Dan Rafael

  (12:01 PM)

Greetings, Fight Freaks. Welcome to our weekly chat. Not too much going on this week, but then we've got Froch-Taylor and Hatton-Pacquiao over the following two weeks. And lots of good fights ahead this spring and summer. Make sure to check out the new notebook and new blog, which are posted. Let's get to it.

Tomas(Tx)

Whats up Dan. Has De La Hoya ever considered or talked about becoming a trainer?

Dan Rafael

  (12:01 PM)

No, not to my knowledge.

Bert (Minneapolis)

Lt. Dan, I disagree w/ Manny Steward saying Winky fought excellently last week. It was a beat down, and a horrible matchup for him. If he fought a great fight and got shutout, why we he take the fight at all?

Dan Rafael

  (12:03 PM)

I agree with Manny, not with you. I thought Winky fought a very good fight in which he would have beaten most middleweights. But Williams still took him apart. He took the fight because he had no other real choice since the other opponents HBO had approved were unavailable or not interested. Say what you want about Winky, but he has mostly faced the best guys he could when he's actually gotten in the ring in recent years. Guy fought Mosley twice, Trinidad, Hopkins, Jermain and Williams. Can't say he ducked guys.

Bert (Minneapolis)

D$- Williams all the way to top 5 P4P? I don't know if he can beat the real 160 lb guys. He's never been hit by anybody that can throw like Pavlik. I'd probably bet Cotto and Mosely could drop him too.

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 PM)

The "real" 160 guys? Is Winky not real? Please. Williams is an absolute beast. Anyone who shuts out Winky Wright, regardless of the layoff, deserves a lot of credit. I had Williams 9th p4p going into the fight and moved him to 5th, which is where I believe he belongs.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

On a scale of 1-10 how excited are you for Valuev/Chagaev? I think im a negative 4

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 PM)

Why so high?

Michael (Long Beach, CA)

Dan, I was never the biggest Oscar fan, but would like to think I always appreciated his desire to fight the best and what he did for boxing. That being said, thanks Oscar for a great career, but more importantly, thanks for retiring at this time.

Rafa ,Los angeles,ca.

Dan any word on juan diaz comeback ,has any opponant been mentioned

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

Juan Diaz has been mentioned as a possible fighter to appear on the Kirkland HBO card in August. He could also be back in mid-September instead. Nothing is set with him though.

Ed, Miami, Florida

How possible is the Marquez-Mayweather jr. fight in july 18???

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

They're talking about it, so it is possible. But there's nothing definite.

Rick (Paterson)

Saw Hagler-Hearns again after reading ur dvd pick, after all this time still gives me goosebumps, Merchant had a line I believe in Barrera-Morales I where he said he was humbled to witness 2 fighters give so much of themselves, I totally understand that sentiment, there is no better sport

Dan Rafael

  (12:08 PM)

Hagler-Hearns and Barrera-Morales are just great, great fights.

Paulie (Pittsburgh)

DTM, does Paul Spadafora have enough left to hang with any of the top guys at his weight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:08 PM)

No idea. He barely fights, has had long layoffs and it's hard to say what he's got left.

Ray (Camden, NJ)

Dan, Now that josh clottey was force to relinquish the title, who?s in line to fight for the IBF title?

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 PM)

The IBF disgusts me. But that aside, it looks like Hlatshwayo and Janiewicz from Poland.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

Does Gamboa get tested tonight or does he blow through Rojas?

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 PM)

I think Rojas may provide a test. He's been in with good opponents and owns a third-round knockout of Celestrino Caballero and we all know Gamboa gets hit. It's an interesting fight, even though it's legitimacy as a title bout is a joke.

Rick, Marina, Ca

So what was your impression of Arreola dominating the normally durable McCline?

Dan Rafael

  (12:10 PM)

Good performance against a guy who was there to get a paycheck.

Neto Seattle Wa

Do you think paul williams is the best boxer at 147. I know you won't answer the question because your just like everybody you wont give paul the credit. For being the best fighter in the world.

Dan Rafael

  (12:11 PM)

Maybe you missed the new p4p rankings this week but I moved Paul up to No. 5, which is giving a lot more credit than some believes he deserves. No, he's not the best fighter in the world at the moment because he hasn't proven it yet. But I'm a fan of his and think he has what it takes to someday maybe be No. 1. So before you say something stupid, like you did, how about you actually read what I write instead of making comments that make you look like a fool?

