Rafael Archive: Chats | Columns
Dan Rafael: (11:59 AM ET ) Greetings, Fight Freaks. What a week last week with Pacquiao-Hatton! Everyone is still buzzing about it. And we've got the return of FNF this week after a week off and the Dawson-Tarver rematch Saturday on HBO. There's also a new blog, my Manny Pacquiao column and a big new notebook for you to read. So let's get to it.
Tomas(Tx): Dannibal the Cannibal, lets get down to it. Pacmans KO over Hatton was pitch perfect. Your quote, "unleashed the left hand from the heavens" was spot on. It was the perfect punch. Where do rank that KO out of all the great KO's?
Dan Rafael: (11:59 AM ET ) It's sure up there. I think it's easily the KO of the year thus far and will take something special to surpass it.
Mike (San Diego): Dan, after my experience last weekend, I'm not missing another superfight in Vegas. Any word on when Mayweather-Marquez tickets go on sale?
Dan Rafael: (12:00 PM ET ) Glad you had fun. Nothing like a big Vegas fight. Not sure when they are on sale, but they may be already since they did the press conference last week to announce it.
Craig (Detroit): DTM - Did you happen to get a chance to meet Batista? I saw him with the Pac Man's entourage during the ring entrances.
Dan Rafael: (12:01 PM ET ) I didn't actually meet him but when he came out of the ring from Manny's corner he was directly in front of me and above me on the apron, so I admit I did shout to him and give the Batista Bomb sign to him and he was looking at me and cracking up, Hope he beats Orton at Judgement Day!
Dan (Brooklyn, NY): Hey Dan. I read that the PPV did over a million buys. Is that number official yet? Seems pretty huge.
Dan Rafael: (12:02 PM ET ) There is no official number yet but I wouldn't be shocked at all if it did a million-plus. Based on everything I have been hearing from those involved, it looks like that is a good possibility.
Chris (Dayton, OH): Hi Dan - do you tink Tarver will be able to pull out another rematch victory tomorrow night, or is Chad just going to be too much again? I think it will be a repeat of 1st fight, if not more so in Dawson's favor. Thanks
Dan Rafael: (12:02 PM ET ) I agree with you. I think Dawson shuts him down again.
Aaron (MA): any update on James Kirkland?
Dan Rafael: (12:02 PM ET ) As far as I know, he's still in the can.
Mike (San Diego, CA): I think when Ricky Hatton looked in the mirror after the fight he saw 3 or 4 Ricky Hattons
Brits: We came all that way for that?
Tomas(Tx): Its super awesome how laid back Manny is. Yo just kinda chill with him for a bit while he watches his fight. Plus being a humble person. A rarity nowadays.
Dan Rafael: (12:03 PM ET ) He is a very humble guy and it's refreshing to see. When he says all that stuff about fighting for his people and his country he really seems to mean it.
Chris (Dayton, OH): Dan - how cool was it to hang with Manny? I was excited knowing how great that must have been for you!! Something to remember forever...
Dan Rafael: (12:04 PM ET ) It was one of the special experiences of my career. I have been around a lot of fighters and had a lot of interaction with the top guys for many years but the opportunity to watch the fight with Manny in his room was as good as it gets.
Joe (Stamford, CT): Great work on the Manny column, one of my favorite columns you've ever written. Is he as humble as he comes across in pieces like that and on 24/7?
Dan Rafael: (12:04 PM ET ) Absolutely.
Mike (Rome, NY): Danimal, great article on Pac the morning after, gave me goosebumps!! Great article brotha!! My question is do you see Marquez as being the most dangerous opponent Mayweather has faced (disregarding the weight difference).
Dan Rafael: (12:05 PM ET ) No, I don't see Marquez as his most dangerous opponent faced. Marquez is a great fighter but going into the fight, I think many would agree that Corrales, at that time, was perceived as a more dangerous opponent, to give one example.
Jon (SF): Dan, I have a question about journalism for you. Do you ever think that sitting with a fighter and watching fights and hugging him as Manny did to you crosses the line? Not saying it does, just wondering where you see it.
Dan Rafael: (12:06 PM ET ) Not at all. It was an impromptu moment with a fighter I have covered for a long time.
Kermit Cintron: I don't know what punch you are talking about. Hatton was head-butted. Nobody hits that hard.
Chico (Cleveland):: Dan, still no official word on the Pavlik/Mora fight and i've heard Pavlik has a staff infection in his hands. Is this true. Is the June 27th date in jeopardy?
Dan Rafael: (12:07 PM ET ) According to his promoter and manager, Pavlik does have an infection on one of his hands, but the fight is not in jeopardy. There was supposed to be a press conference in Vegas last Saturday, but it was ppd. because of Pavlik's hand situation. But it's supposed to be rescheduled for next week in New York.
Joe, RI : Dan-o it was nice meeting you and Jaun Diaz outside the weight-in last week. Should Manny Pacquiao's new nickname be "The Golden Handshake"? You fight Manny, get a nice payday, and then you get sent into early retirement.
Dan Rafael: (12:08 PM ET ) Well said.
Tomas(Tx): If Robert Guerrero vs Roman Martinez comes off, what a excellent fight that could be
Dan Rafael: (12:08 PM ET ) I agree.
Mark (Brooksville, Fla.): Dan, great work this past week. I was wondering if you could confirm that Floyd Sr. did not come to Hatton's aid after the K.O.?
Dan Rafael: (12:09 PM ET ) He did not walk back to the dressing room with Hatton. I saw him posing for photos.
Tomas(tx): Are you gonna be at the Tarver/Dawson fight or is it a TV fight for you?
Dan Rafael: (12:10 PM ET ) I went to the first one and that was enough. Between a tight budget, a crappy fight and the fact that I was on the road from about April 24 to May 4, I'll just watch it on TV.
Swine Flu: Even I'm too slow for Manny Pacquaio
Choco, New Jersey: I am curious what "big name" Dirrell could be matched up with in July. My guess is Sakio Bika.
Dan Rafael: (12:11 PM ET ) I wouldn't mind seeing that fight. But since Dirrell is a mandatory I doubt it will be anyone that tough. Maybe they can get Balzsay to come over here and defend the mandatory against Dirrell.
Billy (Patchogue, NY): Mayweather/Marquez 24/7 a bit of a problem, no? Marquez speaks no English, right?
