Hatton has never really gotten my props, his only big win was with Kosta, Im just not sold on Hatton.
steve (ct): what did you think of last saturday's showtime card? And whats next for the fighters?
Dan Rafael: (12:23 PM ET ) Good show. I was there and it was as dramatic an ending as I have seen in person this side of Corrales-Castillo 1. Taylor probably will come back on Showtime in the fall. Froch is looking for a big fight and Hopkins is calling him out, although I doubt that happens. Allan Green looked good on the undercard and likely will get a title shot with Bute in Montreal or Quebec City this summer.
E (Omaha): D$$ - I still can't believe Taylor lost that fight. Did you see that coming? Have you spoken to him or his people since Saturday?
Hector (San Juan, Puerto Rico): Dan You think either of these two guys can bang with somebody like Cotto? Do you think Cotto has way too many distractions leading to the Clottey fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:23 PM ET ) I had Jermain way ahead so I didn't think he'd get stopped with 14 seconds left. His team is disappointed but life goes on.
Jeff Las Vegas: The great thing about Pac is he is still not even 30. Am I right?
Dan Rafael: (12:24 PM ET ) He is now 30.
Danny (MA): Will Hatton commit to fighting at the grueling pace that Pacquiao sets? Or will he try to counter a bit and fight his fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:24 PM ET ) I think Ricky's best chance to win is to make it a war.
Chris (Kalamazoo, MI): Pacquiao KO 11th round in a bloody brawl. A rematch will be wanted, but Pacquiao will go on to fight the winner of Mayweather-Marquez.
Nation of drunks: There's Only One Ciky Hatton! One Ricky Hatton!
Ewan (Vancouver): I see that Diaconu vs. Pascal is signed. Seems like it'll be a massive fight in La Belle Provence. Do you think Pascal has a chance moving up in weight? He's one of my favorites.
Dan Rafael: (12:25 PM ET ) I really like this fight and I do think Pascal has a good shot. He's faster and more athletic than Diaconu.
Matt (charlotte): How did Paulie look last saturday? Was he back to his old self or did he look gun shy ?
Dan Rafael: (12:25 PM ET ) He won easily and looked pretty good other than when he almost got knocked down late in the sixth round and was hurt.
Pancho, Los Mochis: Do you agree with Tim Bradley's decision not to fight Devon Alexander (who looked very beatable this weekend)?
Dan Rafael: (12:27 PM ET ) I assume they have bigger fights in mind and didn't want to be pushed around by the WBC. The WBC is disgusting. Jose actually had the audacity to say Bradley was scared to fight Alexander. Shame on him. The WBC is garbage.
Daian, Miami: do you think gamboa-caballerp will get done now that caballero won?
Dan Rafael: (12:28 PM ET ) Not sure. But checking on it is on my list of things to do when I am home next week.
Mike (Tucson , Az): lets say pacquiao knocks out hatten . Do you really think mayweather would take on manny?
Dan Rafael: (12:29 PM ET ) Depends on the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Aaron (Denver): Dante Wilder still looks like an ameture. 3+ years before we can talk any sort of "Next American Heavyweight". Thoughts
Dan Rafael: (12:31 PM ET ) He is way, way, way far away. Very raw but his handlers know this. It's a work in progress. He's very young and not experienced. But he has physical tools and seemingly a good work ethic and desire to learn. So, yes, it's going to be a few years before we know one way or the other about him.
Mike, Kingsway: Have you seen the fighters yet? Hoping we don't see a dried out raisin like delahoya again.
Dan Rafael: (12:31 PM ET ) I saw and talked to both at the press conference. Both seemed in great spirits and in shape from what I could tell.
Dan Rafael: (12:32 PM ET ) Manny, I am told, weighed 138 yesterday. Hatton was shedding the last couple of pounds I am told and was out running.
E (Omaha): D$$ - For all the people who say boxing is dead, I have had more people ask about coming over to watch this fight then I can remember in years. I will have a full house Saturday night
Dan Rafael: (12:32 PM ET ) Good man.
John OHIO: Hey Dan, this going be a hell of a fight is their any worry of the swine flu that may effect the sell of this fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:33 PM ET ) Not at all. Why would it? The fight is sold out and if you are worried about getting sick, stay the hell home and order ppv. That's pretty safe.
Jimmy (Buffalo): Dan$, last chat you said that you don't think Arum would let Manny near Mosley. Freddie Roach keeps saying he wants that fight if Mayweather won't fight him. Do you still think Manny vs Mosley won't happen? Thanks.
