Dan Rafael

  (11:08 AM)

Greetings from Houston, Fight Freaks. Great show tomorrow night with Marquez-Diaz. I am really excited for this one. And also good shows tonight on ESPN2 with Glen Johnson and Showtime with Adamek. So we have plenty to discuss. Big notebook and a huge random thoughts blog today as well for you. So let's get to it.

Kyle (Indianapolis)

I am picking JMM to win over Diaz, since the veterens have been taking the young bucks to the wood shed in recent fights! Who you like DTM?

Dan Rafael

  (11:09 AM)

Very tough fight to pick. I just sort of have a feeling Diaz gets it done. He's home, he's 10 years younger, he takes a hell of a shot, he throws a million punches, he has stamina for 15 rounds, he naturally bigger. I just think he gets it done/

Bert (Minneapolis)

Over/Under Adamek knockout in 5?

Dan Rafael

  (11:10 AM)

I think it will be action-packed while it lasts, but I like Adamek somewhat early.

Jason (Decatur, GA)

For the Vitali/Gomez fight, is ESPN simply carrying a English (British) feed or are they sending their own announcers?

Dan Rafael

  (11:11 AM)

ESPN will have its own announcers but they most likely will call it from Bristol.

James(Myrtle Beach, SC)

I see where Paul Spadafora is making a comeback. What division will he be campaigning in and, in your opinion, can he be a factor at this stage of his career?

Dan Rafael

  (11:11 AM)

Yet another so-called comeback. He'll likely fight as a welterweight, or at least over 140 pounds. I do not think he will ever be a factor at a championship level again.

Joel (NY)

Dan, of all the choices you gave in your blog, who do you think is the likely next opponent for Pavlik?

Dan Rafael

  (11:12 AM)

Really don't know but I think either Mora or Forrest.

Bert (Minneapolis)

Lt. Dan- I know Jennings wasn't a world beater, but Cotto looked ferocious in the ring. He looked hungry and like his old self. Do you see him getting Pacquiao or Hatton by the end of the year?

Dan Rafael

  (11:13 AM)

Cotto looked good against a guy who was very, very limited. But he did look good. I think it's possible he may get one of those guys.

Nareg (Boston, MA)

Dan - not that I wouldn't love to see Pacman v. Cotto, but what about Marquez v. Cotto? That sounds interesting don't you think?

Dan Rafael

  (11:13 AM)

Of course. I would love to see a third fight. I thought Marquez beat him in both of their previous fights.

bill (pgh)

Are you surprised Showtime approved David Banks as an opponenet for Dirrell?

Dan Rafael

  (11:14 AM)

Nothing really surprises me. Dirrell will stiffen him.

Pat (NY)

MARQUEZ MARQUEZ MARQUEZ!!!!!!!!!!1

Dan Rafael

  (11:15 AM)

Tell us what you really think.

Joel (NY)

Dan, saw in your notebook about McCline facing Arreola, if Arreola comes in out of shape, do you expect McCline to have a chance being he's a veteran?

Dan Rafael

  (11:15 AM)

Jameel has vast experience against elite opponents and takes a pretty good punch. Arreola will need to be ready.

Joel (NY)

Good morning Dan, I noticed Giovanni Siguera fight is off the March 28th card and bumped to March 14th, can you give us the update

Dan Rafael

  (11:16 AM)

No update other than what I wrote in the notes. The March 28 PPV was a little too full and there was an Azteca date so Top Rank moved that fight.

bill (pgh)

Any updated on the GBP/ESPN deal?

Dan Rafael

  (11:16 AM)

Getting there from what I am told.

Ryan (Cleveland)

Thoughts on making a 37 year old champion fight two mandatories in a row? I think it is ridiculous. Knowing the WBC, you think the second mandatory winds up being a great matchup, like Ruiz or Tommy Morrison?

Dan Rafael

  (11:17 AM)

The WBC is a joke and anyone who does business with them should know they will get screwed at some point.

Big Al, East Los Angeles, CA

Senor Dan, after JMM beats Diaz, what fighters are his options?

Dan Rafael

  (11:18 AM)

I think the fight could be so good people will want to see a rematch. There will also maybe be the Hatton-Pacquiao winner or perhaps someone who emerges from the April 4 Golden Boy lightweight ppv.

Turk (DC)

Notebook and blog are up!

David(TX)

Has Chris John been sick and having trouble making weight?