Dan Rafael: (12:11 PM ET ) JMM does speak English. It's a little rough but a hundred million times better than it used to be.
Allen (Boston): Dan: I think Juan Manuel Marquez is a great fighter, but do you have a feeling that this fight may not meet expectations in regard to action? Would you agree that both fighters are counter punchers and that two counterpunchers generally lack for action?
Dan Rafael: (12:12 PM ET ) It does have that potential but I sort of think it will be a lot better than some are saying. Marquez's fights for the most part have been excellent for the past few years.
Big M (Atlanta, GA): Dna, it's been a minute, but much love to you and the Freaks! A few thoughts: 1) How about a Williams v. Cintron fight? might be interesting. 2) Allen Green blew another fight, is it really surprising?
Dan Rafael: (12:13 PM ET ) Cintron is booked to fight Angulo on May 30, so forget about a Williams fight, which would be a massacre anyway.
Mike (San Diego, CA): Any chance for a RAD saturday night?
Dan Rafael: (12:13 PM ET ) No chance.
Henry, Ocala: Given the brutal beating Diaz took at the hands of Marquez, shouldnt he be taking a couple easy fights to build up his confidence instead of jumping right back to HBO?
Dan Rafael: (12:14 PM ET ) Diaz wants to be paid and to get paid you go on HBO against a real opponent, so that's what he is going to do.
Bucky (Denver): Hey Dan, Great chatting with you on Saturday. I must say it was just awesome to experience what you do for every big event. Just being able to overhear [yes i was eves dropping on people] was amazing. Kid in the candy store would be how I described it. Any prediction for tonight's fight on ESPN2? I expect it to be a pretty good one, I think Vera will drown yet another Irishmen in the deepwaters.
Dan Rafael: (12:15 PM ET ) By winning the HBO prize, you got yourself a weekend you will never forget. It was also great to meet you in the press room. I hope you had as much fun as possible.
Floyd Mayweather SR: What comes on my Taco's?
Dan Rafael: (12:15 PM ET ) You can get tomato if you want.
Aziz (Newcastle, UK): Dan! Hope you are good. Just wanted to ask your opinion on the Khan-Kotelnik fight; and do you agree that Ortiz would destroy Khan?
Dan Rafael: (12:16 PM ET ) I would favor Ortiz at this point but destroy might be a bit too much. Khan is faster than Ortiz and a good puncher as well, at least at lightweight.
Joel (NY): Dan, any word if there is american tv coverage for Diaconu-Pascal yet? Really interested in seeing this fight
Dan Rafael: (12:16 PM ET ) Nothing yet Freak.
Hector: Hey Dan, does Ricky Hatton meet your criteria for the Hall of Fame? I don't think he is, but with Barry McGuigan in, it lowered the bar enough to where Hatton is in easy. It shows just how much boxing writers take popularity into account.
Dan Rafael: (12:17 PM ET ) I doubt I will vote for Hatton but his career is not over yet. Put it this way, Hamed, to me, accomplished more than Hatton and I have not been voting for Hamed.
Pete, Salt lake city: Does the Adamek VS. Johnson bout really have a chance of being resurrected by Showtime?
Dan Rafael: (12:17 PM ET ) If it didn't I wouldn't have written that it did.
Pete (NYC): Dan... why does everyone keep calling The Punch (I think we know which one) a straight left hand? That was very clearly a left hook that came around in a circular motion across the jaw, not a straight shot that would have landed to the front of Hatton's face. I love all the attention The Punch is getting, but I wish people would get it right! It's like saying a curveball was a fastball.
Dan Rafael: (12:18 PM ET ) It wasn't a left hook. A southpaw does not throw a left hook, he throws a left cross.
Joel (NY): Dan, has there been an opponent named for Edwin Valero yet for the July PPV?
Dan Rafael: (12:18 PM ET ) Not yet, but it won't be Breidis Prescott.
Tomas(Tx): Is it confirmed that Linares will be on the Mayweather/Marquez undercard? If so, its shaping out to be a good card so far
Dan Rafael: (12:18 PM ET ) Not confirmed, just one of several possibilities, as I wrote in today's notebook.
Chris (Dayton, OH): Dan, Do you think that Korobov will get a significant step up in competition in his June 13th match? I see his opponent is still listed as TBA..
Dan Rafael: (12:19 PM ET ) I wouldn't expect anything significant but he will be back on that undercard. I thought he looked terrific last week.
Kendrick, Birmingham, Alabama: Hi Danno, I am looking forward to seeing Adrian Broner tonight - is he a future champ?
Dan Rafael: (12:20 PM ET ) He's a prospect and an exciting one. Would not predict if he will win a title right now after only seven fights. I do know I am interested in watching his progress.
Rob RI: Seeing the Hatton fight was a total disappointment for everyone who paid $50. Do you think that PPV is ruining boxing?
Dan Rafael: (12:21 PM ET ) I don't agree. You pay your money and you take your risk. Any fight can end in two rounds. PPV is not ruining boxing. When the right fights go on PPV nobody complains. When Pac-Hatton was put on PPV nobody complained at all. It's when the junk goes on PPV that people get upset.
Kevin (Grand Rapids, MI): If Tarver loses do you think he makes the hall of fame?
Dan Rafael: (12:21 PM ET ) I don't think he makes the HOF even if he wins.
Joe (Stamford, CT): Very surprised to read the notebook tidbit about Guzman turning down a fight against Judah on the 7/18 undercard. How is Joan Guzman in a position to turn down anything after his disgraceful actions against Campbell?
Dan Rafael: (12:22 PM ET ) Because Guzman lives, apparently, in another universe. He's a waste of time.
Steve San Jose, CA: $50 WELL SPENT
Sal (Chicago): What do you think of Roach's statement that Pac-man would KO Marquez now in 3 rounds? I mean it's kinda hard to go against Roach at this point, butt that's a BOLD statement
Dan Rafael: (12:22 PM ET ) Freddie needs to pick the Lotto numbers, he's been that good lately.
Joe (San Fran): Where would you rank Pacman among all time greats? Top 50?
Dan Rafael: (12:23 PM ET ) At this point, I would say he is obviously top 50, maybe higher. But his career isn't over yet, so let's not go crazy.
Ricky Hatton, holiday: I should have know I was in trouble when my trainer showed up stinking like Taco Bell...