Dan Rafael: (12:34 PM ET ) I stand firm -- I do not think Mosley-Pacquiao will happen, at least not in the next one or two fights.
Rog (sacramento): Oh no!! I'm not going to order the fight because of SWINE FLU!! Please..
Aaron (Hartford): Forget Pavlik-Abraham.....I want to see Pavlik-Froch....
Dan Rafael: (12:35 PM ET ) You're crazy.
John (San Fran): How many PPV buys do you see this fight doing? I think it can clear the 1 million mark.
Dan Rafael: (12:37 PM ET ) I'm not that optimistic. I think under a million. The only PPV fight ever to do more than a million that did not involve Tyson, Holyfield or DLH was Mayweather-Hatton, which did about 910,000. A million is big number. I think it comes close but not over.
Joe (philly): Dan I gotta say that for some reason I may have never felt as bad for a fighter as I did for Taylor when he was laying slumped over in that corner in the 12th. It was like watching the pavlik fight all over again.
Dan Rafael: (12:37 PM ET ) Yup. It was similar.
JJD (Seattle): Bert Sugar makes a fair point that Manny is the greatest Asian fighter in history. I never thought of Manny that way, but assuming you agree, who would be second?
Dan Rafael: (12:38 PM ET ) I do agree with Uncle Bert that Manny is the No, 1 Asian fighter. No. 2 maybe is Fighting Harada.
Kinoba (GA): Hello Dan - i hope that you are having a blessed day today - do you have any update on when Chris John will be fighting in the US again?
Dan Rafael: (12:39 PM ET ) June 27 in LA in a rematch with Rocky Juarez on HBO.
Benvenuto (Miami): Better film......Tyson or Kassim the Dream?
Dan Rafael: (12:40 PM ET ) I haven't seen either yet in its entirety. But since I am in Kassim The Dream, I probably have to say that one.
Christopher, Staten Island: Hey Dan, any chance we will ever see your scores from ringside during a Showtime fight? I don't know how they pick the writers they have on the program.
Dan Rafael: (12:41 PM ET ) I suppose. I've done a few times before. I have no idea how they do pick people.
Bernard Hopkins (Philly / Deleware): We are prepared to offer Froch 100 dollars, 10 tickets to the fight, and an autographed picture of me in my executionaer mask. Do you think he'll take my offer?
Chico (Cleveland):: Dan, is the Pavlik/Mora fight going to happen? There is still no signed contract for the fight. Is there a deadline?
Dan Rafael: (12:41 PM ET ) The fight is on and there will be a press conference in week or two in NYC.
Antonio Margarito: Could I have knocked out PENALOSA with my loaded hand?
Aaron S. Bayley, Toronto, ON: Sir Dancelot, I just finished reading George Kimball's excellent "Three Kings." Ever think of writing a similar book on the Barerra, Morales, Pacquiao wars? I'm sure you were there to cover 'em all.
Dan Rafael: (12:43 PM ET ) Interesting idea. I wasn't at all of them but most of them. I was at Barrera-Morales 2 and 3, Pacquiao-Marquez 1 and 2, Pac-Morales 2 and 3. Funny thing is, Pac-Morales was supposed to be my first fight for ESPN after leaving USA TODAY and I came down with the flu really bad (not swine flu) like three days before the fight and I had to cancel the trip.
Carlos Llamas Ponce, P.R.: Hey Dan do you think i'm crazy if i predict that Ricky hatton is winning by knockout?
Dan Rafael: (12:44 PM ET ) It's not unreasonable. Ricky is a good puncher and anything can happen when they are slugging it out.
Aaron (Denver): How impressed are you with Juan Manual Lopez?
Dan Rafael: (12:45 PM ET ) I've been impressed with him for a long time. He's a real talent with an exciting style. He's one of the top young stars in the sport.
Dan's Book Publisher: The name of Dan's upcoming book is "Banned - a tale of bathtubs, shower doors and idiots"
Dan Rafael: (12:45 PM ET ) Classic.
Jorge Az [via mobile]: Dan Love your DVD picks of the week. You should give ESPN Classic some advice on which fights to show. It'd be better than watching the same ones all the time. Much Props Dan Love reading your opinons.
Dan Rafael: (12:48 PM ET ) Thanks. ESPN Classic doesn't have the rights to a lot of those fights, unfortunately, but does show a lot of terrific older fights.
