Dan Rafael

  (11:57 AM)

Greetings, Fight Freaks. The queue is already loaded, so we'll get this started a few minutes early. There's a huge notebook already posted, so check it out, and look at the updated schedule. There will be a new blog shortly and we have a lot of action this weekend -- good FNF with Bailey-Figueroa, Showtime with Holt-Bradley and the Lightweight Lightning PPV card, so let's get to all of it.

Garth (Norwalk, CT)

Greetings Dan, I am really looking forward to Klitschko/Haye. It will definitely be fun while it last and I give Haye a puncher's chance especially if he jumps on Vitali early.

Dan Rafael

  (11:58 AM)

I think it will be fun and am glad it's on. But I think Klitschko will knock out Haye. What is Klitschko is the one doing the early jumping? Haye will just get smoked earlier.

chris, OKC OK

Is the Abner Mares fight on the undercard of Hatton/Pacquiao going to be televised?

Dan Rafael

  (11:58 AM)

No, Abner's fight won't be part of the PPV.

Mark, Chicago

Whats the possibility that HBO or Showtime will show any interest in potential Roy Jones jr - Tomasz Adamek fight ? fight is being negotiated according to polish media.

Dan Rafael

  (11:59 AM)

That fight is not in the works. There is some talk of Adamek and Glen Johnson. I am skeptical that HBO or Showtime will buy it, however.

Mario (H Town, TX)

Dano, got a great weekend coming up, check this out, Im going to a conert tonight in Manvel TX, then driving to Austin sat and attending Lightweight Lightning, then back home and going to Wrestlemania and to top it off going to Raw on Monday. Which streak is more likely to come to an end this weekend, Takers unbeaten streak or Valero's KO streak?

Dan Rafael

  (12:00 PM)

Great weekend! Valero's KO streak will end long before Undertaker's 'Mania winning streak.

Eric (Omaha, NE)

What's bigger: David Haye's mouth or Samuel Peter's stomach?

Dan Rafael

  (12:00 PM)

Tie.

Forrest (South River, NJ)

Lieutenant DAN! Gotta love the "FNF" (Friday-Noon-Freaks)! Adamek/Johnson...I like it, how bout you?

Dan Rafael

  (12:00 PM)

Love it. Hope it happens.

Javier (New York)

greetings dan. what do you think of prospect beibut shumenov fight with alejandro berrio

Dan Rafael

  (12:00 PM)

Another impressive step up for Shumenov. He's trying to move very, very fast.

Andrew (Indy, IN)

Dan, Pops Anderson looks to be a nice guy, but is not a good motivator for Peter. Is it time for Pops to be replaced, or is the problem Peter?

Dan Rafael

  (12:01 PM)

Peter should be able to motivate himself at this point if he was a true professional. Pops is a father figure to him and not going anywhere, but I don't think it would hurt the corner to bring in a true professional trainer.

Kent - St Catharines

If am looking forward to Lightweight Lightning. I think the fights are even matched for the most part and should be exciting. Dan if there is one possible upset on the card you might pick who should we watch for?

Dan Rafael

  (12:02 PM)

I'm also looking forward to the card. They are all pretty even matches, but I guess to me the easy upset pick if you're going to pick one is Pitalua over Valero. I am going with that upset special.

Jeff (Las Vegas)

Damn whats going on with Mosley? It seems like when he is on top he can never get a fight. When he isnt the world wants him

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 PM)

Like a few elite guys, Mosley is hanging back to see what sorts itself out on May 2. After that I guess we'll see. He could perhaps face the winner of Hatton-Pac. Maybe lure Mayweather into a fight. At this point though, Mosley is only looking for a really big fight.

Oscar(TX)

Is there a Ward/Miranda fight being discussed?

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 PM)

It is one of the fights under discussion.

Joel (NY)

Dan, whats your pick for Bradley/Holt tomorrow night?

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

I think it will be competitive, but I am picking Bradley.

Matt G Chicago, IL

Danno, buy or sell? Pavlik fights Sturm in 2009 after Sturm makes his next "Bum of the Month" defense.