Dan Rafael

  (11:20 AM)

I spoke to him yesterday at the press conference and he looked and seemed just fine and excited about fighting.

Joel (NY)

Dan, after your chat last week, Showtime.com had Forrest vs. Whittiker for April but since took it down after a couple days, what was the deal with that?

Dan Rafael

  (11:20 AM)

I think the WBC refused to sanction the fight and the deal was never done in the first place. Perhaps Showtime jumped the gun or maybe they killed it because they realized what a pathetic fight it was.

John (DC)

Any chance Dawson will forego the rematch with Tarver if Johnson looks impressive tonight? Also, if Dawson beats either 40 year old, does he move back down to super middleweight to challenge the division's elite?

Dan Rafael

  (11:22 AM)

Dawson-Tarver 2 is happening. Deal with it. It's a contractual thing. Dawson and his team haven't wanted a rematch with Johnson so if he looks good that would make no different.

Mario (Htown TX)

Dan, Who you got Juarez or john?

Dan Rafael

  (11:22 AM)

Another tough one to pick, but if John is on his game, he will outbox Juarez.

Mike(Charlotte)

Pretty ballsy of Povetkin to take the Estrada fight. What are the chances that Povetkin loses?

Dan Rafael

  (11:22 AM)

Povetkin will dominate Estrada.

Steiny (NYC)

Would you like to see Mosley vs. Mayweather? Who do you think would come out on top?

Dan Rafael

  (11:24 AM)

I've wanted to see that fight for 10 years. I have always thought Mosley would give Floyd a very tough fight.

Steven (Rialto, CA)

Any chance we could see a Soto vs Marquez matchup? I would love to see Soto finally get in a big name fight.

Dan Rafael

  (11:25 AM)

I wouldn't say never but it's not that big of a fight for Marquez even though it would be a fan-friendly fight.

Ray (Camden, NJ)

hey Dan, any ideas on who will be Joan Guzman next opponent?

Dan Rafael

  (11:25 AM)

He will face Yuri Romanov for the vacant IBF belt campbell vacated.

Geoff (Burlington, ON)

Is Troy Ross going to be a legitimate player in the cruiserweight division after winning the Contender?

Dan Rafael

  (11:27 AM)

Even before the show, Ross was a good contender just inactive. I think he's at least a top 15-18 contender right now and could certainly face any top guy. He looked awfully good throught the series and had a great amateur career.

Kyle (Indianapolis)

Hey Ray, READ THE SCHEDULE!!!

Diego (california)

dan with clottey being mention as a possible cotto oponent anyway he still fights quintana in April 25 in Puerto Rico.

Dan Rafael

  (11:27 AM)

No, that fight is not happening.

Joel (NY)

Dan, interested in seeing Chris John tomorrow night, but never seen him before, what is his style?

Dan Rafael

  (11:28 AM)

I've seen John many times. He's not a big puncher but a very solid boxer with skills. He can fight pretty well on the outside and has good speed.

Paul (Philly)

Danno - good to see Oscar Diaz out of his coma - do you see him fighting again in the next year or so? Can he be a factor in the division?

Dan Rafael

  (11:28 AM)

You're banned for either being an absolute moron or just a jerk.

Steiny (NYC)

What is the latest on Oscar De La Hoya? Is he going to retire?

Dan Rafael

  (11:29 AM)

Maybe you should read the lengthy article I did off my interview with Oscar a few days ago.

rob (jersey)

RAFA - sorry I have to miss the chat - I am in class for a new job (contracted by the state - and I know I may lose my FREAK status - but remember the 24/7 theme is my ring tone) I just wanted to say (hopefully on behalf of everyone) that it's great to hear Oscar Diaz is out of the hospital, and I (we) wish him nothing but the best on a full recovery! Thanks!

Bry SF

Hey Dan, I read that Antillon will be on the April 25 BAD card, will he replace Alvarado's spot?

Dan Rafael

  (11:31 AM)

Wherever you read that it was WAY premature. Could it happen? Maybe. But HBO has not even been asked about it by Top Rank as of yesterday's press conference here in Houston.

javier (Puerto Rico)

Dan who you like to see as cotto next oponent. I believe clottey is the best option for june but cintron is the bigger event because you have 2 boricuas fighting the day before the parade.

Dan Rafael

  (11:31 AM)

Clottey should be the opponent. He deserves more than the delusional Cintron. It's also a better fight and a unification match.