Matt (Brooklyn): I think the only way Hatton wins if he does the exact same thing he did to Kostya, physically wear him out. Otherwise, Manny should have his way with him.
Mike (San Diego, CA): Excited to see Erislandy Lara in person tomorrow. What is your take on him early in his career?
Dan Rafael: (12:49 PM ET ) I am also looking forward to seeing fight live for the first time. I met him yesterday and he seems like a nice young man. You know what? He literally got married yesterday at the chapel here in Vegas.
walter D.C [via mobile]: Any update with possible Lacy Vs Roy Jones, who do u think will win?
Dan Rafael: (12:50 PM ET ) They'd like to make the fight but there is no TV for it. No network is paying for it and as a PPV it dies, so not sure if it will really come off.
Grey (Cape Cod, MA): Dan, I noticed Omar Chavez is fighting on the off TV undercard tomorrow. Does he have a decent future in boxing?
Dan Rafael: (12:51 PM ET ) Omar is indeed on the off TV undercard but he's sooooo limited. I don't think he's going too far.
Raymond (Baltimore): Road Warrior DANimal, Carlos' question had me thinking. In boxing, basically anything is possible. But has there even been an outcome for a major fight, that seemed basically inconceivable prior to the fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:53 PM ET ) Douglas knocking out Tyson.
Benvenuto (Miami): If a brawl broke out in Vegas between Pacquiao's supporters and Hattons supporters, who do you got?
Dan Rafael: (12:53 PM ET ) Hatton's. They're nastier and drunker.
Luke (Long Beach, CA): I look forward to your updated rankings every week. What happened to them this week?
Dan Rafael: (12:55 PM ET ) They'll be back next week. My editor was a bit swamped with Fight Credential and stuff related to this fight and I had traveled last weekend to Bristol for FNF and then Foxwoods for the Froch-Taylor fight and then came out here Tuesday and was really crunched for time.
Leo, Cleveland : The last fight I watched was pacman vs oscar. Why should I get watch this fight after such a bad fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:56 PM ET ) If you don't know you are hopeless.
Joe (Clovis, NM): Can we except another 3 national anthem fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:56 PM ET ) One can only hope. I love a three-anthem fight. I am a huge fan of the Philippines national anthem. I have no idea what thte words mean but it's a beautiful song and they always have the best-looking woman singing it.
Al (Denver, CO): Leo in cleavland is banned......for life
Homer (North Canton, OH): This is my first chat live. I had to skip class 10th and 11th period to be here, but I'm glad I did.
Zim (Boston): Hatton's fans may be nastier and drunker, but Manny's supporters sport machine guns. No contest.
Benvenuto (Miami): We always talk about Mayweather willinf to fight for money, its all about money. What do you think it would cost to get him into the ring with Paul Williams?
Dan Rafael: (12:58 PM ET ) 400 billion.
Carlos (Funky Town, TX): Dan, I read Manny's chat and he said he would be interested in fighting Chavez Jr. Do you see that as a realistic fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:59 PM ET ) If Manny wins Arum has told me several times, including again last night, that he would look to make that fight if Mayweather was unrealisitc.
Walt (Texas): Whats the best part of a fight in Vegas?
Dan Rafael: (12:59 PM ET ) Ummm, the fight?
Rob (Halifax, Canada): I wish I had an excuse for not getting my work done, I can't tell my boss I was on a boxing chat all afternoon....
Dan Rafael: (1:00 PM ET ) Sorry bro,
jim : Do you think Samuel Peter has the chance to be aa top level heavyweight ever again?
Dan Rafael: (1:00 PM ET ) No.
Joe (FL): Do you think this undercard is a weak as De La Hoya/Pacquaio?
Aaron (Denver): The Manny Chavez Jr. fight won't happen but what if he fought his old man, both in their prime?
Dan Rafael: (1:01 PM ET ) It's not that bad. Nothing can be that bad. Soto-Gaudet is a solid fight I think. Jacobs is in a test fight. Is the undercard strong? Not at all. But it's not as bad as that crap last December.
Greg (Halifax, Canada): Hi - im Rob's boss and im on the chat too. Rob, your excused
Homer (North Canton, OH): Just to change it up a bit, I got a question about the heaviyweights. Who has the better chance of an upset? Wlad-Haye or Vitali-Arreola?
Dan Rafael: (1:01 PM ET ) Of those two fights, Haye.
Jackson (IA): Any sense at all of a somber mood in Vegas with the passing of Danny Gans? Or has the fight hype masked it? Have you ever met the guy?