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

Sell.

Kelby (Omaha)

Dan, Any word on the conditioning of Arreola? Has he 'shaped up' or is he still packing on the lbs?

Dan Rafael

  (12:06 PM)

Cris spoke to the media the other day on a teleconference to promote next week's fight with McCline and he was asked about his weight. He said he was 252 earlier this week and expected to be lighter in the fight.

Joel (NY)

Dan, what did you think of the JCC Jr. fight last Saturday? I thought it was very enjoyable

Dan Rafael

  (12:06 PM)

Terrific action fight. I enjoyed the whole PPV card.

Tony(Tampa)

Dan, Glen Johnson is promoted by both Seminole Warriors and Lou Dibella. How does that work? Does one or the other promoter have the final say?

Dan Rafael

  (12:08 PM)

They're partners. Each deal is different. Some co-promotions have one guy that can make the decisions but the other promoter is involved financially. In the case of Glen, DiBella and Leon Margules of Seminole get along very well and both look to do the best they can. If it comes down to push to shove, I think in that case it would be Seminole that gets the final say.

g(atl)

Hey Danzilla, any tidbits on who might be on the Cotto-Clottey undercard?

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 PM)

Nothing is 100 percent, but you can count on Matvey Korobov. There is only one televised bout that night on HBO.

Bob Arum( Tijuana )

So you have no problems with me making fights inside of a bull ring?

Dan Rafael

  (12:10 PM)

I have no problem with Don King doing it either since I was at his bullring fight in Cancun last year.

Brandon (Arlington, VA)

I know it's par for the course in boxing to talk big and predict knockouts. That being said, I'm going to take a bit more enjoyment in seeing Klitschko knock Haye out than I would for most other bouts.

Gerardo (Tempe, AZ)

I'm happy for Wladimir that he's getting a fight that matters. He is stuck in a bad time for heavyweights, and he is a great fighter. He would be competitive at the top in other eras, too.

Gerardo, Chicago, IL

Dan. What's going on with Rafael Marquez? Does he still have a fight in Mexico coming up?

Dan Rafael

  (12:11 PM)

That is up in the air at this point.

Rick, Marina, Ca

What up Dan, whats this Im hearing about a possible Pacman- Chavez Jr fight, that is ludicrous

Dan Rafael

  (12:11 PM)

Arum is out there making noise about it. I think he is simply trying to plant the notion in the minds of the Mexican fans to help drum up business for Hatton-Pacquiao.

Kevin

Is HBO seriously pushing Mundine-Pavlik or is that just an April Fools gone horribly wrong?!

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

It's total nonsense.

Chris (Boston)

Dan, Alvarado/Paulie would be a great BAD fight. I could see it going either way. Who would you favor?

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

If it happens, it will be June 27 under Pavlik-Mora. I would favor Alvarado as the younger, stronger fighter.

Jon (DC)

Dan, the Pacman-Hatton undercard is terrible. I think we all need to give up on ever seeing a great undercard on a mega fight.

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

I don't think it's great but I don't think it's terrible either.

Chris (Los Angeles CA)

D$ - Now that Luevano is out and Concepcion is being moved to May 1, where does that leave that televised spot on the Pac-Hatton undercard?

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 PM)

Humberto Soto will be on defending his 130 title.

E.L. Trujillo (Mile High City)

As always DTM, thanks for an insightful notebook. Was there any bad blood between Paulie and Buddy McGirt, following the Hatton KO? I think the whole world saw Paulie push Buddy after the fight.

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

I think that was something that happened in the heat of the moment. Don't read anything more into it.

mario (bell gardens, ca) [via mobile]

danaconda, read your article on de la hoya's april 14th announcement. do you think he retires or fights again. if so, who???

Dan Rafael

  (12:16 PM)

I really don't know. I guess if I had to pick one or the other, I would say he will retire. But who knows? I can see either scenario. Personally, I hope he calls it quits.

Gary (CO)

Is Margarito done?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

YES.