Banishment

Paul never tasted so good!!! What a putz!

Dom (Lancaster, England)

Hey Dan, do you see the winner of Marquez v Diaz Fight the winner of Khan v Barrera??

Dan Rafael

  (11:32 AM)

I suppose it is possible, but I see it as unlikely.

Neal Joliet, IL

Dan can you please explain the Cotto situation to me. I just don't get why a Mosley rematch is NOT the logical next fight. While Cotto gets a bigger piece of the pie in fights with Clottey or Cintron, won't the pie be much much bigger for a Mosley fight? Is it really that Bob Arum thinks the fight is too dangerous?

Dan Rafael

  (11:34 AM)

Cotto is fighting in New York. Mosley won't fight him there. Top Rank doesn't really want the fight anyway. They will go their separate ways this summer and maybe fight later. I talked with Mosley last night about it and he is fine with it. He wants the Hatton-Pacquiao winner.

Armando (Nj)

Dan - im a big hitman hearns fan from when i was a kid and i've been following ronalds career for a while now - i think he is a very nice fighter but he got a late start and is close to 30 now - do you see any meaningful fights on the horizon for him? i'd love to see him get a shot and think he has a real chance to win a title - do you agree?

Dan Rafael

  (11:34 AM)

Ronald is a work in progress, but like you said, he's a bit old for a prospect. I think he has some talent and I do enjoy watching him fight. But until he is really tested I have no idea.

Matt (portland, OR)

Big Boss Dan you going to come out to the West Coast to watch the LLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVEEEE Child and Kirkland next weekend? If you do the first Sprite is on me!

Dan Rafael

  (11:37 AM)

I will not be there unfortunately. I have a prior committment at home that weekend. But the good news is there will probably be a RAD chat.

Greg (Texas)

D$, I'm just looking back on this month--and the remaining interesting cards on ESPN2, Showtime, and HBO still to go this month. What an AWESOME month! Can you recall another month where there were so many interesting cards available on free and basic pay cable? Maybe THIS is the golden age of boxing??!

Dan Rafael

  (11:38 AM)

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but this is nothing THAT incredible. Settle down.

Jon, Moreno Valley (California)

Hey Dan, do you think Gamboa can knock out Chris John if given the chance?

Dan Rafael

  (11:39 AM)

I think if Gamboa connects against any featherweight with a good shot, they can be knocked out.

Nick (Boston)

Dan, Freak status? I'm sitting in a client meeting looking attentive but chatting at the same time. Definetly a Master Freak!

Dan Rafael

  (11:40 AM)

That's been done. You need to come up with some more that that to impress me.

Jorge (East Los Angeles)

Dan, Glad to see this chat is dial up free! Any word on an opponent for Devon Alexander yet? I saw Cunningham said they were hoping to be on a BAD sometime this Spring.

Dan Rafael

  (11:41 AM)

Back on the broadband this week, happy to say. Nothing is scheduled for Devon although he remains in line to fight the winner of the Holt-Bradley fight. But he can't sit around and wait that long. Devon and his manager/trainer Kevin Cunningham badly want a televised fight and Devon deserves one.

Sal (Chicago)

If Hatton beats Pac-man, and Floyd doesn't come out of retirement who does he fight? I can't see him meeting Cotto at 147, he has been awful both times he's made the jump

Dan Rafael

  (11:42 AM)

I could see it being possible or a fight with Marquez at 140 or one with Shane at 147.

joe (philly)

Dan, I am going to watch Tarver-Dawson II. Freak status?

Dan Rafael

  (11:42 AM)

No.

Sancho, Ca

Dan, is Trinidad/Pavlik possible @165? Can you ask Bob Arum...that would be fan friendly for sure!!!

Dan Rafael

  (11:43 AM)

When you realize that Tito is done? Besides, he could barely make 170 to fight Jones. It's not going to happen.

Matt (San Diego)

If you have to ask Dan if you're a freak, then u aren't one, u are a loser!

Mario (Htown TX)

Dan , you excited about seeing Jacobs. Garcia, and Hylon Williams on the card tomorrow night. Nice group of prospects.

Dan Rafael

  (11:44 AM)

Excellent group of young guns. I've been following Garcia and Jacobs from Day 1 and have been at many of their fights and look forward to seeing them again tomorrow. Both are exciting fighters.

Jose (Austin)

Attending my first live fight this April. Is ringside really the best seats available? it looks like it might be hard to see the action on the other side of the ring from that low a perspective. What do you think>?