Dan Rafael: (1:02 PM ET ) The news is just coming out this morning. It was a shock. I went to see him a couple of years ago when I was out here for a fight and he was absolutely fantastic. Such a talented entertainer.
Joe (Stamford, CT): I respect your scorecards, and agree with them most of the time (give or take a round), but I thought 108-100 Taylor was a little off. You only gave Froch two rounds?
Dan Rafael: (1:03 PM ET ) I rewatched the fight and I should have also given him the 11th round, but it was wide for Taylor in my opinion.
Matt (Charlotte): Please tell me Billy Graham isnt in Vegas again
Dan Rafael: (1:03 PM ET ) Haven't seen him. Then again, I didn't go looking under the tables at the bar.
Randy (NYC): I wanna see Froch/Taylor 2 as their next fight. That was a well rounded fight of technical skills, knockdowns, ruggedness, and an exciting end.
Dan Rafael: (1:04 PM ET ) A rematch may happen but it won't be next.
matt(Atlanta): just curious, all trashtalking aside, who right now would you say is a more respected trainer, floyd sr. Or roach?
Dan Rafael: (1:05 PM ET ) In the boxing community they are both respected as trainers but Freddie more so.
Jackson (IA): More plastered...Margarito's hands, or Billy Graham at 9:00 am?
Dan Rafael: (1:06 PM ET ) Draw.
Hector: Margarito-Mosley (LA) 20,000+ Cotto-Jennings (NY) 11,000+ Marquez-Diaz (Houston, TX) 15,000+ Lopez-Penalosa (PR) 10,000+ Pac-Hatton (LV) Sold out Klitschko-Haye (Germany) 30,000 in one day, 47,000 in a week and counting. Boxing is dead
Dan Rafael: (1:06 PM ET ) You forgot Pavlik-Rubio sold out arena in Youngstown.
Dan Rafael: (1:06 PM ET ) And 10,000 for Lopez-Penalosa.
Bernard Hopkins (Philly / Deleware): Alright fine Froch, 200 dollars, 15 tickets, and an autographed picture of me in my executioner mask! FINAL OFFER!
Dave, Cincinnati: You should be proud of me Dan. My friends thought I was odd for being such a big boxing fan for the past 10 years. Now they all want to leave our friends derby party who was willing to order the fight to come back to our place and pay for the fight. They said they wont be able to watch the fight closely enough there, too many distractions. Jr. Freaks in the making...
Dan Rafael: (1:07 PM ET ) Gold star for you, Freak.
Jack, London: Manny seems to dedicate his fights to God, his country, his people. He also talks about not wanting anyone to get hurt... It is quite endearing, yes, but wouldn't you want a nastier fighter? Someone who will growl and say that they would like to drink their opponents blood?
Dan Rafael: (1:08 PM ET ) Manny is endearing. He lets his fists do his talking.
Geoff (Burlington, ON): Don't forget about all of the 10,000+ shows in Montreal the past few years.
Jay (SF): Did you hear Bill Clinton was in Vegas? Any sightings?
Dan Rafael: (1:09 PM ET ) Yes, he was here at actually met with Manny Pacquiao at the Four Seasons hotel that inside Mandalay Bay. We have a great photo of it on the Fight Credential blog.
Ryan NY: Following up on matt's question, who would you rather have in your corner, Freddie or Floyd Sr.?
Dan Rafael: (1:10 PM ET ) Probably Freddie, but the reason is because I can understand him when he speaks.
Chris (New York): How cool is it watching Michael Moore apprentice under Roach on 24/7? And how funny was it watching Floyd Sr order at Taco Bell? That show is really the best.
Dan Rafael: (1:10 PM ET ) Great stuff.
Ted (Dallas, Texas): Dano, did you see where WWE wrestler Batista is carrying one of Manny's belts to the ring Saturday?
Dan Rafael: (1:11 PM ET ) Yes, which is pretty cool. He's Filipino. I'm going to run from press seat and drop a Tomb Stone on him!
Jason (NYC, NY): D$, I'm psyched to finally get a chance to see Matt Korobov get some airtime on a huge headliner. Given his extensive amateur background, while he has only a few professional fights, when do you think he'll be a contender for a belt?
Dan Rafael: (1:11 PM ET ) He'll move quickly. Give him maybe 15 months.
Randy (NYC): Dan, I know you most love your job, but do you ever day dream about sitting in the stands like us normal people with a beer and picking a guy to cheer for?
