ESPN

Dan Rafael

  (12:10 PM)

Greetings Fight Freaks! Hope you all had a great Christmas or are still enjoying your Hannukah. Sorry I am a few minutes late, but let's get right to it.

Dan Rafael

  (12:10 PM)

One other thing before we get rolling -- hope you have a chane to check out all the year-end awards stories. The first came out yesterday and the rest will roll out between now and the end of the year.

Steve (Concord, CA)

What's up with the Montiel-Donaire/Solis-Viloria doubleheader, is that one going to get finalized?

Dan Rafael

  (12:11 PM)

I spoke last night with Cameron Dunkin, who manages Donaire. He said that the fight is a go for March 14. Showtime is making plans to air it, I am told, as a special edition of ShoBox. It's a nice doubleheader.

Mike (Chicago)

Any chance we get Angulo-Mayorga here in Chicago?

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

Still no venue locked in from what I understand.

Chris (Los Angeles CA)

D$ - You know, the way some people are discrediting Pacquiao's win over DLH because he was a shot fighter I would not be surprised if Pac went up to Heavyweight and KO'd Wlad that these same people would say, "well, he beat the Klitschko with the more fragile chin"

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

People love revisionist history. Go back and look at all the talk before the fight -- a lot of people didn't think the fight should even happen because Oscar was going to destroy Manny because he was so much bigger. They look like idiots now. So I couldn't care less what those folks say. It's easy to Monday morning quarterback.

Mike (Chicago)

With Monitel-Donaire being a special edition of ShoBox, will Bradley-Holt be bumped up to March 7th?

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

No, Holt-Bradley is supposed to be in April.

Steven (Hartford)

Any word on venue or undercard for Dawson Vs Tarver II?

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 PM)

From what Gary Shaw told me not too long ago it could be Foxwoods or possibly back in Vegas.

Joe (Greenwich, CT)

Regarding Valuev-Holy, which was worse, the fight, or the decision?

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 PM)

It's like asking me to pick between the WBC and WBA for which organization makes me want to barf more.

Alex (Chicago)

Anything on Monty Meza-Clay?

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

He has a mandatory eliminator against Jorge Solis coming up. Top Rank won the purse bid recently and I expect them to schedule it in early 2009.

Juan (NY, NY)

When is your prospect of the year and fight of the year stories getting posted?

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

Next week.

Steiny (NYC)

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

Thanks, same to you and all the Fight Freaks.

Glen Johnson

Two guys who I beat get a major HBO fight, and I can't get a guy to fight me because boxing is dying...Save Me Dan!!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

I wish I could. I am told that there have been some conversaions about a possible Jermain Taylor-Glen Johnson fight.

mase (harlem, ny)

Happy Holidays Dan...hope all is well, question...Will Taylor/Froch ever happen with Taylor having an HBO contract and the network denying the fight...can he go to Showtime to get this fight to happen?

Dan Rafael

  (12:16 PM)

Taylor's HBO deal is over so he can go wherever he wants. The Lacy fight was the final bout under Taylor's multi-fight contract. It is possible that HBO retains a first/last clause but that would mean if they passed on Taylor vs. whoever, he would be free to fight that fight elsewhere.

Greg (Dallas, TX)

What does the lost to Adamek to to Cunningham--an all-around great guy? Where does Cunningham go from here?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

It was a great fight and Cunningham lost a split decision. He's still a top cruiserweight and we could see a rematch.

Mike (Hillsboro OR)

Dan, may the boxing gods smile down on us for 09' and let the winner of the Dar. vs Arce match fight the winner of the Donaire vs Montiel match.

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

Exactly.

Corey from(WestWick)

My little brother Todd bought me lennox lewis career on dvd

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

Nice present. Enjoy.

Lloyd (Toronto, Canada)

Why did you put Manny Pacquiao as number two in the Lightweight list. I really disagree to that... Manny won both fights to Juan Manuel Marquez. I know JMM made an impressive KO over Casamayor but that doesn't put him on top of Manny? that's really confusing, you put Pacquiao as P4P King but 2nd at the lightweight division under the man he beaten twice..??? Hmmmm.