Micah, Binghamton

In light of the sickening proof that Marg-Concrete-o And Capetillo were loading his gloves, I just hope they both are given the Panama Lewis treatment. If any good can come of it, Melvina Latham has had a special mandatory seminar for all us inspectors and officials on the NYSAC and I hope all other commissions do the same as the fighters rely on us to protect their safety. The absurdity of Antonio not knowing is disgraceful. This tarnishes everything he accomplished and more and really makes what Cotto endured that night impressive and scary!!!

Kent - St Catharines

King Freak. Is DK's "Revenge of the Rematch" still the best card top to bottom you have ever seen Dan?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

Yes, unless you have a better one in mind.

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

The new blog is up!

Courtney (Atlanta, GA)

Hey Dan, good blog about the Klitschko brothers, but it made me want to ask if there ever have been brothers that fought against each other in a professional boxing match before?

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

I'm sure it's probably happened, but I don't know of one off the top of my head.

Tomas(Tx)

Hey Dan. Bout time Forrest mans up and faces Martinez

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 PM)

I agree.

Duff (Abington,MA)

Gotta respect Adamek. He's willing to fight two dangerous fighters like Hopkins and Johnson. Its champions like this that are good for the sport.

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

You're right. Adamek will fight anyone. I really believe that.

Chris (Kalamazoo, MI)

Dan, has Bob Arum had anything else to say in light of the new evidence in the Margarito suspension?

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

No, Bob is not saying anything on it. His lawyer told him to keep his mouth shut and so far he has.

Kent - St Catharines

"I bet the dog also ate his homework to". lmao Dan at his best

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

Thank you. Glad you liked the blog.

Banishment

Antonio Margarito, sell out fighter, 6 months of glory...LIFETIME BAN FROM ALL THINGS BOXING...

Randy (NYC)

I'll be at lightweight lighting as well and am interested in why you think valeros streak will end. I think someone is hitting the floor for good in that fight.

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

I am picking Pitalua because he is way more experienced, has a terrific chin and is an outstanding puncher. Valero has no defense, a questionable chin and not much experience against good opponents. The one time he faced a good opponent, Mosquera, he had life and death and got knocked down.

Matt (Washington, DC)

Dan, I respect your elevation of Eddie Chambers (who I love since he was on the first card I went to, along with Paul Williams and Chris Arreola) in the rankings, but I don't see the fire and instinctiveness to ever knock off a Klitschko. Do you agree Arreola is the only American who could EVER do that?

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

Arreola has the power to do it. I'm not sure if he can the ability to take it super seriously and get himself in tip top condition to do it.

Randy(NYC)

Do you remember when the last PPV heavyweight fight was?

Dan Rafael

  (12:25 PM)

I've been trying to forget Valuev-Holyfield for months.

J

Dan, your blog yesterday was sick--and I don't mean in the good way! You "dream" about seeing the Klitschko brothers meeting in the ring? Do you also dream about Donny and Marie doing porn together???

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

No comment.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Hey Dan, How's the forecast looking for a RAD tomorrow night?

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 PM)

100 percent that there won't be one.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan, if, and it's a big IF, David Haye actually and convincingly beat Klitzcho in their June fight where would you rank it ib terms of boxing's greatest upsets???

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

Not even close to the top.

Ron (Bethel Ct)

Dan the man! Great weekend of Boxing! Any idea whose announcing the lightweight ppv card? I'm really looking forward to it and even with the changes they really put together a great card from top to bottom

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

The announce team is supposed to be Barry Tompkins, Bernard Hopkins and Doug Fisher.

Dom (Lancaster, England)

Hey Dan, Over/Under, Bernard Dunne 3 defences of title??

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 PM)

Under.

Wayne (NYC)

Is it me, or has Wlad Klitch become a quote machine as of late: "I will shut his big mouth with my big fist"..."He has to pay the bill for it and I promise it will be painful."...my fav..."I've had the pleassure of KOing guys who promised to turn my birthday into a funeral"

Dan Rafael

  (12:30 PM)

I think Haye has annoyed Wladimir more than any other opponent he has ever had. When he said some of the quotes to me on the phone the other day I actually brought up the fact that in the all the years I had known him and all the times I had interviewed him I had never heard him talk like that about an opponent. He finds Haye extremely disrespectful.