Dan Rafael: (1:12 PM ET ) No. I like my seat just fine, thank you.
RIP Greg Page: He was in poor condition his last few years, I hope he's in a better place now...
Dan Rafael: (1:13 PM ET ) Yes, RIP indeed.
Joe (Stamford, CT): Is Pac at 140 and up for good?
Dan Rafael: (1:14 PM ET ) Yes, it would be unlikely he will go back to 135.
Zach (Phila): I'm going to request some bail-out money and order a 52 flat screen for this baby! Come on over everyone is welcome.
Matt (Naperville, IL): When was the last time you went to a fight just to watch?
Dan Rafael: (1:16 PM ET ) No idea.
Steve - NYC: No notebook today?
Dan Rafael: (1:16 PM ET ) No.
Dave, Cincinnati: Who in the WORLD is going to fight Paul Williams??
Dan Rafael: (1:18 PM ET ) Maybe Dzindziruk, who Williams is mandatory for. The sides have talked from what I am told. Solid fight.
David (NY, NY): What should I have to eat with the fight tomorrow?
Dan Rafael: (1:19 PM ET ) How about some quesadillas?
Carl (Springfield): Whats your normal routine the day of a fight?
Dan Rafael: (1:21 PM ET ) There is often a press conference of some kind in the morning. This Saturday I will probably have some ESPN TV things to do. But I type in all of my notes I need for the fight and undercard stuff. Records, basic info I may need at my fingertips. I fill out my scorecards of the bouts I will score and get the officials. At some point, I usually just lay down and watch TV for a half hour or so or take a cat nap. Then it's time to shower and get dressed and head down to the press room and I try to get into the arena for the first fight and then it's a long night.
Rick (Paterson): buy or sell, hatton loses and fires Floyd Sr?
Dan Rafael: (1:22 PM ET ) Buy.
Nick (Harrisburg, PA): Do you feel that your ability to cover boxing is hampered by the fact that you've never stepped inside a ring to test yourself against another man?
Dan Rafael: (1:24 PM ET ) That is just stupid. So what? People cover the President and have never been the President. People cover all sorts of sports who never played their sport. That is just ignorant.
steve, pittsburgh: how much is each fighter making tomorrow night?
Dan Rafael: (1:24 PM ET ) They are each guaranteed at least $13 million.
Banishment: Nick, come test yourself with me!!!
Jeff (OH): DTM, if I run into you out on the town in Vegas, I'm buying you a Sprite buddy!
Dan Rafael: (1:25 PM ET ) Cool.
Kyle (Indianapolis): Do you get a vote for the trainer of the year award?
Dan Rafael: (1:25 PM ET ) Yes.
Benvenuto (Miami): Vegas odds are 3:1 right now for Dan the Man to knock out Nick in Harrisburg.
Joel Julio: Dad? I know it's been a while, but I want to make you proud. Who should I be fighting next?
Dan Rafael: (1:27 PM ET ) Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. Nothing in the works, but I think another ESPN-type fight or two and let's see what you have left.
David (NY, NY): I think my ability to ask Dan Rafael questions is hampered by the fact that I have never actually been Dan Rafael.
mitchel-houston: DTM, a few years ago I told you that I was skipping my girlfriend's sister's wedding in order to watch Taylor-Hopkins. You said that day that you were proud of me like I was your own son....Well guess what? Tomorrow is her other sister's wedding and rumor has it there is a big fight tomorrow night!
Dan Rafael: (1:28 PM ET ) Your wife's family needs a link to my ESPN.com fight schedule pronto.
Dan Rafael: (1:28 PM ET ) How many more sisters are there? Jeeez.
Tommy(Detroit): Hey Danno, are you staying in the same hotel as Pac?
Dan Rafael: (1:29 PM ET ) No, even though the fight is at MGM, where the media and Hatton are, Manny is more comfortable at Mandalay Bay, which is where he and his team is staying.
JP (Columbus, OH): My ability to interpret financial ratios for my company is hampered because I have never actually been a financial ratio(
Silv (NY, NY): Does Michael Moorer smile? Ever? Damn, that's a dour cat. What, if any, impact does having another body training him have on Manny?
Dan Rafael: (1:30 PM ET ) Yes, he does smile. I sat with him for a little bit yesterday and he indeed smiled.
Freak Hall of Fame (Bristol, CT): Welcome Mitchel.....