Benvenuto (Miami): Dawson said on his chat yesterday that he may have to go to 168 to get some meaningful fights if Hopkins keeps "dodging him". What do you think he would do in an already deep 168?
Dan Rafael: (12:24 PM ET ) Dominate.
Victor (San Antonio): hey dan your article on your hang out with pacman and his entourage sounds like an awsome experience. i made my wife read the entire thing cause shes a pacman fan and she also praised the article... good work danno
Dan Rafael: (12:24 PM ET ) Thanks. One of the most fun articles I've ever written.
James Kirkland (Austin, TX): Anyone need two tickets to the gun show?
Pete, Salt lake city: Who do you think wlll have the better career, Korobov or Lara?
Dan Rafael: (12:26 PM ET ) Both have only like 5 pro fights and both were superb amateurs. But if I had to pick I would go with Korobov because he's more crowd pleasing, which could translate to bigger money fights and more TV exposure. But they are both excellent prospects.
Mike (San Diego, CA): I have heard a lot of casual fans say they were disappointed because it only went two rounds. Wouldn't you take those two rounds and that KO over a boring decision.
Dan Rafael: (12:26 PM ET ) Absolutely.
Tomas(Tx): Bring on Humberto Soto for Valero!
Dan Rafael: (12:27 PM ET ) Would love to see that fight.
Joel (NY): Dan, regardless of what happens, will Showtime televise Lucian Bute and Adamek's next title defenses?
Dan Rafael: (12:27 PM ET ) Up in the air at this point.
Eric, North Hollywood: Dan, Just read the notebook....Why is Bute now looking @ Spina? I thought he wanted to give Andrade a rematch?
Dan Rafael: (12:27 PM ET ) The Andrade rematch is in the fall. In the meantime, Bute was looking for a summer optional first. The mandatory is not due yet anyway so he has time for a fight this summer and then the rematch in the fall.
Kevin (NYC): Is it true Malignaggi is one of the possible comeback opponents for Juan Diaz?
Dan Rafael: (12:28 PM ET ) No, Paulie is slated to fight Mike Alvarado on June 27 on the Pavlik-Mora undercard.
Rick, Marina, Ca: Whats up Dan, all I have to say was WOW of the Pacquaio's destruction of Hatton, I knew Hatton wasn't gonna last. I know you kept saying hatton was going to be a tough fight for Pacman, I always knew this was going to be a cake walk for Pac, Hatton has always been a bum.
Dan Rafael: (12:29 PM ET ) I thought Hatton would survive the early onslaught and make it a deep fight. He didn't and got creamed. It happens. All credit to Pacman.
Gordon, Hammondville, ON: Why wouldnt Calzaghe come out of retirement and fight Froch? It would be an easy fight for him ans Froch is as slow as molasses.
Dan Rafael: (12:29 PM ET ) Why should he? Joe has made his money, accomplished everything and retired in good health. No need.
Brad (PA): Who is calling the HBO fight tomorrow Larry or Max?
Dan Rafael: (12:30 PM ET ) Max.
Michael (Toronto): DTM, the next time you're in-studio at FNF, can you please respond to a Brian Kenny question with "in the immortal words of Lennox Lewis, absolutely"? Would be a great shout-out to the Freaks.
Dan Rafael: (12:31 PM ET ) I'll see what I can do.
Jon (DC): Dan, the calls for Hatton to retire seem a little strange. Sure he got knocked cold, but he has only lost to the two best in the sport. Meanwhile, we see the same recycled tomato cans like Spina and his ilk dominated by mediocre fighters and no one thinks they should retire. In part it is because no one cares about them.
Dan Rafael: (12:32 PM ET ) I think people get wayyyyy too dumb in the wake of a big fight. Why should Ricky retire if he doesn't want to? Like you said, he got stopped by the two best fighters in the world. So? He'll still beat a lot of top guys and can still make money. If he wants to fight, so be it. I have no problem with that at all.
jr (san jose): If anyone was disappointed over the Pacquiao KO over Hatton they are not boxing fans. I am still talking about the fight with my friends
Saad (Kansas): I'm looking forward to watching Ola Afolabi starch Troy Ross. Any word on when and where that fight will happen?
Dan Rafael: (12:33 PM ET ) It's supposed to be June 20 in Brampton, Ontario on Versus.
Matt (Philly): The calls for hatton to retire seem dead on because he hasn't looked good since he beat Tszyu in 2005
Dan Rafael: (12:34 PM ET ) You obviously haven't watched his fights. You didn't think he looked good against Malignaggi? Are you blind or just stupid?
Raymond (Baltimore): Dannibal Lecter, since you brought him up? When Prince Naseem was big, i wasn't yet a freak but did watch all of the major fights. How good was he?
Dan Rafael: (12:35 PM ET ) During his prime, he was the best featherweight in the world and rightfully should have had all four belts at once but the putrid organizations prevented it.
Tony(Tampa): Just to let the Freaks know how chilling Hatton's KO was the HBO camera did a close up of him on the canvas and Hatton was gasping for air like a fish out of water, eyes glazed over, and my wife grabbed my hand tightly & asked "OMG,Is he dying?!!!"
Dan Rafael: (12:36 PM ET ) It was a rough scene and the HBO camera lingered. It was hard to watch.
Donald (New Orleans): The Allan Green situation is disgusting. He gets on television and then dominates. Then he once again prices himself at a meaningful fight. Will this go on during his entire prime? Poor management decisions if you ask me.
Joel (NY): Dan, will HBO show the replay first tomorrow night or the live fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:36 PM ET ) I am told taped fight first followed by the live fight.
Mike (San Diego, CA): Dan, when I walked into the MGM on Saturday afternoon, the buzz was tremendous. Say what you want about Hatton in the ring, but you can't deny he brings a great crowd.
Mark (V.A): What do you think of Mayweather's 60-40 demand against Pac-man? Manny hasn't been the easiest to negotiate with in his last few fights. Biggest obstacle to cross for the fight to happen i think.
Dan Rafael: (12:37 PM ET ) I think Floyd is on crack if he thinks he's getting 60-40.
David (Laredo Tx): What are your thoughts about the Berto/Urango fight? It seems it has gone under the radar and has the potential for fireworks.
Dan Rafael: (12:37 PM ET ) I agree. I like the match.
Dave, San Jose: Why are you writing off Marquez already? Because of the size? When is the last fight Mayweather used his size to beat someone? That's not how he fights.