Daniel (UK)

I can't wait for Haye-Klitschko! I know Haye's mouth is annoying and he doesn't deserve this title shot, but he is one exciting fighter. I know you think that Wlad will starch him but surely Haye has at least a puncher's chance given wlads chin and Haye's excellent power.

Jeff (NH)

C'mon Dan you can't really pick Pitula over Valero, your breaking my heart. I haven't seen an opponent be able to take Valeros shots and I'm pretty sure Pitual won't be able to either.

Dan Rafael

  (12:35 PM)

Guess we will see.

jack, fort collins

hey dan, do you have any clue why the networks are reluctant to pick up adamek/johnson? are there scheduling issues? money? i have a hard time believing that it's from lack of public interest.

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

Nobody from either network has said they are not interested. Showtime, I am told, does have some interest. However, there are budgets and schedules. Not every fight that is thought of can all of a sudden just be made.

John (Ottawa, Canada)

Any word of a 30 minute HBO countdown show for Klitschko-Haye? I think it would be a great way to introduce the casual fan to Haye. Haye's trash talking would add some hype to the fight much the way Mayweather did against De La Hoya on 24/7.

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

I have not heard that. I would be surprised if HBO did one on that fight because it wont air live in prime time. It will air live in the afternoon and I don't see HBO spending the money to pormote an afternoon fight that heavily.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

I know the WBA sucks and all. But seriously? John Ruiz as a mandatory challenger?

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

That is one of many, many reasons the WBA sucks.

Sam Peter

I'm hungry

Tony(Tampa)

Dan, Do you give the light hitting Shawn Estrada any chance over Alexander Povetkin with their bout in Germany Sat. night?

Dan Rafael

  (12:41 PM)

It's Jason Estrada, Shawn is the 2008 US Olympian. In any case. I don't see Estrada winning that fight at all.

Opie Taylor (Mayberry R.F.D.)

Dan, Weren't you from Binghamton? There's CNN breaking news about a shooting w/multiple victims....sad stuff

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

I have it on CNN now. I lived there for years. I went to college there and I had my second job as a professional sportswriter there. Weird thing is, I have a friend of mine from college visiting this weekend and we are watching it as we speak. Kind of surreal.

Jorge (san diego)

DTM, am I the only one that had Cuello winning last weeks fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

Apparently.

Rui (Nutley, NJ)

In regards to your blog, Julian Jackson motioning towards the ground as Drayton fell down is one of the coolest clips in boxing PERIOD.

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

Legendary knockout.

James (Nottingham, uk)

Hey Dan, have you ever seen the Brodie - Chi fight from 2003. I ask because some kind person has uploaded the fight to youtube. It was an all out war for the WBC featherweight title.

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

Yes, I have seen it. Terrific, terrific bloody fight.

Ryan (Cleveland)

What is all this talk about Forrest having to fight Martinez? Shouldn't he be fighting Cintron? I read on KermyCintron.com that Kermit beat Martinez, like ten rounds to two a couple weeks back.

Dan Rafael

  (12:44 PM)

Did you also read about how Cintron got knocked down from a head butt?

MO - Detroit, MI

Do you believe Ronald Hearns was exposed as over-hyped last weekend? And what is next for him?

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 PM)

There have always been questions about Ronald because of his late start and caliber of competition. I do not believe he was every hyped as anything other than what he was -- a prospect with great bloodlines. He lost in a tough fight, so it's fair to say he was exposed some. But I do not think it's fair to say he was over-hyped when he never had all that much hype to begin with. His promoter, Lou DiBella, will try to clean him up with a couple of wins and then they want Chavez Jr.

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 PM)

We have news via the Bat E-mail. Nothing major but I will pass it along.

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 PM)

They have weighed in for the Montreal fight. Holt was 139.9. Bradley 138.6.

danny ( Los Angeles, CA)

do you know whwn daniel ponce de leon will fight again and do you think he will ever get a rematch with juan manuel lopez?