Nick (Harrisburg, PA): Dan...that was not me...you know my comments well enough to know that. I suspect my girlfriend or another fight freak friend of mine.
Dan Rafael: (1:30 PM ET ) Freak espionage!
Dan Rafael: (1:32 PM ET ) Hey Freaks, put on ESPN2's First Take and catch the replay in moments on our earlier segment on the fight,
Ross (Indianapolis, IN): DTM, speaking of the WWE, did you catch Backlash on PPV last Sunday? I LOVED the Cena-Edge fight! I'm glad you are a fellow Edge-head! With Edge and Christian holding two of the three major titles, I think we have another E & C Dynasty on the way! And that totally reeks of awesomeness!!!
Dan Rafael: (1:32 PM ET ) Totally enjoyed it.
Dennis, Bremerton, WA : A lot of people are pointing to how good Hatton looked against Managie, his last fight. But is easy to looked good against someone who can't hurt you. He only had 5 KO's.
Dan Rafael: (1:34 PM ET ) That is a valid point. Ricky didn't have to worry about what was coming back at him like he will against Manny.
Walter (FL): Uh oh..did you say watch First Take? We're not going to hear a bunch of inane questions are we?
Dan Rafael: (1:35 PM ET ) Not this time. It's coming on now after this commercial.
Brandon.... Mobile [via mobile]: Why is Hatton getting no respect for his speed and quickness?
Dan Rafael: (1:36 PM ET ) Because he's not nearly as fast as Manny,.
Kyle (Indianapolis): Who is your favorite trainer to deal with at press events?
Pacquaio
Tyler/ SLC, UT: You are representing your entire country. Does the pressure get to you?
Manny Pacquiao: No, the pressure doesn't get to me. I like to perform and entertain.
Aaron (Denver): What are the keys to you countering the constant pressure Hatton will bring to the fight?
Manny Pacquiao: My speed, my in and out movement and my legs will be the keys to countering Hatton.
nick(quezon city,philippines): What do you think of Roach's statement that you'll knockout Hatton in 3 rounds?
Manny Pacquiao: (laughing) That's his opinion. My job is to train for a twelve round fight. Hatton is a good fighter and I'm prepared for it to be a war.
Tim (Pittsburgh, PA): Manny, what do you expect from Hatton on saturday?
Manny Pacquiao: I expect Ricky to be at his best. I expect him to be prepared.
louie (san pablo city,laguna): Do you perform any ritual before you go into your fights?
Manny Pacquiao: They only ritual I have is praying. I ask for protection for me and my opponent and for me to fight my best.
Maciek from Poland: Do you think you are the best fighter in the world, better than hatton, mayweather or anybody else?
Manny Pacquiao: I think of myself as a good fighter. I work hard in the gym and do by best in every fight that I have.
Derek (Houston, TX): I saw on the HBO show that your mother will be attending a fight of yours for the first time ever. Where will she sit? Would you want her as close to the ring as possible, or further away, out of your eyesight?
Manny Pacquiao: My mom will sit in the first row. She will be one of my inspirations.
Karol, Gdynia (Poland): Nowadays you are the best boxing champion in the world. At what age did you realize that you could be the number one of pound-for-pound fighter in the world?
Manny Pacquiao: Last year when I turned 29. My goal wasn't to be No. 1, it was to fight well and give the people what the want to see.
Korben: (Kearny, NJ):: Do you see a move back up to welterweight in your future or do you intend to stay within the lightweight-light welter range?
Manny Pacquiao: I think I can fight at any weight between 140-147. I'm still a growing boy.
Brian (Sacramento, CA): Manny, What have you done to prepare for Hatton?
Manny Pacquiao: Train, train, train. Work hard and watch film.
Brian aka Fila(Las Vegas, NV): If you win this fight Saturday, do you want to fight Mayweather Jr. next in the fall???
Manny Pacquiao: I'll fight anybody that my promoter puts in front of me but there aren't a lot of fighters out there that want to fight me.
Derek (Houston, TX): Manny: I've really enjoyed watching the HBO show. Does having cameras around while you train distract you at all, or does it give you an advantage in knowing that the world is watching some of your training sessions?
Manny Pacquiao: Thank you for watching. Sometimes it's a distraction. At first it was hard to adjust but now I'm used to them. The crew members are my friends now.
Manny Pacquiao: Thank you to all my fans for their support. Tune in Saturday, May 2 to HBO/PPV at 9 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT to see me against Ricky Hatton live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