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

We've only been over this like 1,000 times. Go read the transcripts of the older chats. Any Freaks want to explain so I don't have to waste my time again?

Sean: Dunmore, PA

After we stop pretending David Haye is a serious contender and Arreola gets done looking like King Hippo in Tyson's Punchout are there any serious threats to the Klitscho brothers?

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

Well said. At the moment, I don't see any.

Dan (Brooklyn, NY)

Happy holidays Dan. Buy or sell: Pacqiauo fights Mayweather in 2009.

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

I'll go out on a limb here and buy.

Joe (North Jersey)

Dan, think they will do a 24/7 for Hatton-Pacman? Seems like some interesting characters and I think it would be pretty entertaining.

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 PM)

If the fight happens, I would be surprised if they didn't, especially with Mayweather Sr training Hatton.

Jr

What is next for Juan M. Lopez?

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 PM)

JM likely will headline on HBO's Boxing After Dark in April.

Oscar (Tempe, AZ)

Hey D Raf if the "Baby Bull" upsets Marquez would that place Diaz in the running to face Pacquiao,thoughts?

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

I think it would be possible if Pacquiao beat Hatton and Mayweather stayed retired.

Ty (Detroit, MI)

Lloyd, JMM is THE Lightweight world champion, therefore he has to be #1 in the rankings regardless of his past fights with Pacman.

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

Thank you.

Ricardo (Bronx, NY)

Speaking of 24/7 Dan, does Freddie Roach get major clout for carrying that show or what? Manny's Bad singing and Oscar's portrayal of the perfect family despite missing 2 kids...(who were probably at Holyfield's house) Can Freddie challenge Floyd Sr...for biggest 24/7 star?

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

The biggest 24/7 star is Floyd Jr.

Oscar (Tempe, AZ)

Hey D Raf besides retiring, I feel that Oscar's farwell fight should be Vernon Forest. It would be a 154, and a possible WBC title fight and Forest isn't a big power threat. Any thoughts?

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

I would have zero interest in that.

Mike (Chicago)

Is a Kirkland/Ortiz doubleheader still in the cards for a March BAD?

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

Yes. And it COULD wind up a tripleheader with Robert Guerrero on there as well.

mike denver, co

Do you think Mike Alvarado gets a title shot this year? I thought he looked really good last Friday night.

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

Mike has looked good in his past several fights. I think if he plays his cards right he could get a shot, especially since his promoter, Top Rank, promotes Kendall Holt, who has a belt.

Mike Pelham, NH

Are there any heavyweights off in the distance to get remotely excited about?

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

When you find one, please let me know.

Paul B (NY, NY)

Happy holidays, DTM! Wow- I thought we were done chatting until the new year! What a great surprise. You just single handedly improved my holiday season by 35%. Also great article on the FOY award. Hypothetically if BHop won the decision vs Joe C and did it convincingly, would you have paused b4 giving Manny the award?

Dan Rafael

  (12:25 PM)

I thought we were done chatting too but when I got a note from the office asking about chatting today, I said what the hell. Had BHop gotten the win over Joe and then also beat Pavlik it would have made the decision a lot tougher.

Juan (NY,NY)

What networks are going to fill the void of solo boxeo and wednesday night fights? Have you heard any other networks that are looking to televise boxing in '09?

Dan Rafael

  (12:25 PM)

I know Azteca America (TV Azteca in Mexico) are going to be doing a weekly series with Top Rank, but they also don't pay as much as Telefutura did.

Corey from(WestWick)

I also got to watch Ali vs Frazier 1 for the first time ever. What a Christmas

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

Wow. What took you so long to see that one?

Mark (ATL)

Please forgive me, because I ignored the 168 division until Calzaghe/Lacy. But can you tell me how a Sven Ottke/Joe Calzaghe fight never happened? Who ducked who??? It is sort of a disgrace that both of them might retire "undefeated".