Dan Rafael

  (11:45 AM)

Sometimes, but if you are not in the first 3-4 rows you may be better off in the first section off the floor where you have a great view and are slightly raised.

Nick (Boston)

Ok - how about moving Valentines day dinner to friday the 13th so I could watch hbo's triple header on Saturday the 14th.

Dan Rafael

  (11:46 AM)

That's not bad.

Joel (NY)

Dan, hasn't been brought up yet, but please give us your thoughts on Humberto Toeldo's punishment from last Friday's actions

Dan Rafael

  (11:47 AM)

I do not know specifically what punishment he received.

Rick, Marina, Ca

Whats up Dan, didnt know the chat started a lil early. Big fight I got Marquez, I like Diaz also, But I got Marquez. Buy or sell they will be ko.

Dan Rafael

  (11:47 AM)

Started at 11 am ET because I am in Houston and the weigh in is later and I want to make sure I am there in plenty of time but also wanted to be able to do a solid two-hour chat.

Jonesy (NC)

Will ESPN show any of the undercard from the Vitali/JCG fight?

Dan Rafael

  (11:48 AM)

My understanding is that, no, there will not be any undercard bouts.

antonio (tampa)

will there be a 24/7 or countdown for tarver-dawson II?

Dan Rafael

  (11:49 AM)

LOL!

Neal Joliet, IL

Would a Cotto-Clottey fight be on regular HBO or would Top Rank try to take it to their own PPV in your opinion. I feel certain that HBO PPV would not do that fight

Dan Rafael

  (11:49 AM)

Top Rank has given both HBO and Showtime a list of opponents and asked them to bid on each one. Top Rank will see what the networks are offering and then talk with Cotto and proceed from there.

Dan Rafael

  (11:50 AM)

That means it is likely, by the way, that Cotto's June fight would be a network fight, not a PPV.

Sancho, Ca

Dan, any bat phone news that you got during your stay in H-town???

Dan Rafael

  (11:51 AM)

Well, not on the Bat Phone or Bat Email or Bat Text. But I did spend some time with Bernard Hopkins last night and he told me he wants to fight Adamek if he wins tonight. He likes the idea of winning the Ring title at cruiserweight.

JJD (Seattle)

Fantastic profile of Oscar - and three months since Oscar/Manny my 6-year old daughter recognized the pic of Oscar on the Boxing page. Move over Hannah Montana - she's a Junior Freak!

Greg (Texas)

Dantonio, Have you had a chance to meet Angulo? He seems like a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. Who does he fight next...and how far can he go?

Dan Rafael

  (11:52 AM)

I've met him and he's a very personable guy with a funny sense of humor even though in the ring he sure doesn't look like that. Alfredo got cut in his last fight and they can't make plans for his next one until he is cleared. But I wouldn't be surprised to see him back on HBO in the spring.

Rick, Marina, Ca

I got a feeling we are gon see the lightweight version of the Vazquez-Marquez fights tomorrow night.

Dan Rafael

  (11:52 AM)

Entirely possible.

E (Omaha)

D$$ - Always been an Ike Quartey fan, sending out Freak condolences to Ike and his family!

Bert (Minneapolis)

Sorry if I missed it earlier this week, any word on how many buys Pavlik-Cotto did?

Dan Rafael

  (11:54 AM)

Nothing official but Arum did tell me -- and take it with a grain of salt -- that the card easily exceeded the roughly 75,000 he needed to do to break even. Arum wouldn't say an exact number but made it clear it did over 100,000.

Rick, Marina, Ca

I think the fight the Cotto needs to take is Clottey, hands down.

ESPN First Take

Will the winner of the Klitschko/Gomez fight take on the winner Cotto/Pavlik fight for champion of the world?

Steve (NYC)

How about Minto- Swamp Donkey for FNF?

Dan Rafael

  (11:54 AM)

Absolutely would love it.

Rick, Marina, Ca

Who's calling the action tomorrow night?

Dan Rafael

  (11:55 AM)

Lampley, Max and Emanuel.

Kermit Cintron

What the hell just hit me...

Dan Rafael

  (11:55 AM)

Here's a hint -- it wasn't a head butt.

Justin (Springfield, NJ)

Dan: I was at the weigh in yesterday and Banks looks ready to go. Given that Adamek can be hit, does Banks have the power to actually pull this off?