Dan Rafael: (12:38 PM ET ) I'm not writing him off at all.
Chief M......EYA Clw Florida: Mr. R., You mentioned that Roger Mayweather went off on Angelo Dundee. Without adding to his insanity can you give us an idea of why he chose Dundee?
Dan Rafael: (12:39 PM ET ) I have absolutely no idea what goes on in the clouded mind of Roger Mayweather.
Joe (Stamford, CT): Gamboa-Caballero gonna happen? Would think Gamboa's people are more into making that fight after Caballero's close call last week.
Dan Rafael: (12:39 PM ET ) It's being discussed still.
Tom (Danbury,CT): Did you happen to see John Ruiz's open letter to the American Heavyweights? (Arreola, Chambers, etc) Is there anything more ridiculous then that?
Dan Rafael: (12:39 PM ET ) I saw it and promptly deleted it from my in box.
Ryan (Fairport, NY): Dan-O: Bob Arum said on a different web site that he wants to match up Pacquiao with Miguel Cotto next. I personally think that would be a much better fight style wise than a Mayweather-Pacqiuao fight. What do you think?
Dan Rafael: (12:40 PM ET ) Bob has talked about the Cotto fight as a possibility. Manny will be in NYC on June 13 to watch the Cotto-Clottey fight and if Cotto wins it's certainly a possible fight for the fall. I think it would be highly entertaining. If there's no Mayweather fight for Pacquiao, it's certainly a good replacement.
Walter (LA, CA): Hey Dan. What was with Michael Buffer mentioning the trainers during the intros last Saturday? Everyone at my party thought it was odd.
Dan Rafael: (12:41 PM ET ) It was odd and a surprise to me.
Seattle, WA: How would you rate the Pacquaio/ Hatton undercard?
Dan Rafael: (12:41 PM ET ) Stunk for the most part.
Mike (San Diego, CA): Just watched the Abregu-Garcia fight. What a fun back and forth fight that was.
Dan Rafael: (12:41 PM ET ) That was a terrific fight.
Chuck, Philly: Dan, serious question here. Do you think the Pacquiao/Hatton fight was good or bad for the sport overall? Obviously it was a big fight that generated interest. However, on the flip side it futher annoyed a fan like me that is obviously not a "freak" but certainly a fan that I plunked down over $50 for 6 minutes of action. I will now be less likely to purchase fights going forward, and it's the big fights that keep me interested in the sport. I think there are many more like me. Thoughts?
Dan Rafael: (12:42 PM ET ) It was GREAT for boxing. You have a mega star who was awesome in one of his biggest fights with a spectacular knockout. There's nothing bad about it at all unless you're Ricky Hatton.
Cyrus (San Francisco, CA): If Manny managed to beat Floyd if the fight happens, where do we start placing him amongst all-time greats. At some point you honestly have to start looking at him as top 10, maybe top 5. I mean, when it's all said and done he might have 5-6 HOF's on his resume...
Dan Rafael: (12:43 PM ET ) If Manny fights Floyd and wins clean, he certainly will have accomplished something great on top of his other terrific accomplishments.
Seattle,Wa: Do you think Pacquaio will take a tune up fight before having another mega fight later this year?
Dan Rafael: (12:44 PM ET ) I think Manny will only fight once more this year.
John (LA): Any word on the Cunningham-Braithwaite match?
Dan Rafael: (12:45 PM ET ) It's a mandatory eliminator and could wind up on the July Agbeko-Darchinyan undercard. I also heard that DK has talked to Main Events about possibly putting it on the undercard of Adamek's next fight as they build to an eventual rematch between Adamek and Cunningham.
Joseph (Anaheim, CA): Hi Dan - I got a chance to meet Nonito Donaire and his wife Rachel after the Pac/Hatton weigh-in. Very nice kid and just as humble. What are the chances we get to see him on the undercard of a Pacquiao mega-fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:46 PM ET ) I think it's a litlte unlikely because he draws his own international television money and Arum would rather keep them separate.
Bert (Minneapolis): D$- we all agree that stripping Bradley was absurd. Will Alexander fight for the title? He's really talented, but after all the down time he had in his young career, is King now rushing him?
Dan Rafael: (12:48 PM ET ) The WBC is horrible. It hurts boxing more than helps. That said, at least the WBC was very clear before the Bradley-Holt fight about the winner having to fight Alexander, so Bradley was not surprised by the situation. Alexander will definitely fight for the vacant belt in his next fight.
rob (jersey): Are there really that many people with no friends? 10 people / 50 bucks = $5 a person, plus adult beverages and wings and pizza + women = a great saturday night!!!!
Chris (Greenwood Lake, NY): Dan, I never thought I'd say this butI think Pac-man is going to be too much for Floyd. Just as fast, equal if not better power and I don't think Floyd will handle the pace the furious Pac-man sets.
Jerson, New England: What would be worse A. kick to the crotch; B. punch in the throat; C. being forced to watch a Yuri Foreman fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:49 PM ET ) A, C, B.
Robert (Bronx, NY): Dan-O-Mite, Some are now saying that Hatton looked dried out and the weigh in. Revisionist history? I know you had said on ESPNews that he looked great. Your thoughts please
Dan Rafael: (12:51 PM ET ) People always like to make excuses and revise history after a fight. I thought Ricky looked a little dry but in great condition and I stick by it. He can't use weight as an excuse.
JQ (Roswell, NM): In this the post-DLH Era, what Americans, if any, do you think can create mega fights (1M+ ppvs, etc.)?
Dan Rafael: (12:52 PM ET ) None.
Dan Rafael: (12:52 PM ET ) Except Mayweather with the right opponent.
Keith H (Seattle, WA): Chuck, Hearns-Hagler only went three rounds and it was one of the all-time greats. It's not the quantity, it's the quality. A great two round fight like last week beats twelve rounds of snooze.
Benvenuto (Miami): Dawson also said during his chat that we would like to fight Paul Williams if Williams was willing to get to 168. Could that happen in your eyes? Would you like to see that fight?
Dan Rafael: (12:54 PM ET ) Anything could happen. There are a lot of more interesting fights to me but I wouldn't say that it toally out of the realm of possibility.
Mike(Miami,FL): Guillermo Rigondiaux looked amazing as an amateur and I think he is as close to a sure bet as there is to be a great fighter.I'm excited to see him on FNF in Miami on May 22. What do you think of him?