Slick, Philly

Dan did u catch HBO's special on the Thrilla in Manilla? It's a must see for the freaks!! I know Ali said some horrible things to Joe Frazier but its sad that after 30 years he is still so bitter..

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

Yes, it's a terrific documentary.

Craig (Middlesbrough, UK)

Dan, did you see David Hayes t-shirt at the press conference in Germany yesterday? What did you think?

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

I think he's going to pay for it with a big right hand to his face.

Andrew (Toronto)

So who is Ademek fighting next? Seems like he is all over everyone's radar

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

TBA. The one thing that is for sure is that Main Events says he's fighting the second week of July with premium cable or not.

Joe(NJ)

Hey Dan, did you hear Arum saying today that he's seriously eying Pac-Cotto in November at MSG? I can't believe he'd put Pac in with Cotto at MSG, he's serving up his biggest money maker for the future(Cotto)

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

I think it's possible, but I'll believe it when I see it. My buddy Bob says a lot of crazy stuff just to get people riled up.

Daniel (UK)

I'm really annoyed that Froch vs Taylor won't be on TV over here. I can't believe that nobody was prepared to pay for a world championship bout which really matters at 168lbs. O well, I guess I'll have to fork out the GBP;9.95 for the ppv online.

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

It's a disgrace that one of the UK networks didn't pick up the fight. An absolute disgrace.

Aaron (Hartford)

How sad was it to see Billy Graham on 24/7...poor guy looks a mess..

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

He is a mess. It was more pathetic to see him at the bar 24/7 at the Hatton-Malignaggi fight last fall drinking himself to death.

Sean: Dunmore PA

Could Arreola be serious about his conditioning for one fight? It was like watching two pie-eating contest winners that could punch. It made Eddie Chambers-Sam Peter look like a bikini contest. Klitschko would destroy him.

Ray(Philly)

Dan, How possible is the Valero-Prescott fight? Could it happen this year?

Dan Rafael

  (12:16 PM)

Top Rank would like to make the fight for July 25 on the Latin Fury PPV. We'll see if they are successful.

Kyle (Indianapolis)

Which documentary did you like better, the Thrilla in Manilla or the Joe Louis a Hero Betrayed?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

I've seen both and enjoyed both. That said. I think the Joe Louis one was better to me.

Joe: San Francisco, CA

I thought Hlatshwayo and Delvin Rodriguez fought to a draw to earn the mandatory position. So, how come Hlatshwayo is now the mandatory?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

Because it's the IBF.

Floyd Joy Mayweather

I am the greatest trainer of not this time that time part time full time but of all time... wait didn't I use this poem in the last 24/7 I was in...

Rick, Marina, Ca

Who you got between Viloria and Solis?

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

Solis. Viloria has yet to beat a top fighter.

Jeff (New york)

Do you think MSG will be SOLD OUT for COTTO-CLOTTEY??? If not, do you think it would if Calderon were added to the card?!?!?!?! Must know!!! thanks

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 PM)

The Cotto-Clottey fight has had the biggest pre-sale of tickets ever for a Cotto fight there, according to Top Rank, which says without question it will be a clean sellout (and that's regardless of if Calderon is on the show or not). It's going to be a great crowd for the fight.

Mikko, The Netherlands

Dan, do you happen to know the Japanese photographer that seems to always be present at World championship fights, no matter where in the world they are held? He must be one of the most traveled persons in boxing!

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

You are talking about my main man Sumio Yamada, who has probably been ringside for more fights than anyone I know. Probably has a million airline miles or more on multiple airlines. He's everywhere. You could make a drinking game of him when you watch boxing. When you see him ringside at a fight, you must drink. He pops up everywhere.

Choco, New Jersey

Peterson v. Blain has snoozefest written all over it - agree?

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

It is quite possible.

Joe (Las Vegas)

I'm thinking of putting a large amount of money on Pacquiao. I can't see Hatton winning. What chance do you give Hatton?

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

I give Hatton a hell of a chance. I have no idea why people are so down on him in this fight. I love Manny, but let's look at the facts. Oscar, as we found out, was totally shot. And before that Pacman smashed David Diaz, who was just average at best. And before that, Pacman had life and death with Marquez. Hatton is a strong, legit champion with a good power and a good chin. I'm not saying Manny won't win, but I do not think it's a cakewalk either.