Dan Rafael

  (11:56 AM)

Maybe, but Adamek also has a great chin.

Rick (Paterson)

Cotto-Berto - what do you think of the match up?

Dan Rafael

  (11:56 AM)

Love it.

Neal Joliet, IL

Let's break down tomorrow nights fight, how do you think it plays out, not in terms of results which you already said, but in style. It seems that Marquez has to hit him hard with counters early to drop Diaz's activity rate like Mosley did with Margarito. If Diaz is able to get off like he normally does, then I can't see Juan Manuel keeping up with that pace and he'd be outworked. I'm betting on Diaz having his activity drop because of Marquez

Turk (DC)

I've got a bad feeling John-Juarez is going to be all tactics and waiting for counterpunching. Hopefully it won't smell like French cheese. Is there any chance it doesn't go to a decision?

Dan Rafael

  (11:58 AM)

Rocky can punch, remember that. And he is going to be back at featherweight not at junior lightweight. At featherweight, Juarez has scored some spectacular KOs.

Billy (Patchogue, NY)

WHOA! Adamek-Hopkins? I LOVE that fight. Adamek is limited and Hopkins is a great boxer, but he's moving all the way up. Very interesting fight.

Dan Rafael

  (11:59 AM)

Extremely interesting fight. Plus, it would draw in a place like AC or Newark. BHop has his Philly crew and AC fans and Adamek is proving to be quite the draw in Jersey with the Polish folks who love him.

Turk (DC)

How do you like prospect Mike Jones? I think he's being moved well and can graduate to contender if he can get a take on a Quintana or the like.

Dan Rafael

  (12:00 PM)

I do like Mike Jones, even though he's been a bit under the radar because he has had such limited TV exposure, But he's gaining experience and can definitely punch.

Nareg (Boston, MA)

Dan - I just finished taking the MA bar exam yesterday - can you wish a fellow fight freak some good luck?

Dan Rafael

  (12:00 PM)

Good luck.

Randy (Milwaukee)

Whoa, Hopkins wants to fight Adamek? What do you think of that fight, Dan? Does he want to do it just to get a title in another division? I'd still rather see him fight Dawson.

Dan Rafael

  (12:02 PM)

I'd love to see BHop face Adamek. It's a good fight in the ring and there's a good story with BHop going for the real title in a third division.

Pete, Salt lake city

Whats up Dan-o-myte? I just bought tickets to the winky vs. pwill fight. My seats are in the first row of the upper bowl. Am I gunna be able to see anything from up there?

Dan Rafael

  (12:03 PM)

You will see just fine and maybe be able to worm your way down.

jack, fort collins

i think bernard takes adamek to school. it will look a lot like hopkins/pavlik only this time the white guy will have hair.

Rick (Paterson)

Who do you have in the Holt-Bradley matchup? Holt can be a little chinny but he can really crack when he lets his hands go. Bradley is a good fighter, but I gotta go with my fellow Patersonian.

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 PM)

I like the matchup but I give a slight edge to Bradley.

Adam brooklyn

Who is Paul Williams fighting next?

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

You do know we have an outstanding schedule on ESPN,com right? And that we also have weekly rankings that list the top fighter's next fights right? Do you want to be banned now or later?

E (Omaha)

D$$ - When a boxer is inducted into the HOF, do they all give speeches?? I for one would actually travel to see B-Hop's speech when he is inducted.

Dan Rafael

  (12:06 PM)

Yes, the guys inducted generally speak. BHop might talk for two hours.

Rick, Marina, Ca

I think Mcline will be a solid challenge for Arreola, dont you think?

Dan Rafael

  (12:07 PM)

I agree. If Cris and his handlers believe that he can beat either Klitschko and become heavyweight champion, he has to be able to defeat someone like McCline.

Jonesy (NC)

New Ring Life on Kirkland... all freaks should check out the series.

Dan Rafael

  (12:07 PM)

Yes, I was going to mention that. Brand new one in time for next week's fight with, Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. The Ring Life series is outstanding.

joshua fl

b-hop vs adamek is easy fight for b-hop adamek almost has the same style that pavlik the only difference is that adamek is bigger than pavlik but he is a natural lightheavy too

Dave, San Jose

Dan, my friends and I made a drink called the Margarito. It's like a margarita but it's a lot harder - it gets your plastered.

Lou (Maryland)

What are they smoking at TRM Caballero and Darchinyan ARE NOT top 10 P4P!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 PM)

I agree.