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 PM)

Ponce has nothing in the works at the moment. Golden Boy has nothing for him in Mexici at the moment and he has visa issues that prevent him from coming into the US right now.

Jonathan (daytona)

dan - whats the deal with Ricardo Torres? I think he's one of the most exciting punchers around - when are we going to see him again?

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 PM)

I was told last week, and wrote about it in the weekly rankings, that he is likely moving to welterweight and may fight next month in Colombia.

JOhn (Austin)

Dan, wish you were coming to ATX tonight for Lightweight Lightening. Any idea how its selling so far? I hope we have a huge crowd so we get some more cards like this down here.

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

I am told a crowd of about 6,000 or 7,000 is expected with a gate of about $300,000, which is very good for a show like that. It is possible you will see an HBO show there in August when James Kirkland goes for a belt.

Corey (Petersburg, WV)

Dan, what's the deal with Arum going head-to-head against Ortiz on BAD with his Pavlik-Mora ppv? No concern for bad numbers?

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

Bob's going when it makes sense for him, his fighters, the venue in Atlantic City. That HBO has a BAD card taking place on the other side of the country is not relevant.

Joe, RI

Shouldn't Cotto be reinstated as the Ring 147 Champ? Cotto never lost in the ring to a "clean" fighter. At least the Ring Mag people should show some common sense in boxing rankings (since no other sanctioning body does).

Dan Rafael

  (12:55 PM)

Cotto never had the Ring belt in the first place.

Paul (San Diego)

Dan, Have you had any confirmation that Zab is going to 140? Any news out of his camp?

Dan Rafael

  (12:55 PM)

There's been talk of Zab fighting in May at 142 pounds on his way to 140.

Randy (NYC)

If Wlad and Vitali actually fought, who would you pick? I think Wlad is better technically, but Vitali is just rugged

Dan Rafael

  (12:56 PM)

I would go with Vitali. Big brothers beat little brothers.

Bert (MInneapolis)

Yo Daniel from the UK- Wlad has an awesome chin. He's durable. Your UK boy Haye is the one w/ the glass jaw!

Chris (Rotterdam Junction)

Is the guy Bernard Dunne knocked out in the great action fight ok? I know he was down for a while and Dunne (and everyone else) looked really concerned.

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

Yes. I spoke to one of his corner guys a few days after the fight and he told me Cordoba was fine. Just was a little dehydrated after a tough fight.

Guanoman (Puerto Rico)

Dan will you be in puerrtoRico for the lopez vs penalosa fight or are you going to Forch vs taylor.

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

I will be at Froch-Taylor.

Armando (Nj)

Dan - flipping through the channels the other night and came across Holyfield v Qawi on ESPN - Holy crap! how come you haven't recommended that one on your DVD picks - that fight was sick

Dan Rafael

  (12:59 PM)

I have certainly mentioned that fight before. It is an awesome fight, one of my all-time favorites.

Jimmy (Arlington, Va)

Was David Haye highly touted as an amateur or did he just become well accomplished as a pro?

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

David was an excellent amateur but not an Olympian.

Mike (Fairfax, VA)

Dan, agreed on the "Battle of East and West" title...Terrible name for a great fight...

Kool-Aid Man

You tell that Sam Peter to get his own schtick!!!!

Kevin

Someone asked me the other day what kind of amateur record Bernard Hopkins had, and I honestly have no idea. Was he a successful amateur?

Dan Rafael

  (1:01 PM)

Bernard had barely any amateur fights.

Bime (Taunton Ma.)

D-Money$$... I know it's not the most exciting fight for you, but whats your pick in the Alexander Povetkin vs. Jason Estrada... i think Big Six got a good chance

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 PM)

I think Povetkin wins going away.

Nick (Raleigh, NC)

Dan, If Bailey wins tonight where does he go from here? He would be a good step up for a prospect.

Dan Rafael

  (1:05 PM)

If he beats Figueroa, which I think he will do, he will be a mandatory for the IBF's 140 title. So he would get a title shot at Urango or -- if Urango gives up the title if he beats Berto at 147 -- Bailey would fight the next available guy for the vacant belt at 140. He's not going to just face a prospect with a title opportunity on the table.