Mike Indianapolis, IN

What ya think about Wlad vs Haye?? I think Haye has NO chance. Klit is too big and too powerful. Wlad by 4th round KO

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

I have said all along I think that Klitschko smashes him.

Brent, Toronto

What is happening to Kessler? His prime is being wasted. Any update?

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

He's in a beef with his promoter.

Daian, Miami

Dan, It was disgusting seen Hatoon in a thong las Saturday!!!

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan, just wanted to say that HBO did themselves proud with the tribute to their fallen colleague at the end of the show. Didn't know the man but felt his friend's loss.

Dan Rafael

  (12:25 PM)

Yes they did. I thought the tribute to Artie was nicely done both during the show with the 10 bells and at the end. When I watched the telecast when I got home from the fight, it choked me up big time.

Daniel (UK)

Which fights are going to be on tv in the states on the froch-taylor card? I hope you guys get a chance to see Tyson Fury live. If you can find another 6ft9 20-year-old who throws good combos and body punches, I'd like to see him.

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

The Showtime card will have only Froch-Taylor and Green-DeLeon.

Kent - St Catharines

Dan, I must say you are doing a great job. Your audience in these chat seems to be getting more and more global by the week. One day perhaps world domination for Dan the Man.

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

LOL. I do love that folks from all over the place seem to participate in the chat. Boxing is a global sport with fans everywhere.

Jackson (IA)

Am I the first to go on record with a Clottey KO? No disrespect to Cotto, but I think Clottey could be the best of the bunch at 147...

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 PM)

I think you are the first to make that call here in the chats, so let's see if you're right.

Mikey (Levittown, NY)

I know I'm not one to question Bob Arum about promoting, but why is he putting Valero-Prescott on a PPV undercard? Wouldn't Showtime or HBO buy that fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 PM)

Chavez goes in the main event on those PPV shows because he's the one who generates the money. Valero-Prescott is a fine fight for Showtime or HBO but they have loaded schedules and Valero can only fight in either Texas or Mexico, which makes it tough.

Marcos (claremont,Ca)

Hi Danimal, Is Mosley holding out for too much expecting a megafight with Pacman? If Manny holds out the victory do you think he would consider fighting Sugar Shane?

Dan Rafael

  (12:30 PM)

I think it's possible, but likely. If Manny wins, there will be other fights that will probably be more lucrative for him than Shane such as Mayweather or possibly Cotto.

M.K. (Texas)

RJJ v. Jeff Lacy seems silly. They negotiating?

Dan Rafael

  (12:31 PM)

It was suggested by Lacy after his win last week. They're not negotiating as far as I know but I think the fight could be possible. It would certainly draw in Tampa since that's where Jeff is from and Roy is also from Florida.

Luis (PR)

Hey Dan, I just want to say thanks to DLH for a great career. Being from PR, I know people who live close to him and regard him as one of the classiest individuals you will ever meet. He was, and still is, great for boxing, and he always fought the best. See you in Canastota, Oscar.

Sean (China)

Any proposed opponents for Quintana or Collazo? I think both are still solid, crafty southpaws and top-10 147lbers.

Dan Rafael

  (12:31 PM)

They're both good contenders but neither has anything lined up at the moment.

Joe

Dan-o, Whats with Mosley ranked above Cotto in the P4P? Cotto beat Mosley remember. Are you taking points from Cotto for "only" lasting 11 rounds with a guy wearing brass knuckles?

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

Mosley did lose to Cotto in a highly competitive and close fight. Since then, he knocked out Margarito, who knocked out Cotto. Based on right now, Mosley deserves to be higher than Cotto.

Bub (cherry hill, nj)

I'm curious how far Wladimir Klitchscko (your #1 heavyweight) is outside your top 20 P4P...is he someone you think about, or not close?

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 PM)

Generally, I do not rank heavyweights in the p4p because as heavyweights, especially the heavyweight champion, he's supposed to be the best out there. The whole idea of p4p was to be able to rate fighters other than heavyweights. It was created as a way to measure the greatness of Sugar Ray Robinson at a time when Joe Louis was heavyweight champion.

giuseppe

dan, the link to your notebook is taking me to deportes. can you fix that please?

Dan Rafael

  (12:35 PM)

It's being fixed.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan, In regards to the earlier Billy Graham question......do you buy the story of his split with Ricky being solely based on the one loss? With all their history that seems weak for an excuse.