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

Neither side really tried to fight the other as best as I recall. Ottke was comfy getting hometown decisions in Germany and Joe was staying busy fighting in the UK.

Ty (Detroit, MI)

Speaking of JMM, while many people are clamoring for a rematch with Pacman, they forget that JMM has alot of business to tend to at 135. There is a chance for him to clean out the division in his next few fights and if all goes well Pacman will be there for him late next year or early 2010. The best thing he can do is to keep winning to make that fight even bigger and harder to pass up for Pac.

Justin (Springfield, NJ)

Dan: Any word on Luevano/Juarez as a second HBO fight on the JMM/Diaz card?

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 PM)

It is unlikely. Cameron Dunkin, who manages Luevano, told me last night they are not going to Texas and it won't happen on that card.

Ricardo (Bronx, NY)

Fret not Corey...we all gotta start somewhere...no better place. Now get a Sharp Aquos, a Panasonic DVR, Showtime and HBO on Demand and chat every week, we'll get you caught up quick. Welcome to the club buddy!!!

Zach MPLS

dan, would sho or hbo be interested in a adamek-cunningham II, i thought i read that adamek would only give him a rematch if there was more money on the line?

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 PM)

I haven't spoken to either network about that rematch but you'd have to be an idiot not to be interested in that rematch.

JR.

Abraham/Sturm vs Pavlik.. When can we expect either fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

If Pavlik beats Rubio in February it is very likely we will see the Sturm fight.

JR

Can we expect to see Israel Vasquez in 2009, or is his eye going to keep him off the shelf?

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 PM)

It is unclear just how long Izzy will be out. His manager, Frank Espinoza, told me not too long ago, he just didn't know when Izzy would be back but that he thought it would be in mid-2009. Hopefully, the eye gets better and he returns to action.

Justin (Springfield, NJ)

Dan: Buy or sell. Pavlik beats Rubio and goes straight for a fight with Calzaghe.

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 PM)

Sell.

Kidd Dal,Tx

Who's your top prospect to look for a breakout in 09?

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 PM)

You'll have to wait for the prospect of the year story.

Greg (Dallas, TX)

Danta Claus, what do you think about DLH doing a "farewell event" without actually fighting himself by putting together a great card showing off several young GBP fighters, bringing together a lot of DLH's past opponents for a "roast", etc?

Dan Rafael

  (12:30 PM)

It's an interesting idea but I do think Oscar will fight again.

todd (ky)

what big fights can we look forward to in 2009?

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

We already have two excellent ones on the books in Margarito-Mosley and Marquez-Diaz. Hatton-Pacquiao is close to being made. After that, maybe we will see Pacquiao-Mayweather. That's a pretty good list right there. And dont forget about fights that aren't as high-profile but still interesting matches like Holt-Bradley or Darchinyan-Arce, which are also already made.

Dave, Cincinnati

Is the Vitali/Haye fight a 100% go? Have you heard Kitschko's side confirm the deal or is this just David Haye talk?

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

It is not 100 percent.

Corey from(WestWick)

So I wonder whats up with Rafeal Marquez now that Vazquez is out. I would love to see him fight Caballero

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

Good matchup.

Mike Pelham, NH

What ever happened to David Tua?

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

Who-a?

Marbleheadmaui

Any rethinking on the Valuev-Holyfield fiasco given how many ringside press scorers had Valuev winning?

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

Absolutely not. I know what I saw.

Julio Seoul Korea

What is next for Juan Manuel Lopez?Is Rafael Marquez a possibility?

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

Marquez is unlilely to face Lopez next. I've heard Top Rank throw out the idea to HBO about a Lopez-Gerry Penalosa fight, which would be good.

Paul B (NY, NY)

Besides Chavez JR, who else could DLH possibly fight as a swan song? Perhaps Mora?

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 PM)

Anything is possible, but an Oscar-Mora fight doesn't exactly have big written on it. It would be different if Mora hadn't been wiped out by Forrest in their rematch.

Kevin (Fall River, Ma)

I have read most of the press ringside for Holyfield/Valuev had it for Valuev. I know you have spoken before that fights can often be scored differently at home than live. Do you think this is what happened for this fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 PM)

No.