Turk (DC)

I think it would be ridiculous for Showtime not to pick up Adameck-Johnson due to a tight schedule. Showtime's been cranking out the shobox (credit for that) but how many championship boxing cards have they had this year? 2 including tomorrow's and it's April? Showtime has seriously slipped off the map for me this year, though Taylor-Froch will hopefully make up for it.

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 PM)

Just remember one thing -- an Adamek-Johnson fight will cost real money, not the $50,000 chump change Showtime pays for ShoBox cards.

Ricardo (LA)

Hey Dan, I thought I had seen an Azteca America fight on the schedule for tomorrow, but I don't see it anymore. Was it canceled?

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

The Garcia-Barrera rematch was supposed to be tomorrow, but has been moved to next week.

Matt(Naperville, IL)

Does Fernando Montiel-Eric Morel winner have to fight Gerry Penalosa, even if he gets blown out of the water by Lopez? That's really unappealing.

Dan Rafael

  (1:09 PM)

My understanding is that Penalosa is moving up for good win or lose against JM Lopez.

Michael (Long Beach, CA)

Does Librado Andrade take care of business tomorrow night?

Dan Rafael

  (1:10 PM)

Absolutely.

Andres (Chula Vista, CA)

Any idea who Devon Alexander might be fighting on the Spinks-Latimore undercard?

Dan Rafael

  (1:10 PM)

Not yet but it will be a scrub. He's not going to risk his alphabet No. 1 ranking.

Chris, Oklahoma City OK

Danimal: got a tough decision here, I wanna get the lightweight lightning card (which I get at a 33% discount for working for the cable company)but my wife and I just had a talk last night about penny pinching because I'll be the only one working and just found out that she's pregnant with our 2nd child and my son is only 9 months old. Can you give me a good rebuttal for her sure-fire argument that we need to save money? I got a 9 month old fight freak in training is all I can come up with so far.

Dan Rafael

  (1:11 PM)

You lose dude.

Dave, NJ

Dan do you have any details on the new weekly boxing series that will start on May 2 on Fox Sports Espanol?

Dan Rafael

  (1:12 PM)

It's a time buy. The promoter has to sell the ads. I love that there will be more boxing on but it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Sam (Chicago, IL)

Chris in OK City -- best thing about PPV is sharing costs with some buddies!

Rick (Syracuse)

Danimania!!! Gimme your mania picks: Orton/Triple H, Edge/Cena/Show, Taker/Michaels, and the Money in the Bank?

Dan Rafael

  (1:13 PM)

The picks are in my blog today! But I didn't include the Money in the Bank match. I'll take Kofi Kingston in that one!

Keith H (Seattle, WA)

Chris, remember this: You can never win an argument with a pregnant woman.

Metty (T.O.)

Dan, really need to get this off my back -- I am SICK TO DEATH of all the DLH haters out there. These so-called boxing fans show zero respect to a man who carried our struggling sport on his back for the better part of a decade. It is disgraceful. So he didn't always beat the best. At least he always went out of his way to fight them...

Omer Cheema Washington DC

Whats Up Dan, In MMA its common to give out KO and fight of the night and submission bonuses. Would you support similar bonuses to entice action fights in boxing.

Dan Rafael

  (1:15 PM)

In the words of our broadcast hero: Definitely. That is a good idea they use in MMA and would be good in boxing as well.

rob (jersey)

Vic/Agbeko is going to be the fight of the year in 2009.......I know it's off topic, but HUGE Vic fan - so happy this fight is taking place!

Dan Rafael

  (1:16 PM)

Not off topic at all. It's a spectacular match on paper. I can't wait for it. I love the fight.

Diego (Puerto Rico

dan I am confused here in Puerto Rico they keeep reporting that montiel will fight morel june 13 in msg in that still on the table or will they definetly fight on pavlik vs mora undercard.