Dan Rafael

  (12:35 PM)

That wasn't the reason. The reason, according to Ricky, was that Billy was physically breaking down and unable to do what he once could in the gym.

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

What kind of chance do you give Raul Martinez?

Dan Rafael

  (12:37 PM)

Raul is a good fighter with a good amateur background and has been brought along well in the pros. I give him a very good shot against Donaire this weekend on the Top Rank PPV from the Philippines.

Sondogmarco / Villa de Nash

Thanks for the clarification on that (P4P), Dan. I've always wondered why HWs are never on that list.

Joel (NY)

Dan, I read Margarito was interested in fighting Carlos Baldomir in Tijuana? Any truth to that and would it be on a Latin Fury PPV undercard?

Dan Rafael

  (12:41 PM)

It's been mentioned and would be a disgrace if it happens.

Dave (NJ)

Dan, Did you happen to catch the Real Sports peice on Ann Wolfe? She looked like a monster back in her day. Did Laila Ali duck her? Looks like that would have been the downfall of Ali if they fought.

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

It was a great piece. Laila never fought her and I do think she ducked her.

Hornswaggle Ireland

Dan, How could they seperate me from my father? Is there anything you can do?

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

I was shocked you were drafted to RAW without your old man!!!!!!!!!

bill (pgh)

any word on possbile future cards on Versus?

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

I can't go into much detail right now, but yes, there will be at least four more cards on Versus this year.

Tomas (Philadelphia)

There was one problem with the Real Sports piece on Ann Wolfe... Andrea Kremer called Kirkland a junior welterweight.

Dan Rafael

  (12:44 PM)

I did notice that. That was a bad mistake but really didn't hurt the piece at all.

Matt G Chicago

Let's say Pavlik fights King Arthur in the fall and wins. Do you think Pavlik hangs around to fight Sturm, or does he move up?

Dan Rafael

  (12:45 PM)

I would say Pavlik and Abraham both will move up next year regardless of what happens if they fight each other in November.

Jesus (Yonkers, NY)

Dan, How good does Paul Williams victory against Margarito look now? Considering that he beat a beast in Margarito that could have been using plaster in his gloves.....

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 PM)

It looks great.

Ron Hicksville, NY

Who's fatter CC Sabathia or Chris Arreola?

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 PM)

All I know is CC has a better fastball.

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

FYI -- the notebook link is now fixed.

Joe: San Francisco, CA

So, what happened to the proposed Kirkland-Dzinziruk fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 PM)

It's still possible for August.

W.B.A. (Venezuela)

Dear Dan, we are proud to announce that you are the super chat-champion of ESPN.com. We also announce that Bill Simmons is our now regular chat-champion. Unless Bill scratches us a bigger sanctioning fee check.

Dan (LA)

Dan, another P4P quesiton, I agree they're close, but why Mosley above Wiliams? I can't see Shane beating him at any weight, including 147.

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

Simply, Shane has accomplished a lot more overall. If you want to split hairs, for example, he knocked out Margarito and Williams went 12 with him.

Kevin (Fall River)

Dan, I am a fan of Ferdie Pacheco's work and books. But it seemed that he was angry with the production crew on Thrilla in Manilla. Some of his comments and aggravation I thought took away from the documentary and should not have been included. What are your thoughts?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

Ferdie is a bitter old man.

Rick, Marina, Ca

Who got between Ward and Miranda? Finally Ward fights someone to get excited about.

Dan Rafael

  (12:51 PM)

Ward has better speed, better skills, is naturally bigger and is also younger. As long as he doesn't make it a war, he'll beat Miranda.

Cory (Dallas)

I think that loss to P Will is what made Margo start cheating.

Jay (LA)

Can the local commission come up with a rule that Arreola has to wear a shirt next time he fights?

darris detroit [via mobile]

I would like to say thanks to oscar for a career of great fights

Braindamaged2too...(Asylum)

DTM, Can you share with us your best guess at what will be the big fight(s)/PPV's in the fall and/or at the end of the year? Thanks!

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 PM)

I think we'll see Mayweather in a big fight against either Pacman or Mosley. Pacquiao-Cotto would also be a major possible fight in the fall.

Sabu

How can't you have me in your P4P ratings?

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

If I was rating the best barbed-wire match wrestlers, you'd be No. 1.