Ortiz ,Cali

Better all-action fight Pac-Cotto or Pac-Hatton? I'm saying Cotto-Pac

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 PM)

Probably you're right.

Mike (Chicago)

I know as freaks we like to hammer HBO when they put on crappy fights, but lets give them credit where credit is due. Their BAD lineup is shaping up to be pretty darn good for the first 4 months...

Dan Rafael

  (12:35 PM)

I agree and I may blog about that fact. Everything on the HBO schedule so far in '09 is something very interesting with the lone exception of Dawson-Tarver 2, which isn't even THAT bad.

Mike Pelham, NH

Sorry Dan, I have heavyweight depression. It is so bad, I long for the days of Lennox Lewis...

Greg (Dallas, TX)

Dan, why no Paul Williams as an "honorable mention" fighter of the year candidate? Yes, he started slow...but finished very strong...

Dan Rafael

  (12:36 PM)

He lost a fight he should have dominated. And even though he did well at middleweight, he beat a club fighter. Then he beat an old Verno Phillips. I don't discredit what Paul did. He's a terrififc fighter. But his 2008 falls short of FOY mention.

Clay (Indy)

Dan, I hope Floyd comes back to fight just so I can see Roger go grocery shopping again on 24/7.

Dan Rafael

  (12:37 PM)

Me too! Thanksgiving just wasn't the same this year.

Mark (Chicago)

As a follow up to Marbleheadmaui's question, despite your feelings on the Holyfield fight, do you think his petition will carry any weight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:37 PM)

None whatsoever. It's a pointless battle.

Billy from Philly (PA)

There's a prospect here, Mike Jones, who looks like the could be the real thing. He got nailed in his last fight against Luciano Perez and came back to flatten him. Any inside info?

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

Promoter Russell Peltz is high on Jones and he has looked good in the handful of fights of his I have seen. He's definitely a prospect to watch and an entertaining fighter.

sk (Arlington, VA)

Worse heavyweight title: Valuev-Holyfield or Byrd-Williamson ...

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

Byrd-Williamson is literally the worst heavyweight title bout I have ever seen, hands down.

Greg(Los Angeles)

Dan has Shaw mentioned any possible fights for Forrest besides Sturm?

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

No.

rob (jersey)

New Years' wish - hoping Lomachenko turns pro?

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

You know it.

Braindamaged2too...(Asylum)

Dan,After reading your answer in regards to the Heavyweight division's prospects for an exciting savior......I made a few calls and I'm happy to announce the comebacks of the following heavyweight superstars: Randall "Tex" Cobb, Eric "Butterbean" Esch, Ron Stander, Joe Bugner, and Leon Spinks! Thank me later!

Dan Rafael

  (12:40 PM)

You're a sick Freak.

Dave, Cincinnati

I know Freddie said they'd take the Mayweather fight before the Hatton fight. Since Floyd's made noise about his comeback, is it a big possibility that this delays Pacman/Hatton and we see Manny fight Mayweather in the spring?

Dan Rafael

  (12:40 PM)

I sort of doubt it given how far down the road Arum and Schaefer are to making Hatton-Pacquiao.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan,As bad as the Valuev/Holyfield debacle was do you think we'll see Valuev face either of the Klitzchos in 2009? And if it does happen would either fight go longer than 5 rounds?

Dan Rafael

  (12:41 PM)

It's possible I suppose, but I have so little interest in it. Also, Valuev would first have to defeat Chagaev.

Bruno Sammartino (Old WWWF)

Hell yeah........bring back the old timers......we'll show the punks how to do it right!!!

mrmarksmith

Hey Dan.Great article on Manny's FOY award. Outside of Manny what are your guesses for fights/opponets for the rest of the FOY runnerups?

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

We Calzaghe has to decide if he wants to fight. If he does fight, I'd of course like to see him fight Dawson or even a rematch with Hopkins. Barring either of those, a Glen Johnson fight. We already know Margarito will face Mosley next month and probably rematch with Cotto in the summer. Darchinyan is scheduled to fight Arce in February. Hopkins is in the same boat as Joe -- does he fight or retire?