Dan Rafael: (12:55 PM ET ) Loved him as an amateur. Spectacular fighter. As a pro, the jury is out. He's had more than 400 amateur fights and hasn't fought much since 2007 and he's like 28. Let's see what happens.
Berndawg: GOT, Full 24/7 treatment for Marquez/Mayweather??
Dan Rafael: (12:56 PM ET ) Yes, they are planning a 24/7 for the fight.
Joe (Stamford, CT): You posed the question in your blog the other day; "Who will Shane Mosley fight", have any answers come to you since?
Dan Rafael: (12:56 PM ET ) No.
Jordan (Upstate NY): I've got to stop watching those 24/7s. From the day this fight was signed until the first episode, I called this fighter murder. I said Ricky was going to get slaughtered quickly and that he was going to get hurt. Then I watched those damn 24/7s and wavered... I got too scared to even put money down. EVERY TIME.
Joe (PA): Any Chance Roy Jones Jr could get a title fight with Chad Dawson?
Dan Rafael: (12:58 PM ET ) Doubtful because the networks are not interested and they pay the bills.
Rich -Allentown: Dawson by KO this time?
Pete, Salt lake city: Is the Proposed Vitali V. Arreola bout being negotiated?
Dan Rafael: (1:00 PM ET ) Vitali is in court with the WBC over its appointment of Maskaev as the mandatory. Until that is settled they can't really negotiate another fight. However, if Vitali wins and isn't forced to fight that garbage fight with Maskaev, I believe they will attempt to make the fight in America with Arreola.
The World:: Okay Pacman you convinced us...bring on Klitchko!
Gerardo (AZ): Hey Dan. I'm going to play devil's advocate here and say that, while short fights can be very entertaining, Hatton-Pacquio wasn't, because of how incredibly lopsided it was. I'm not asking for our $60 back, but I think it's a stretch to call it a great fight.
Dan Rafael: (1:01 PM ET ) Nobody has called it a great fight. It was a great performance and a great knockout.
bboyks(Littleton,CO): Let me guess, DE LE HOYA vs HATTON is on tap. In a loser retires match for good.
Dan Rafael: (1:01 PM ET ) Don't give them any ideas please.
Rick, Marina, Ca: Im really anxious to see the Ward-Miranda fight, Miranda with his usual trash talking, good fight for Ward, tickets are well priced also. Who you got and why?
Dan Rafael: (1:02 PM ET ) I am looking forward to this one also. I think Ward has too much size, speed and skill. He'll beat Miranda unless he gets caught with something stupid.
Gerardo (AZ): I agree with Jordan, 24/7 brainwashed me into thinking Hatton had a chance. LOL.
Steve San Jose, Ca: Out here in the Bay Area, we have a sport talk radio host who always says boxing is dead. His station sent him to Vegas to cover the fight. He is eating his words. He admitted it was the best sporting event he has ever been to.
Dan Rafael: (1:03 PM ET ) Good. Anyone who cries the old song about boixng being dead is a fool and lazy. It's alive and well. Some problems? Sure. But it's a great sport and its best, there is nothing better or more exciting.
Mike (San Diego, CA): When the Mayweather-JMM fight was signed, I heard a lot of people calling it a "tune-up fight." I think that is a little disrespectful to call the #2 P4P guy a tune-up.
Dan Rafael: (1:04 PM ET ) I agree, to call JMM a tune-up is just silly.
Nick - South Dakota: My father purchased Pac-Hatton, first ppv he bought since Tyson was champ. I'd say it's a good year for boxing.
Jay (LA): I am surprised Arum didn't go nuts on Sen. Ensign seeing that he is a staunch Dem while Ensign is a Rep.
Dan Rafael: (1:05 PM ET ) LOL. Bob and the senator are friendly and he was more than happy to introduce Sen. Ensign and his two kids to Pacquiao.
Joe (Stamford, CT): RIP Benjamin Flores. Feel terrible for Al Seeger. He posts from time to time on a boxing message board, and seems like a really nice guy. Condolences and best wishes to all involved.
Dan Rafael: (1:05 PM ET ) Agreed. Seeger has to understand that what happened was not on purpose. It is one of the risks every fighter takes when he steps between the ropes.
Mark (Brooksville, Fla.): Dan, with all the moaning over the $50 bucks for the PPV didn't anyone hear Ross Greenburg of HBO saying he thought HBO and the other networks would concentrate on keeping good fights on the regular channel vs. PPV?
Dan Rafael: (1:08 PM ET ) They are doing that. But the biggest and best fights are obviously going to be on PPV. Pac-Hatton was a mega fight. Nobody -- NOBODY -- expected it to be on regular HBO. On PPV, it's the kind of fight that probably generated $60 million. That kind of fight is NEVER going to be on HBO. We all understand that. Ross' point is that fights like Marquez-Diaz or Mosley-Margarito, fights that could do maybe 250,000 or 300,000 would be better served being on HBO.
jack, fort collins: "mayweather continues to look down the scales for his next opponent while pacquiao consistently looks up the scales for his." great quote dan. how can mayweather continue to demand smaller fighters come up and fight at welterweight when he himself won't even fight a welterweight? i'd take it to the bank that if needs money mayweather gets past marquez, he either prices himself out of a pacquiao fight or makes some unreasonable demand about the weight.
Dan Rafael: (1:10 PM ET ) Listen, Floyd is a terrific fighter, obviously, but the proof is in the record. He has never fought one single prime, elite welterweight. I'm not saying he has to fight all of these guys. I would settle for ONE of them: Cotto, Margarito, Mosley, Williams, Clottey, even Berto. He has not fought ANY OF THEM. I'm not hating, I'm keeping it real.
Newt (Jacksonville): Thank God Ross Greenburg feels that way. It can only serve to grow the sport. Glad HBO is taking the long-range view on its boxing investment.
Jeff Las Vegas: Dan what I would like to know is. .did u have another confrontation with Carol Hatton for underestimating her son's abilities?
Dan Rafael: (1:12 PM ET ) LOL. No. I saw Mrs. Hatton a few times and talked her once in the press room and she was very nice to me.