Jackson (IA)

Boy, people are QUICK to jump on the Williams bandwagon! Nice win...but that makes TWO great wins total. Two. Not to say he doesn't have the potential to be an all-timer, but he's still got a LONG way to go...am I right?

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

Did I ever say he was an all-time great? Settle down dude.

wrmd23maryland [via mobile]

hi dan. is it me or does it seem like hbo is trying extra hard to push chris arreola as the future of the division? i think he is overrated. what do you think?

Dan Rafael

  (12:56 PM)

A lot of people are. I like Arreola but I need to see a lot more before I annoint him as the future heavyweight champion. He has one solid win against a disinterested McCline. It will take more than that.

weber, east windsor, nj

YO DAN.... Hauser asked us to voice our opinion at his piece about the most exciting fighters and I think he might have missed the boat on not even giving KATSIDIS an honorable mention

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

I talked to Tom before his piece was published because he asked my opion. I completely disagree with his exclusion of Katsidis. COMPLETELY. Frankly, not including him makes the entire list a bit of a question mark in my mind because Katsidis is a ridiculously entertaining fighter who is always in slugfests. He has at at least three FOY candidates in the past couple of years with Casamayor, Amonzot and Earl, not to mention a barnburner on the PPV a couple of weeks ago. To leave him off was horrible.

Jon (DC)

Not to rub salt in the wound, but Ferdie was a terrible commentator in his day as well.

Dan Rafael

  (12:59 PM)

The worst. Listening to him on Showtime was absolutely horrible. His postfight interviews were literally unwatchable.

Scott (massachusetts)

How goes it Dan, Do you see James Kirkland being a champion at middleweight even fighting Kelly Pavlik in the near future?

Dan Rafael

  (1:01 PM)

No. Pavlik and Kirkland have the same manager, which makes a fight unlikely. Plus, I think James might be a little undersized for middleweight. Let him dominate at junior middleweight and win a title there, which he can certainly do, before he thinks about middleweight. If he does go to middleweight, by the time he gets there Pavlik will be up at super middleweight anyway.

Michael (Toronto)

Is Ferdie difficult to deal with as a person, or is it just that he wasn't good at broadcasting?

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 PM)

Both.

Joel (NY)

Dan, with Vernon Forrest off the May 1st Shobox, will we see Gary Russell Jr's fight televised?

Dan Rafael

  (1:03 PM)

I do not think Gary's bout is scheduled for the telecast.

mike Tucson, Az

dan i know oscar was the "golden boy" of boxing and brougth a lot of attention to the sport. do you think boxing is going to need a new "golden boy" for boxing to survive. and if yes who?

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

Boxing always needs a star to carry the sport. We had Ali, SRL, Tyson and Oscar in recent eras. I have no idea who is next. At the moment, I do not see anyone close to that level.

Pete (NYC)

I will always remember Ferdie Pacheco as the man who continued to question Gerald McClellan's heart as he was unconscious and being loaded onto a stretcher after the Benn fight.

Yorkis (Philly)

Hatton is NOT must see tv. In fact, more of his recent fights have been completely unwatchable than not!

Dan Rafael

  (1:05 PM)

Tom apparently disagrees with you. To have Hatton on the list and not Katsidis is sick.

Armando (Nj)

Dan - this past weekend i just watched for the first time Carbajal v Chiquita Gonzalez I - dude, this was a sick sick fight! This has to make your next DVD pick of the week - all freaks must watch this one....

Dan Rafael

  (1:07 PM)

It's a great fight but you don't determine my DVD pick of the week. I do.

Danobese

Its HAUSER's LIST! HIS LIST morons!

Dan Rafael

  (1:07 PM)

Exactly.

Paul B (NY, NY)

Hey Dan- Clarification on your answer about potential PPPV's in the spring- You mentioned Floyd-Mosley...why not Floyd-Cotto. I have to imagine Cotto brings as much juice to the table.

Dan Rafael

  (1:07 PM)

Floyd-Cotto would also be a big one this fall.

Allen Boston

Dan: Is Cotto's dad alive? If so, what role does he play in all this family crap. Does he side with Miguel or does he side with evangelista?

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

Yes, Miguel Sr. is alive and well but not a trainer. However, he is supposed to be in Tampa with his son at camp just making sure things are going OK.

JP(Jacksonville)

Since Margarito was caught for "cheating", should Cotto's record be adjusted?

Dan Rafael

  (1:09 PM)

No because there still is no PROOF he cheated against Cotto, even though me and many others believe he did. But you can't change the record until there is proof.