Pistol Pete (NYC)

Dan, thinking big-picture about how to promote boxing back into the mainstream, they are using the reality show concept all wrong. The people who are getting profiled either are not good (The Contender participants) or are near the end of their career (Calzaghe, Jones, Oscar, Floyd). It's the JuanMa's, Angulos, James Kirklands, Paul Williamses of the world who need to be promoted in this fashion, because they will be around a while but are unknown to many. Agree?

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

It's a good point.

JR

Are you surprised at all the Marquez decided to fight Diaz in his hometown, given how Marquez always seems to get screwed out of decision?

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

I don't think Marquez had any other serious option for a seven-figure payday.

Luis (Elk Grove Village, IL)

Hey Dan,Will Pacquiao's game plan vs Hatton be similar to that against De La Hoya's? You know, stay off the ropes and keep turning him.

Dan Rafael

  (12:44 PM)

You would think so right? Manny's biggest advantage is his speed and skill compared to Hatton.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan,Have you ever written a book about Boxing? And if not yet do you have any plans for one in the future?

Dan Rafael

  (12:45 PM)

I wrote the update to the Illustrated History of Boxing a few years ago (Citadel Press -- available on Amazon!). I've thought about some topics but have not gotten serious about it. Right now, I am so busy with the day-to-day coverage of the sport, I have no time to write a book, but someday I think.

Chad Dawson

Why do I have to waste my time with Tarver again...

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 PM)

Because you have a contract that says you owe him a rematch in the event you beat him the first time.

Ray (CA)

Have you spoken with Roy Jones Jr since the Calzaghe fight? Did he talk about why he fought so poorly?

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

I have no spoken to him since the fight.

Mike (Chicago)

I know this is impossible to answer, but just for fun 5 years from now who is P4P the top fighter in the world. Chad Dawson? Juan Ma?

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

Both are reasonable choices. Both are young enough and seem to have vast untapped potential.

Cory (Big D)

Dan,lets get it out of the way, who you got Marquez-Diaz?

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 PM)

I'll let you know in late February.

Wayne (Sydney, Australia)

Love your work. Just wondering your thoughts on the upcoming Darchinyan v Arce fight. Personally I think Arce is in a world of trouble with his straight up style. Perfect for Vic to tee off. Your thoughts?

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 PM)

I think a year or a year and half ago it was a much more compelling fight. I am glad it is happening but after seeing the recent performances of both guys, I have a hard time seeing anything but Vic by a brutal knockout win. Arce looked awful against Concepcion in Mexico a few months ago and really struggled for the win (even though it was a terrific fight). Vic, meanwhile, destroyed Mijares, who had destroyed Arce.

bill (pgh)

what are the chances of seeing Koki Kameda on US tv in 2009?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

I would say unlikely.

Paul B (NY, NY)

What is the likelihood that Chris John will become a bit more mainstreeam so I can get to see some of his fights live? Seems like he has been the top ranked feather for a while but still toils in anonimity (at least in the US).

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

Golden Boy continuously mentions the prospect of bringing him here but it's a broken record. I have no idea and, frankly, don't care.

Salvador Sanchez, Mexico City, Mexico

Hey Rafa , would I have ko'd Pac? If so, in what round?

Dan Rafael

  (12:51 PM)

No, I do think so.

Rolie

Would you like to see a 24/7 for Shane And Tony? That would be amazing!

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 PM)

Not really.

Kevin (Nashua, NH)

It seemed after the Manny/DLH fight Teddy Atlas was saying on several different outlets that DLH loses all of his big fights. This is not 100% accurate since he beat Fernando Vargas, Ike Quartey, and Pernell Whitaker. Any thoughts on those comments?

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

I think Teddy is suffering from a little selective memory on that comment.

joshua orlando fl

you think this year we are going to see GAMBOA get ko i will love to see him against LINARES

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

Linares-Gamboa would be a wonderful matchup to make. But it's pretty doubtful right now.