Michael:(Hollywood, CA)

If Oscar fights again do you really think he'll stay with Nacho or make a run at Nazim Richardson?

Dan Rafael

  (12:11 PM)

Well Oscar told me in the interview I wrote the other day that he was very happy with Nacho and would want him to train him again if he elected to fight.

Mario (Htown, TX)

Dano, if the Baby Bull wins tomorrow does he move into top 10 p4p?

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

We'll have to see how the fight goes.

Diego (Puerto Rico

will daniel santos fight anytime soon

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

Certainly not "soon."

Alan (South Africa)

Would love to see Bhop go to cruiserweight, win and retire.

Andres (Chula Vista, CA)

I know that he just fought recently and that it's been reported that there are a lot of fights being negotiated on his behalf, but any word on when we might see Andre Ward in the ring again?

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 PM)

I would hope by late May.

Geoff (Burlington, ON)

What is the point of RJJ's fight with Sheika?

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

Roy wants to keep fighting and wanted to do a fight in his hometown.

Anthony (Sacramento)

Dan any news on Javier Castilljo or Ike Quartey? Did they both retire?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

Neither has officially retired as far as I know and I still have casatillejo ranked. Quartey had a family tragedy last week when his wife suddenly died.

Mikey (Levittown, NY)

Dan, with your extensive collection of fights, has a fighter's camp ever asked you for tape on an opponent?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

Yes, many times.

Matt (Lincoln, NE)

Dan, what is up with Demetrius Andrade? On the schedule it says he fights March 6 in Conn, then March 20 in Texas, then March 21 in South Africa. What is a freak to believe?

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

The schedule has been updated. He was originally supposed to be on the March 21 card in South Africa but now he is on March 6 on ESPN2 and again on March 20 on ESPN2.

Tomas(Tx)

Dan. whats this rumor that Trinidad wants a shot at Pavlik at 165? Heard of this?

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

No rumor. Someone simply asked about the scenario.

Jeff (Redondo Beach, CA)

What do you think the real reason Arreola isn't going to fight Klitschko on April 11th? The usual answer, money? Seems like Haye would be more expensive.

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 PM)

They just know he is not ready for Klitschko yet.

bernie (philadelphia)

Dan, is the April 4th "Lightweight Lightning" event the best top to bottom card you've seen in awhile?

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 PM)

Not sure I would go that far but it is an excellent show and I defintely think it's worthy for Freaks to buy. I believe every fight is interesting.

Corey from(WestWick)

What a weekend for boxing. Tonight Glen johnson then Tomasz Adamek tomorrow the U.S debut of Chris John vs Juarez and then what could be fight of the year Diaz vs Marquez don't get no better then this

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

It's good to be a Freak.

Alec (Nashville)

Dan, is Valero still only licensed to fight in TX? If so, do you think we could see him fight Baby Bull if he beats Marquez?

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

He is only licensed in Texas. That fight might be possible.

Mike (San Diego, CA)

Dan, my fault for assuming the chat started at 9am pacific. Does it look like the JuanMa-Penalosa fight will be the only match on the HBO BAD telecast?

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

No, there is supposed to be a second fight.

Greg(Los Angeles)

Any chance of Zab Judah vs Nate Campbell happening in May or June?

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

I suppose it's possible.

Nostradamus (France)

Juan Diaz has no punching power. He's either going to get beaten badly, or it will be a relatively underwhelming decision. I guarantee it won't be a FOY candidate.

Corey from(WestWick)

Dan everyone seems to be picking Marquez to win. I'm picking Juan to win he's bigger,stronger and the volume of his punches are still pretty high. It will a good close fight and the baby bull will come out the victor

Lou (Maryland)

Actually a Puertorrican newspaper (el nuevo dia) publish a very long article on Trinidad yesteray where he was calling out Pavlik at 165.

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

Wonderful, let him call him out all day long. Tito is done.

Bivens (San Fran)

Any chance Edwin Valero dies on 4/4? Isn't there a reason he's not allowed to fight anywhere in the US besides backwardass Texas??

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 PM)

Any chance you get hit by lightning later? Valero passed every test in Texas. And he has been fighting in Japan for years.

Adam brooklyn

Do you think my former schoolmate daniel judah has a shot to beat glen johnson?

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

He got a gift draw the first time around and I think this time Johnson will punish him.

jason (conway,PA)

Wouldnt you rather see the Librado Andrade fight on april 4 than Peterson vs Blain? i know i would.