Chad Lakey

Dan, Who is the grey haired black guy that is always in the ring pre-fight for fights in Vegas? Looks like he has 2 sons in there with him too. I've been trying to figure it out for a while.

Dan Rafael

  (1:12 PM)

That is Sam Watson. He works for Al Haymon and is always with Al's fighters when they fight. And those are his sons.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan, great job with your blog on Oscar's career and some of his best fights. Which of all his trainers do you think worked best with him? And who does Oscar give credit to?

Dan Rafael

  (1:12 PM)

I think Oscar would tell you honestly that all of his trainers gave him something.

Jamesa(ottawa)

Any leading candidates to train Cotto danno?

Dan Rafael

  (1:13 PM)

Right now, he's going to roll with Joe Santiago, who has been a longtime assistant.

Choco, New Jersey

The most innacurate nick name of all-time - "White Tyson" for Chagaev. Thats like calling Valuev "The Russian Mongoose"

Unemployed

Brian Minto Kicks Arreolas ass

Dan Rafael

  (1:14 PM)

I think you are unemployed because you make such dumb predictions.

Aaron (MA)

how excited are you to see John Ruiz as the WBA mandatory?

Dan Rafael

  (1:16 PM)

I'm as excited as I would be if I had to have a colonoscopy today.

Frank (Chicago, IL)

Say what you want about Wladamir but he always comes in great shape. That more than you can say about 99% of the heavyweights and thats probably a big reason why he's champ.

chris (stillwater ok)

Can you ban the next Cotto fan that asks if his record should be changed? He lost the fight. We'll never know for sure if Margrito cheated. Get over it.

sergio/san diego

What do you think of a Arreola/James Toney fight?

Dan Rafael

  (1:19 PM)

Would be a dumb move for Arreola to take a fight like that knowing they probably can get Vitali this year. You can't look good against Toney and Toney and Cris have sparred a ton together. James knows what he's all about. When you have a major heavyweight title fight teed up like Arreola probably will, you don't risk it by taking a dumb fight.

Bucky (Denver)

Because no one thinks Gallardo will be competitive with Alverado the reason it won't be on the TV portion of the card? Its not like the middleweight 4 rounders will be either.

Dan Rafael

  (1:20 PM)

No, it's not on TV because they cant put them all on. The decision was made, like it or not, to feature two elite prospects plus the other bouts. Alvarado will get his shot to be on a notable PPV undercard on TV in June under Pavlik-Mora.

Sal (Chicago)

Dan did you read the article on ESPN.com about the ghost of chavez still haunting Oscar? TERRRRRRRRIBLE piece of writing

Dan Rafael

  (1:21 PM)

No comment.

Jeff (Phoenix)

Dan, I know fighters tend towards hyperbole at press conferences when promoting their fights. However, I tend to believe Wlad when he says he's going to "enjoy the process" when he beats Haye down.

Dan Rafael

  (1:22 PM)

I agree.

Denny Crane (Boston, Mass.)

Rafael, What's with Hatton's apparent need to show off his naked backside each time he's featured in a 24/7 special?

Dan Rafael

  (1:23 PM)

I wish I knew. What's with HBO joy in filming it?

Jace ( Sweeny, TX)

Dan one of my best memories of Oscar was when he fought Migel Angel Gonzales and displayed one of the best jab sessions ever in a boxing match. I believe Larry Holmes would have been proud of him!

Sean (SF)

Any news on whether or not there will be any additional fights on the Ward/Miranda card?

Dan Rafael

  (1:24 PM)

There will be a second fight on the show, very likely lightweight prospect John Molina.

Paul (Germantown, MD)

Would Dawson-P.Williams be a makeable fight?

Dan Rafael

  (1:28 PM)

Anything is possible but Williams is a 168 max at the moment and Chad is a light heavyweight. The fight makes no sense for either guy.

Chris (TN)

Which 2 elite prospects are they showing instead of Alvarado?

Dan Rafael

  (1:28 PM)

Korobov and Lara.

Pete (NYC)

Buy or sell: Floyd Jr. sitting ringside at Hatton/Pacquiao and using the moment to build anticipation for his return?

Dan Rafael

  (1:28 PM)

Sell. I seriously doubt Mayweather will be there.