Manny from NY

Hi Dan, why do you think a lot of people still cannot accept manny pacman as the best fighter today? Maybe because he is not american? they cannot accept a guy fom asia dominating a sport?

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

I don't know who you are speaking of. I don't anyone that doesn't have Manny No. 1 right now. If not Manny, who else?

Miles (Philly)

Hey Danimal, B-Hop fight again? If you think so, against who? I'd love to see him challenge for a heavyweight title against Valuev. That's one of the few fights I think that would motivate him to fight on.

Dan Rafael

  (12:55 PM)

I think if BHop wants to fight again, he might be motivated to fight Adamek for the legit cruiser title -- and avenge his Philly man Cunningham's loss.

Paul B (NY, NY)

How live of an underdawg is Funeka versus The galaxy Warrior? Also, will the winner likely face the Diaz-JMM winner for all the marbles at 135?

Dan Rafael

  (12:56 PM)

I think Funeka has a legit chance to win based on seeing him smash Raheem. As for what comes after JMM-Diaz and Nate-Funeka, not sure. Has to play out but I sure hope the winners of the fights face each other.

Jess (CA)

If Oscar was in his prime at 147 do you think he would have beaten Manny?

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 PM)

Yes.

Joe (Greenwich, CT)

With the shaky PPV numbers for '08 save for DLH-Pac, what are Bob Arum's expectations for his split-site card in February? And did Arum not get the memo about less PPV's in '09? I can't see that card doing very well.

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 PM)

Less PPVs doesn't mean no PPVs, first of all. Second, Bob's risk is not nearly as big as on other shows. In other words, he needs a doable number of buys to make money.

Eric (Columbus)

Any idea when Pavlik tickets go on sale?

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

Nothing definite, but I would think right after New Years we'll see official announcement and tickets on sale. But the fight is made.

Paul B (NY, NY)

Danta-Clause: I love your BHop Adamek concept. As captain John-Luc Picard once said, "Make it so!"

rob (jersey)

DTM - any rumblings on anyone wanting to put a fight at the Prudential Center (Newark) - it looked on TV that the Cunningham/Adamek fight was a success....

Dan Rafael

  (12:59 PM)

The Adamek-Cunningham fight just happened and now it's holiday season. Most of the boxing world is shut down until the second week of January, so nothing like that is going to be decided for a bit.

javier (Puerto Rico)

dan now that the luevano vs juarez seems to be death any chance we get the rematch of luevano vs santiago. I believe santiago won the first one and deserve a rematch.

Dan Rafael

  (12:59 PM)

Luevano-Juarez will happen, but not on that JMM-Diaz undercard.

Corey from(WestWick)

I would love to see Bernard fight at heavyweight besides the Klitschko brothers Hopkins beats everyone else. And I give him the best chance outta anyone to beat the Klitschko's

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

I don't know about BHop vs. a Klitschko but there was a time when BHop was sounding awfully serious about wanting to challenge Oleg Maskaev when Maskaev had one of the belts. I don't put anything past Hopkins.

Zach MPLS

Dan, Whats up with rock allen he has a major promoter,from a fight town, fights on tv but is 27 and has fought 4 times in 2 years and hasn't ever steped up?

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

I'm not sure how much Rock's heart is in fighting.

John, Dekalb, IL

Hey Dan, some of the fighters I expect great things from next year are Paul Williams, Amir Khan and Yuri Gamboa. Also, do you think Edison Miranda can bounce back? Also, I think Ruslan Chagaev if healthy can pose a threat to the Klitschkos as well as Arreola. Lets see how this year goes, I want to know your opinion of these guys in the future.

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 PM)

I think Williams is poised for a huge year. Khan is on the comeback trail and hopefully can realize his potential. Gamboa figures to get some sort of title shot in 2009 and I know even if he doesn't, I want to watch him. Chagaev has been a total waste at this point, but if he's healthy, you never know. He's got talent and is a southpaw, which could give anyone problems.