Dan Rafael

  (1:17 PM)

That fight is not on June 13. June 13 only has one TV fight and HBO is not doing Montiel-Morel. I spoke to Arum yesterday and he said it will be on the ppv two weeks later.

Gene Simmons (Kiss 107 FM)

Rock and Roll Dan, In between their ring appearences what other careers do Michael Buffer and Jimmy Lennon Jr. have? And what do they make for a night of fights/introductions?

Dan Rafael

  (1:18 PM)

Michael makes a lot of appearances and has business interests. He also travels heavily for ring duties. Jimmy is a school principal in California.

Gary Burton (Beaverton, OR)

Asuming you've seen him, what do you think of heavyweight Seth Mitchell, Dan?

Dan Rafael

  (1:19 PM)

I've seen him once live here in DC. He is a physical fighter and used to play college football. He's obviously raw and a project but has an appealing style and might be worth watching.

Chris M. (Canada)

If Hatton beats Pacquiao, do you think that he becomes a sure-fire Hall of Famer?

Dan Rafael

  (1:19 PM)

Even without beating Manny, he will receive a lot of HOF support.

Jimmy Lennon, Jr. (Principal's Office)

And now... iiiit's detention!

CM (Canada)

DTM, it bothers the hell out of me when people call Winky a boring fighter. The Vargas, Mosley II, Soliman, Taylor, and Quartey fights were wildly entertaining. So he can't knock guys out. He can still stand and trade with the best of them!

Dan Rafael

  (1:20 PM)

That's a good point.

Greg P (Staten Island,NY)

Dan, if Hatton beats Manny does he venture to 147 to fight Shane or does he stay at his better weight of 140 and take on JMM?

Dan Rafael

  (1:21 PM)

Probably will look for the biggest and best fight he can make and go from there.

Martin Rodriguez , NYC

Who wins.... Cotto/Clottey?

Dan Rafael

  (1:22 PM)

Brutally tough fight. Too soon to say.

Benny, Tacoma

Any word on Joel Julio since the loss to Kirkland?

Dan Rafael

  (1:23 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. Nothing specific. Probably taking a nice rest and then will look to make another run.

Darren (Miami, FL)

Dan, you mentioned earlier that Valero had a tough go with Mosquera during their fight. Whatever happened to Mosquera anyhow?

Dan Rafael

  (1:23 PM)

He went to prison.

todd (sf, calif)

it really boggles the mind to consider if margarito used cinder blocks to blow out lesser known fighters, like golden johnson...which i suspect he did.

Matt (Washington, DC)

I'm totally with you on ripping Margacheato in your blog. Total disgrace. You say all his past fights are now in doubt. With Paul Williams surviving the late round storm and winning a decision, does your opinion of the Punisher rise now? Pretty impressive fight in retrospect.

Dan Rafael

  (1:25 PM)

Impressive either way.

Michael (Long Beach, CA)

I'll say this about the Love Child. He showed a great chin. Took some big shots from Kirkland. I think he should move back to 147.

Dan Rafael

  (1:25 PM)

I agree. He would be better off there.

Randy (NYC)

I think we all want Pavlik/Abraham in the fall, but won't having the winner of Winky/Williams potentially calling out Pavlik cause some problems with that fight happening, especially since they both have more exposure in the US?

Dan Rafael

  (1:27 PM)

No because everyone knows the two best middleweights are Pavlik and Abraham. The networks want the fight. The promoters and fighters say they now want to make the fight. So I dont care what happens in Winky-Williams. The winner can wait for a shot at a Pavlik-Abraham winner. Pavlik-Abraham is the ONLY middle fight that matters in terms of title bouts.

WBA

We support KO and fight of the night bonuses, but we also want our cut.

Billy (Patchogue, NY)

If you had to guess, who do you think Mayweather's return opponent will be?

Dan Rafael

  (1:28 PM)

I'm tired of guessing. When I have news, I will let you know.

Dan Rafael

  (1:32 PM)

OK, Freaks, hope you enjoy the fights this weekend. Lot of good stuff. And enjoy the new notebook and this week's blogs. Talk to you next week from Las Vegas, where I will be covering Williams-Wright. Peace.