Joe (Stamford, CT): Yes, the economy stinks, and we never want to shell out PPV money when we don't have to. But I don't think we can get on HBO for the number/quality of PPV's this year. Mayweather/JMM, Pac's next fight, and maybe a Cotto-Mosley type fight will proabably be the only PPV's for the rest of the year. I think we can live with that.
John (San Fran): What a Fight!! I converted a room of 22 people watching the fight for my birthday into big boxing fans. 10 of them asked when the Mayweather fight was on Monday! My girlfriend made a good point: the reason Manny is so scary is that he truly believes God put him on earth to be a boxer, no that he is the baddest man on the planet. Thanks for the blogs/chats!
Dan Rafael: (1:14 PM ET ) OK, Bat Email note for you:
Dan Rafael: (1:15 PM ET ) Several of the Freaks have been asking when Mayweather-Marquez tickets go on sale. I dropped a note to Richard Schaefer from Golden Boy during this chat and just got the answer to your question.
Dan Rafael: (1:15 PM ET ) Tickets for Mayweather-Marquez go on sale May 18, a week from Monday, which is the same week they will do their press tour to New York and Los Angeles. How's that for service to the Freaks?
Mark (Brooksville, Fla.): I agree with you 110% on PPV's.....I just wanted to give credit to Greenburg and others for trying to keep the level of great fights we've enjoyed on their respective networks
Sean (Dunmore PA): I heard Jay Mariotti running his big mouth on Around the Horn about boxing being dead. Does he have a clue about the garbage he spews out of his mouth?
Dan Rafael: (1:18 PM ET ) Jay is a good columnist and says some thought-provoking things in his TV appearances and I consider myself a fan of his work but he, like many general sports columnists and commentators, are ignorant and dumb when it comes to boxing.
Bat E-Mail: I am taking down the Bat Phone
Chris (NJ): Mayweather is a great fighter who ducks Greater fighters (Sugar Shane)
joe (NYC): the biggest fight of the year ends with the knockout of the year, and you have fans complaining? If you were disappointed by Saturday's result then you're not a boxing fan
Dan Rafael: (1:20 PM ET ) Don't you get it? Boxing fans are NEVER happy and ALWAYS have something to !*+#+ about no matter what. Pac and Hatton could have fought the fight of the century and people would have complained about the undercard or because Pacquiao wasn't dominant enough.
Dan Rafael: (1:21 PM ET ) OK, folks, more from the Bat Email. A few statistics to show you just how much boxing ain't dead.
Dan Rafael: (1:22 PM ET ) These stats courtesy of an email I just received from Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer on the Pacquiao-Hatton fight:
Dan Rafael: (1:23 PM ET ) Live gate: $8,832,950. Tickets sold: 15,368. Comps: 561. Closed circuit gate: $575,750. Closed circuit tickets 11,515 (11 locations). Not bad at all.
Dan Rafael: (1:24 PM ET ) So in Vegas alone just for tickets or closed circuit the fight generated about $9.4 million. Sure, boxing's dead.
antony (england): I see Byron Mitchell has replaced Berrio as Shumenov's opponent. How good is this Shumenov? He's being moved along so quickly!
Dan Rafael: (1:24 PM ET ) From what I have seen, he's pretty darn good and has fought very strong competition virtually from day 1.
Charles (Philly): They even give you the figures on comps! Gotta love Vegas!
Dan Rafael: (1:25 PM ET ) From my point of view as a media member, Nevada's commission is BY FAR the best to deal with.
Berndawg: Very well said about Mayweather at 147--all we have are the facts!!!!!!!!
Bat Holographic Messenging System: I'm coming soon....
JR (Chicago): Is Pacquiao-Mosley the biggest fight Manny can make while waiting on Mayweather?
Dan Rafael: (1:28 PM ET ) That would be big. I also think Manny and Cotto would be big.
Andy in Tampa: nice stuff rfrom Las Vegas Athletic Commission. Out of curiousity is Mark Rattner still involved with MMA/UFC or has he returned to the sweet science?
Dan Rafael: (1:28 PM ET ) Marc is still with UFC, but remains a boxing fan as well and comes to a lot of the fights. I got a chance to see him last week in Vegas and it's always a pleasure.
Resident of Manchester, England: I spent my life savings to fly to Vegas and watch my hero get destroyed and people are complaining about 50 bucks
Chris (Los Angeles CA): D$ - Does this mean that Hatton has to give Roger Mayweather his boxing gear to be doused in gasoline and set ablaze?
Dan Rafael: (1:30 PM ET ) I was wondering that myself.
Randy (Cincinnati, OH): did Bartinelli's mouth guard land near you?
Dan Rafael: (1:31 PM ET ) No, but it looked like it could have hurt someone the way it flew into the crowd.
brandon (dekalb,il): I saw that the NJ commission rejected Camacho-Campas which was smart, but then the Florida commission said they would put the show on. How bad is the Florida commission for accepting that?
Dan Rafael: (1:31 PM ET ) It's not its best moment, put it that way. Garbage fight being overseen by a commission that apparently does not care.
Gerardo (AZ): Hey Dan, I went back to my tapes to watch Marquez-Pacquiao II (again), and I noticed the BAD logo. Did that fight really happen in Boxing After Dark?
Dan Rafael: (1:32 PM ET ) The fight was on PPV. The replay was part of a BAD telecast that's all.
Berndawg: I think it's time for the Mexicutioner to be on the cover of SI and ESPN/Magazine. Enough with the horse racing and baseball for one week.
Dan (Brooklyn, NY): I am tired of Vernon Forrest's excuses. Fight Martinez or give up the title.
Sterling (New Orleans): Dan, loved the notebook this week. What do you think a fair split for Pacquiao/Mayweather should be?
Dan Rafael: (1:33 PM ET ) 50-50 and let's get it on.
Fellow Freak, Still at Rouge at the MGM: Fellow freaks, I met the legend himself last weekend. Thanks Dan for being so nice. Any chance Pac fights Shane next, and if so, would it be in the LA area?
Dan Rafael: (1:34 PM ET ) Gotta love the Rouge at MGM! I have spent many an evening there. Pac-Shane is probably a long shot for next, but not out of the question I guess. That said, I think given a choice, Arum would rather make the Cotto fight since he has both ends.
Kyle (Indianapolis): Was there a sense of disappointment with the quick ending to a megafight from the other people around press row?
Dan Rafael: (1:35 PM ET ) Not at all. Many of us have covered fights for years and are unmoved by when a fight ends or how it ends. It was exciting to watch but you learn not to be really surprised by anything.