Mike (San Diego, CA)

Dan, I have not been at all impressed with Shawn Estrada the two times I've seen him live. That being said, he already has a very big following in SoCal. You think they bring him along very slowly to get as much out of him as possible?

Dan Rafael

  (1:29 PM)

He's a raw prospect. He needs to be moved slowly and allowed to develop. I was not impresed last week in Vegas when he fought. Got hit way too much by a nothing opponent. But those are the kind of fights in which you learn, so good for him and his handlers for moving him in a deliberate fashion. He's only had a few fights. He has plenty of time.

phil (buffalo, NY)

Any idea who victor ortiz will be fighting june 27th?

Dan Rafael

  (1:30 PM)

TBA.

Duff (Abington, MA)

Any news on what Steven Cunningham is up to? Any possible fights on the horizon?

Dan Rafael

  (1:30 PM)

Cunningham is supposed to fight Wayne Braithwait in an elimination match. It could take place in July on the Agbeko-Darchinyan undercard.

Christian Farrell (Hoboken, NJ)

Freakzilla, one more for the "most exciting fighter" list - John Duddy. He's still on his way up, but he makes every fight look like a war. What do you think?

Dan Rafael

  (1:31 PM)

I agree and told Tom he should be included, but he wrongly did not include him.

Rick, Marina, ca

I have two fav memories of DLH, the first was the Quartey fight, that was a classic 12th round, and the Vargas fight, that left hook was thing of beauty and wickedness.

Joe: San Francisco, CA

And what was up with that "going out with a whimper" chart showing Oscar's record when he was undefeated and then only going 8-6 thru the remainder of his career. Lets just ignore the fact that he also significantly raised the level of his comp fighting Trinidad, Mosley 2x and Hopkins during that period. Terribly unfair.

Dan Rafael

  (1:32 PM)

Agreed. I don't write the graphics.

Keith H (Seattle, WA)

A Steve Cunningham question that DIDN'T come from Marc in Philly? Did the sun rise in the west this morning?

Kent - St Catharines

Speaking of Steve Cunningham. Marc from Philly has been awfully quiet lately. I guess there are no computers in jail???

Dan Rafael

  (1:33 PM)

Marc and USS broke up.

Joe: San Francisco, CA

Why did Hauser decide he could only include EITHER Vazquez OR Marquez?

Dan Rafael

  (1:34 PM)

No idea. They should have been an entry together.

Sal (Chicago)

Your response to Sean's (SF) question reminded me of another respectable victory by Oscar that few give him credit for, he beat a tough John John Molina.

Dan Rafael

  (1:34 PM)

Good point. That was a very tough fight early in his career and he showed a lot in that bout. HBO's Harold Lederman actually had Molina winning the close fight, although I disagreed with Harold on that one.

Frank (Chicago, IL)

Oscar has a great resume but he did NOT fight everybody like people say. He flat out ducked Winky Wright.

Dan Rafael

  (1:35 PM)

I wouldn't say he ducked him. I know he didn't fight him, but he had other much bigger fights at the time that was being mentioned. And even if he did, so what? That means he ducked like one guy from welter to middle over a decade.

Mike (San Diego, CA)

Dan, I love that Mandalay Bay had the huge fight posters hanging up in the events center last weekend. Brought back a lot of good memories.

Dan Rafael

  (1:37 PM)

Those banners have been there for years. I love 'em.

Josh (Danbury)

why would Cunningham fight an elimination fight if he's champion?

Dan Rafael

  (1:38 PM)

Ummm, because he's not? He lost his title to Adamek in December. Wake up dude.

paulskey

oscar also didn't fight vernon forrest, who I believe would have beaten him too.

Dan Rafael

  (1:39 PM)

Oscar did not duck Vernon at all. The fight was never big. And Vernon was a welterweight after Oscar had long before moved to junior middleweight.

Angel, Carson City

Once Lopez destroys Penalosa, would you throw him in there against Caballero?

Dan Rafael

  (1:40 PM)

No. I'd keep him far away.

Dennis (Miami, Fl)

am i the only one that can't get enough of hbo's 24/7??

Dan Rafael

  (1:41 PM)

No.

First Take

Oscar never fought Roy Jones for the pound for pound #1 spot either. or Tyson.

travis, boise

froch vs taylor great fight that is a must see. froch and pascal got after it and taylor is rejuvenated. it gonna be a slugfest FOY candidate?