Dan Rafael

  (12:30 PM)

Yeah, I actually would.

joshua fl

i read on your notebook that lamont peterson is going to fight another nobody.why not a vivian harris or mbaye even castillo the thing is that he got skills but no names at all in his resume

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

First of all, Blain is a solid fighter who is undefeated and was an Olympian. He would beat Vivian Harris, who is way past his best at this point.

Will in Fort Myers

HBO approved McCline for Arreola? Can't say there is really anyone much better out there right now, though Friday Ahunanya is on a pretty respectable run.

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

I'm not surprised HBO did. He's a perfect opponent for this stage of Arreola's career compared to what is out there.

Mike NJ

After talking to Oscar for your interview what does your gut tell you he's going to do...Fight or retire

Dan Rafael

  (12:37 PM)

Well I saw him yesterday and spoke to him after the press conference and he just seems like he doesn't know what to do. He should take his time. There is no rush.

Taylor (Salt Lake City, UT)

Proud father moment: My two and a half year old daughter loves watching boxing with her dad (me). When we sat next to the TV last weekend and she saw MMA on TV instead, she started crying, and told me "Daddy, I want box". Proud moment...a true freak in the making.

Ricky Hatton (Manchester, UK)

Hey Dan, I was training hard at the pub last night my memory is a little fuzzy. How many of me are there?

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

From what I have heard, just one.

Steve, Sac, Ca

Dano, would you say Haye is still the frontrunner to fight Wlad?

Dan Rafael

  (12:40 PM)

In the immortal words of our broadcast hero: Definitely.

Tim (Saint Paul, MN)

Hey Dan, when a fight goes to a purse bid, does that help or hurt the fighter?

Dan Rafael

  (12:40 PM)

Depends on how high the bid is.

Patrick (Woodside, NY)

The Road Warrior returns tonight on Friday Night Fights. He has avoided no one and been avoided by many. If the fighters with physical ability superior to that of Johnson had a tenth of his heart, the sport would be infinitely better.

Angel, Carson City

Hello Dan. I would rather see Adamek face Maccarinelli than Hopkins. Talk about an all-action WAR.

Dan Rafael

  (12:41 PM)

Not me. I think Adamek would punk Enzo inside three.

jack, fort collins

has the purse bid for latimore/spinks happened yet?

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

No, it was called off because the sides made a deal, although there is no date set for the fight yet.

Pancho, Los Mochis

Humberto Soto vs. Antonio Davis? Bob Arum laid an egg on that one. Is there any reason to watch that PPV card in Tijuana?

Dan Rafael

  (12:44 PM)

I actually like the card.

Nick (SLC)

Was Gene Fullmer a great fighter?

Dan Rafael

  (12:45 PM)

Do I like KISS?

Kelby (Omaha)

Hatton always says that his dream is to be the p4p best. If he beats Manny...he still doesnt make your p4p, correct?

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 PM)

He is on the list already.

Mike (Chicago)

I think McCline is the perfect step up fight for Arreola, Wlad was the only one to legitimately stop him (besides Gary Bell in his 2nd fight). At the very least Arreola will get quality rounds that he truly needs

Marek, Warsaw, Poland

Will Rafal Jackiewicz crack your top10 WW if he succesfully defends his european title tommorow ? And how you are seeing his chances in WBO eliminator against Antonin Decaire ?

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

No.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

What do you see happening wit Rigondaux now that he has defected? Will he follow that Gamboa path?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

He'll turn pro and fight his way up. I suspect at his age, they will move him quickly.

mike oakland, ca

who do you got darchinyan vs montiel at 115?

Dan Rafael

  (12:51 PM)

Won't happen since Montiel is moving up and Vic is bound to join him. If they ever fight it would be at 118 or higher.

Rob (Halifax, Canada)

KISS is coming to Halifax! I have bunkbeds if ya wanna come Dan, I get topsies LOL

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 PM)

That's just weird dude.

Greg(Los Angeles)

Buy or Sell: Darchinyan vs Agbeko in Vic's next fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 PM)

I sure hope so.

Hopkins Fan (Texas)

B-Hop v. David Haye? Any chance?

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

None.

Jon, Williamsburg

Anything new on Kessler next opponent ?

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

Who?

AkiraAxe Columbus Ohio

As a KISS fan who is your favorite Kiss guitar player(besides Ace), Vinnie Vincent, Mark St John, Bruce Kullick, or Tommy Thayer?