Drunk Brits: "Theres Only One, Ricky.......wait where did he go?"
Kyle (Indianapolis): What was the best and worst moment of last weekend?
Dan Rafael: (1:38 PM ET ) Best: The fight and being welcomed into Manny's private room to watch the fight with him on Sunday. Worst: The massive turbulence for most of the flight home.
Sam (NJ): I can't understand why so many people ask if others were disappointed in the fight... We were able to witness greatness and an absolutely fantastic KO...
Javier (New York): Dan, how huge would be a Hatton-Khan fight in the Uk and is true there is a Hatton-Katsidis fight planned
Dan Rafael: (1:40 PM ET ) Hatton against Khan would be enormous in the UK for sure. Katsidis has said he'd like to fight Hatton but it's nothing but him talking. Hatton just got smashed a few days ago. Trust me, he's not thinking of his next fight right now at all.
MIKE(NC): Did Manny offer you a bite of his steak?
Dan Rafael: (1:40 PM ET ) No and I didn't ask.
Seattle, WA: I was thinking about buying the Pay Per View Boxing card on June 27. On the undercard that night is Fernando Montiel vs Eric Morel. Does that have the potential of being a good fight?
Dan Rafael: (1:41 PM ET ) I think that's a very solid fight, especially if you like little guys. Could be a little more boxing than slugging though because Morel is more of a boxer and Montiel is sometimes in great fights, sometimes in more of a chess match.
Nick (NYC): after watching PAC destroy Ricky, i watched a replay of Morales/Pac 1 and all i could think about was how great Morales really was - people forget that he thoroughly beat Pac in that fight. What's the news on Erik's comeback?
Dan Rafael: (1:42 PM ET ) You're right. Morales was a stud in his day. And he did cleanly beat Pacquiao in a close fight. Morales is coming back. He may fight on the Mayweather-Marquez undercard or may fight in Mexico on another card instead but I think it's pretty clear we'll see him fight again.
Daniel Jacobs (TOP CHEF): How does Manny like his steak cooked? I hope to cook for him one day.
Dan Rafael: (1:43 PM ET ) I appeared to be cooked about medium.
Dan Rafael: (1:43 PM ET ) Yes, it was a very rough knockout. Watching the replays on the monitors it was brutal so there was some immediate concern.
chris (new York): Hey dan, you said in one of your blogs that pacquiao was the first man to ever win four lineal tittles in four weights classes. But, I looked in oscar de la hoya's record and he too has won four lineal tittles in four weight classes (135, 140, 147, 154).
Dan Rafael: (1:44 PM ET ) Oscar was not the lineal champion at lightweight.
K5(NYC, NYC): Dan- Love all your work and the chat is def. something I look forward to on fridays!! I just wanted to say when I was reminded that yesterday was the anniversary of Chico Corrales' death and of that best fight I ever had the pleasure to see live, my eyes got a lil teary. RIP Diego Chico Corrales!
Dan Rafael: (1:46 PM ET ) May 7 is always a day of mixed emotions. Day of Corrales-Castillo 1 and my mom's birthday but also the day Corrales died. The odd thing is Corrales and I have the same birthday and the day he died is my mother's birthday. Odd.
Greg P (Staten Island,NY) : Dan, w/all the action going on in the 168 div is it possible for Kessler to maybe fight somebody?
Dan Rafael: (1:46 PM ET ) Kessler is on the sideline because of an ongoing problem with his promoter. Who knows when he'll be back?
John, Denver: Is B-Hop serious about Froch? I know he talks a LOT, but it would be an interesting fight if Golden Boy would make Froch a good offer
Dan Rafael: (1:47 PM ET ) BHop is a loon sometimes. He's throwing anything out there to see if it sticks. He can mention Froch all he wants right now but when he realizes there's nowhere near the money for the fight, say as compared to the Adamek fight, he'll change his tune in a hurry.
Lamb(Upstate NY): Dr. Dan.....How about Williams vs. Sergio Martinez in a battle to determine who is supremely talented and more unmarketable?
Dan Rafael: (1:49 PM ET ) Good fight.
Toby (Houston): Pound for pound, would you now rank Pacquiao above Floyd?
Dan Rafael: (1:50 PM ET ) He ranked ahead of Floyd before the fight. Manny was No. 1 and Floyd was unranked because he retired.
Joe (Stamford, CT): Any word on JuanMa's next?
Dan Rafael: (1:50 PM ET ) He just fought two weeks ago and there's nothing on tap at the moment for him. But you can be sure he'll be back this summer or fall.
Jason (Gainesville, VA): Dan, Do you think Pac would accept a 50-50 split with Mayweather? He seems to have played hardball in the last few negotiations.
Dan Rafael: (1:51 PM ET ) Before the negotiations start, let Mayweather beat JMM first. Then the chaos can begin if he does.
Jon (DC): Next time you see BHop tell him the only fight we are interested in is against Dawson. I presume that is what HBO wants as well.
Dan Rafael: (1:52 PM ET ) It is definitely the fight HBO wants. In the press room last week one day, me, Hopkins, Larry Merchant, Kery Davis and Ross Greenburg were involved in a lengthy and sometimes loud discussion with BHop about his future fights. He said yet again he's not interested in Dawson.
Alan (Plantation, FL): Dan, why is it that so many fight fans and writers criticize Mayweather for not fighting genuine welterweights? I mean he started his career at 130, and walks around at less than 160. He's not even a legit welterweight
Dan Rafael: (1:53 PM ET ) He was the welterweight champion, first off, when he beat Baldomir. Second, he's the one saying he's the best fighter of all time. The best fight the best. Mayweather has not yet fought the best in his own division. Period.
JX (Phoenix): Hey Dan, as a poster collector, how cool were the onsite posters for pac-hatton? kind of reminded me of the old Neiman posters!
Dan Rafael: (1:55 PM ET ) By my count, there are seven different versions of posters for Pacquiao-Hatton. There were two distinct site posters, one that had the same art as the PPV poster but didn't have the ads or HBO on it, which was pretty cool. There was also the Richard Sloan-painted print, which was very sweet.
Mark (NYC): Seems fitting that the colors of the Ring belt are the same as the colors of the Filipino flag.