Ricardo (Bronx, NY)

Hey Dan, don't know if you were a big Eddie Guerrero fan, i bought the Viva La Raza DVD...what an outstanding collection of matches, man was that guy good.

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 PM)

Wasn't really but may buy myself the new Edge DVD set!

Jimmy, Boston

What is your son Joel "Love Child" Julio looking at in the first part of 2009?

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. Nothing in the works just yet for him after a tough loss in Germany to Dzinziruk.

harry

victor ortiz back with uncle bob?

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

False. Another bad 'Net rumor. Don't believe everything you read unless I write it.

Taylor (NC)

Any chance Deontay Wilder could make some noise in heavyweight some day?

Dan Rafael

  (1:05 PM)

Someday, but he's a project. He is 1-0 and needs a weight program to bulk up his frame. But he seems to have the desire and work ethic to get the most out of his talent. Remember -- he had so few amateur fights and is still very young. He's years away from tapping his potential.

Dave, Cincinnati

Rubio is going to get Gary Locketted by Pavlik! ("Gary Lockett" is now a replacement verb in the boxing world for DESTROYED)

Hiram VA

Happy Holidays Dan da Man. Why does everyone overlook Nate the galaxy warrior at lightweight? Do you think the winner of Marquez-Diaz fights him?

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 PM)

Who overlooks him? Dude has three belts and handed Diaz his first loss in convincing fashion?

Oleg Maskaev, WBC Fantasyland

Is me being inexplicably made a mandatory contender again a complete joke or what?

Dan Rafael

  (1:07 PM)

Yes, like most nonsense pulled by the WBC. For Maskaev to be in a mandatory position is insane.

Joe Julio

Papa! My New Years Resoluion is to listen to your advice in '09 and finally win a title at 154.

Don (N.C.)

any more info on whether Margarito-Mosely is for the Ring Championship

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

Ring has announced that it won't be, which I strongly disagree with.

francisco (Puerto Rico)

dan do you consider collazo a live dog vs berto.

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

In the immortal words of our broadcast hero: Definitely.

Fred (DC)

Can Barack Obama abolish the Sanctioning Bodies?

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

I wish.

mrmarksmith

Dan,I know you said Versus replays all it's fights but I don't think they replayed the Cunninbham/Adamek fight. Do you know of any plans for it? If not might you use your powers of persuasion to encourage them? Thanks!

Dan Rafael

  (1:09 PM)

I would just keep checking the cable guide. They're replayed all of their previous shows. Keep checking. Next time, don't miss the live fight.

Justin (Springfield, NJ)

Dan: Don't you think it's pretty weak of Luevano, a supposed "champ," to refuse to fight Juarez in Texas? Look at JMM!!

Dan Rafael

  (1:12 PM)

First off all, why should he when he can make the same money on his own promoter's card? Second, it is not the fighter, but a decision of his manager, whose job it is to protect his fighter as best he can. Second, I don't even really blame them. I've seen a lot of guys get hosed in Texas (remember Raheem against Juarez? Cameron remembers it well because he was Raheem's manager then). Luevano has been fearless too -- dude went to the UK and won the title knocking out the hometown guy.

rob (jersey)

Dan "war machine" Rafael - Vic beats Arce, is there a Donaire/Vic rematch on the horizon? Or a move to 118?

Dan Rafael

  (1:13 PM)

I think both would be possible. I know Vic has talked about wanting to move all the way up to junior feather or feather at some point. Vic will fight where the best money is.

BANISHMENT

Happy Holidays everyone - got a lot to eat yesterday - glad to see that I'm not needed....

tntbklyn (Brooklyn, NY)

Are there any potential fights for Clottey for the first half of next year?

Dan Rafael

  (1:16 PM)

Could be his mandatory with Cintron. I think HBO has some interest in that one. It would be great for the Top Rank April BAD card.

Dan Rafael

  (1:17 PM)

OK, Freaks, going to wrap it up. Hope you enjoy your holiday. Keep checking back to the page for the rest of the annual year-end awards! Peace.