Dan Rafael

  (12:55 PM)

Bruce.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

Is there actually anything to do in Houston?

Dan Rafael

  (12:59 PM)

Well I did go to the Rockets-Cavs game last night.

Berndawg

Just a thought, if B-Hop fights Adamek, he can start working on his Hall of Fame speech the next day as the countdown will begin.

the schwab

jmm diaz actually made my couch potato segment!

Marc (Philly)

King James and the King of Freaks in the same building. Must have been electric

mike oakland, ca

if the Klitchko bros fought each other who would you put your $ on?

Dan Rafael

  (1:03 PM)

Vitali. Big brothers beat up on little brothers.

Hopkins Fan (Texas)

First time to see LeBron live?

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

Yes and he had a poor game.

blake (arkansas)

I am hearing Taylor Froch on the 25rh of April at Foxwoods? Any chance this lands at MSG or is Foxwood's almost done? Also do you have an early opinion on this one?

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

Gee did you "hear" it by reading my notebook about it last week?

Philly P.D

Marc your rec time is over, back into the cell.

Paul B (NY, NY)

Great blog as usual, DTM. The WBA is just reprehensible...no other way to slice it. Who of the sanctioning bodies would you say is the tallest midget in terms of fairness?

Dan Rafael

  (1:05 PM)

Like asking to decide if I want to eat crap or drink urine.

Patrick (Woodside, NY)

Mosley and B-Hop were at the game last night... you catch up with them?

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 PM)

Yes.

Jeff (phoenix)

Dan, Even after getting a beat down from Manny I would love to see the Golden Boy fight Chavez Jr. Pretty good match up at this point....well maybe not but fun anyway! ps....does oscar know that Manny is Manny? no shame in how things went!

Dan Rafael

  (1:07 PM)

I asked Oscar in our interview and he said he would never fight Chavez Jr., period.

mike oakland, ca

Mike Tyson vs Humbeto Toledo?

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

Name of the fight, of course, would be Bite Me.

Jordan (Nashville, Tennessee)

Any word on the next time we can expect to see the beast known as Tavoris Cloud and a possible opponent?

Dan Rafael

  (1:09 PM)

Nothing.

Patrick (Woodside, NY)

How about Yao vs. Valuev? Who do you got?

Dan Rafael

  (1:10 PM)

In a fight or a game of HORSE?

mike oakland, ca

do you thinkn edwin valero will ever fight manny? and at what weight?

Dan Rafael

  (1:11 PM)

I think it's possible but if it did happen it woud be at least at 140 because Manny is not going lower than that.

Michael (Toronto)

DTM, who's the fighter who has most delusionally personally told you they thought they deserved a decision in a fight they had clearly lost?

Dan Rafael

  (1:12 PM)

Not sure of all time, but Cintron said it to me about the Martinez fight last week in NYC and I told him basically, Kermit, I don't want to argue with you, so believe what you must.

yorkis (philly)

Do you have Tate-Shieka in your fight archive? It was a FNF co-feature, a great fight, and the first live fight I've ever attended!

Dan Rafael

  (1:13 PM)

Not only do I have it but I was there and Thomas Tate almost fell into my lap.

Kermit Cintron

i was robbed of a decision...i mean look at the replay it was a head butt

Neal (H-town)

Dan-o! About how many are expected to be in the house for the fight tomorrow?

Dan Rafael

  (1:14 PM)

15,000ish.

Patrick (Woodside, NY)

Next time you talk with Kermit can you tell him to stop ducking into punches and then complain about getting hit in the back of the head. It's absolutely infuriating.

Geoff (NYC)

DTM, throw me a bone. What is gonna happen with my boy Malignaggi?

Dan Rafael

  (1:16 PM)

Several bouts have been mentioned but nothing is solid.

Joaquin Phoenix: Compton CA;

I Think I Wanna Be a Boxer Now Man, No Joke!

Omar (SF)

Taylor, i might have you beat. my 3yr old daughter was watching FNF with me last week when she started pretending she was playing Wii Sports Boxing.. I asked her who was going to win, she replied "I AM!"

Dan Rafael

  (1:18 PM)

OK, Freaks, thanks for the great chat. Enjoy a terrific weekend of fights and make sure to check out today's massive blog and notebook and check out our coverage of Marquez-Diaz tomorrow night. Talk to you next week. Peace.