Jay (Boise, ID): Any truth to the fact that some media outlets are reporting that RJJ is talking about doing some MMA fighting post-Lacy? If true, the man has finally completely and irreversibly become a parody of himself and seems determined to flush whatever remains of his image right down the drain.
Dan Rafael: (1:57 PM ET ) Roy has said he'd fight Anderson Silva, but UFC is balking at it. The Lacy fight is by no means a done deal at all. They are having date issues and no network wants it. So if it goes on PPV, they don't to compete with anything else, so the calendar is tight.
The Suits (HBO): If PBF vs PAC happens, we're making a 24/7 on the negotiations alone!!
Javier, Miami, FL: Dan, LOVE the idea of Cotto-Pacman. I honestly think Cotto would be too big for Pacman but he continues to prove us wrong. What are your thoughts on that fight and who would you favor, say at a catchweith of 143?
Dan Rafael: (1:58 PM ET ) Obviously, it's an interesting fight. That said, no way does Cotto go down to 143. If that fight happens, I believe it would be a 147 fight for Cotto's belt, not a catch weight fight at all.
Bert (Minneapolis): D$- does anyone around Manny seemed concerned his extensive entourage will drain all his cash? I mean he can't fight forever. $50 million will go a long way, but not if you're an idiot. Ask Floyd!
Dan Rafael: (1:58 PM ET ) It's pretty clear that Manny is going to someday be broke no matter how much he earns. It is inevitible, unfortunately.
Javier, Miami, Fl: Dan, I thought boxing was dead? LOL. Hard to be dead when Pacman-Hatton is the lead story on 11pm SportsCenter on a night with an NBA Game 7 AND the Derby.
Steve (ct): Dan what he was saying is that welter is floyds division as much as 140,135 because he was moving up to all of them. why does he all ways get ripped for not fighting 147's but not 140's
Dan Rafael: (1:59 PM ET ) Because he was welterweight champ AND because he says he's the greatest fighter of all time. True greats take risks.
jim: Why was bhop interested in pavlik, but not dawson? Pavlik seemed just as dangerous at the time, no? Is it just size?
Dan Rafael: (2:00 PM ET ) Dawson is bigger and a lot more versatile.
Matt (Naperville, IL): How about Judah vs Campbell and Linares vs Youdan (I'm interested in seeing more of this guy) for July 18's undercard?
Dan Rafael: (2:02 PM ET ) Both reasonable matches, although I doubt Judah-Campbell would happen.
Larry (Houston, TX): If Pacquiao fights Cotto next, Mayweather has no excuse not to fight Sugar Shane next.
Dan Rafael: (2:03 PM ET ) You're right, but he'll find one.
luis (lauderdale): Hey Dan I'm planning on going to the Berto fight in Hollywood, Fla at the Hardrock. Have u ever seen a fight there? Is it a good venue?
Dan Rafael: (2:04 PM ET ) Yes, it's an awesome hotel and terrific venue, one of the best I have covered a fight at. I've covered a few fights there. Not a bad seat in the house. Just a great place for boxing. Have fun!
Greg P (Staten Island,NY) : Dan, if G Johnson can't get a fight w/ Adamek would he consider a move to 168,is that too low for him?
Dan Rafael: (2:05 PM ET ) His people have said he will go as low as 170. I think 168 may be a real reach for him at this point.
Joe (New York, NY): So the Mayweather/Marquez undercard will feature Judah, Linares, and Morales? Wow thats pretty good.
Dan Rafael: (2:06 PM ET ) No, no, no. Dude you need to learn to read. Judah is on. Linares and Morales are possibilities, but all three won't be on.
Marc, Potter, WI: Are you surprised that in an ESPN poll, most people are picking the Pacman to beat PBF? What are they thinking???
Dan Rafael: (2:06 PM ET ) I saw that and I was surprised it was so wide. But then I changed my mind. I think people are still just so caught up in the hoopla of Manny's big knockout.
Jon (DC): Dan, why do you have Campbell ranked at 140 when he never fought there so far?
Dan Rafael: (2:07 PM ET ) His last fight was a junior welterweight fight because he was overweight. I am also giving him a little bit of the benefit of the doubt for his previous accomplishments at the lower division. Common sense has to factor into rankings also.
brandon from tucson: People keep complaining about spending $50 for the 2 round knockout and also complain about boxing not being exiting enough, yet those same people say how exciting a stupid $50 UFC PPV is when those end in two round all the time. Dumb.
Dan Rafael: (2:07 PM ET ) Good point.
Dave (detroit): Also Steve, floyd should be ripped for fighting bruseles and gatti at 140. Oh and he counts his win over Judah as a title fight.
Dan Rafael: (2:09 PM ET ) I had no problem with the Gatti fight because it was for big money and a belt. Bruseles was ridiculous and Judah was fine, but when they called it a title fight, I wanted to vomit.
Mario (Bell Gardens, CA): Danaconda, you have to admit, if you are as "great" of a trainer as Floyd Sr. "CLAIMS" to be, how the heck do you not anticipate Freddie Roach teaching Pacquiao to throw the right hook to trick you?????? Pretty sad......
ChrisDiggidy, Oklahoma City: On PTI this week during role play, Mike was Manny Pacquiao. First time I've seen them use a boxer for this, and while he did mess up in one of the things he said, it really seems like more mainstream media are paying attention to boxing. Also, seeing an interview with Pac on Sportscenter that night was the first time I can remember seeing that with an exclusive interview the night of the fight on espn since Al Bernstein was the boxing analyst. I love it!
Justin (Las Vegas, NV): how come floyd sr. is not training dawson anymore?
Dan Rafael: (2:13 PM ET ) Dawson is training with Eddie Mustafa Muhammad instead.
Alan (Plantation, FL): Dan, if Mayweather beats Marquez convincingly would you be inclined to put him ahead of Pacquiao on your P4P list?
Dan Rafael: (2:13 PM ET ) No. Manny is No. 1 until proven otherwise.
Kyle (Madison,Wi): People keep forgetting that Hatton did beat Pacquiao in darts before he was beaten in the ring. Any word on a potential rubber match in foosball or bar dice?
Dan Rafael: (2:14 PM ET ) I'll check into that with my people.
Dan Rafael: (2:15 PM ET ) OK, Freaks, thanks for the chat. Hope you check out the new notebook, blog, updated scheduled, etc... And enjoy this weekend's fights. Talk to you next week.