Dan Rafael

  (1:41 PM)

I think it's going to be a hell of a fight. I can't wait. I'll be there.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

And Oscar didn't fight Godzilla either. Although I believe Hannibel Lector would've given Oscar a run for his money!!!

David (Hercules, CA)

As I former ODH hater in the 90s (which seems stupid now), now I get rankled by boxing writers who point out Oscar lost 4 of his last 6 or 7 fights. But what fighter in modern history kept on fighting P4P #1s one after the other (Tito and Mosley, okay maybe #2/3 at the time, Hopkins, PBF, Pacquiao). Oscar was never P4P #1, but after the Trinidad fiasco, he showed as much courage as anyone in the sport...

Matt (Washington, DC)

Dan, I enjoyed the ESPN story on most exciting fighters but thought it was ridiculous to not include Juan Diaz and Katsidis. I love Arreola, Kirkland, and Angulo, but come on, Diaz and Katsidis have been consistently exciting against better competition.

Mike (San Diego, CA)

Dan, Artie Curry must have been a really great guy. I've never heard Michael Buffer talk like that and his voice even cracked. Then when I got home I saw Lampley, Steward & Merchant tear up. Must have been a great guy.

Dan Rafael

  (1:43 PM)

He was the best.

First Take

I heard Oscar was ducking Wlad and Vitali...wussy

James (Mora NM)

Dantastic! Great article on ODLH's retirement. Of all articles out there, yours by far was the best! He will definitely be missed as a fighter, but thank goodness he's still in boxing!

Dan Rafael

  (1:44 PM)

Thank you.

The Thinker.....(Athens Greece)

Oscar ducked Hercules too come to think of it.

Dominic (San Francisco)

Dan! Williams and Mosley both have open summers. Any chance they could fight each other at junior middleweight? Maybe it doesn't draw "mega fight" money, but it's a good fight and I'm sure HBO would want it.

Dan Rafael

  (1:46 PM)

I spent time talking to Mosley in Vegas last week before the Williams fight and he said he wanted a big fight this year. He said he respected Williams and that he was good but that it wasn't the mega fight he wanted. He said after that, he would consider Williams.

Pancho, Los Mochis

How about Marcos Maidana as a fight for Victor Ortiz?

Dan Rafael

  (1:46 PM)

It's a name that has been mentioned.

sk (Arlington, VA)

The guy whose career Oscar reminded me of (in its arc, not its quality) is Duran. Lost a lot of great fights late in his career, which obscures his best years. For Duran it was his 135 reign, for Oscar is was his career from 135 to Shane I.

Dan Rafael

  (1:47 PM)

Pretty solid analogy. People who only know Duran from the late fights never saw his lightweight greatness. People who only want to talk about Oscar's disappointing loss late in his career forget about the excellent wins he had at 135, 140 and 147.

Jose(Athens, Greece)

Why isnt there no friday night fights today?

Dan Rafael

  (1:48 PM)

I think ESPN2 has basketball on the sked tonight. But FNF will be back next week -- and I will be in Bristol to be in the studio.

Keiran (SYR)

For real did Miguel Cotto break Evangelista's jaw?

Dan Rafael

  (1:49 PM)

That's what I hear.

Ben (NJ)

Hi Danimal, Do you think that Cotto will be affected now that he doesn't have his uncle plan the strategy for this fight and seems they he'll try to do the planning on his own?

Dan Rafael

  (1:51 PM)

No, I think he'll be just fine.

William (Carson City)

Dan, you have not banned anyone today

Dan Rafael

  (1:51 PM)

William, you're banned.

Luis (PR)

DTM, just read in the notebook how Clottey got stripped of his title. That's outrageous! I would have loved to see the titles unified. It's so sad to see what the sanctioning bodies have become.

Nick (Harrisburg, PA)

I absolutely cannot stand people Oscar hating. Especially since the only reason they are fans in the first place is because De La Hoya carried the sport on his back for the past 15 years. Who cares if he lost his biggest fights...he FOUGHT those fights. Name me anybody else in recent memory who jumped across so many different weight classes to bring fans the biggest fights possible. He was always competitive. Man...get off his back.

Chris (Los Angeles CA)

D$ - I don't know what was more sad to watch...Lampley and Merchant trying to hold it together at the end of the broadcast or seeing Joe Frazier still holding on to hatred for Ali. Very compelling TV last week.

Unknown

A possible Williams vs Mosley who would you give the edge to?

Dan Rafael

  (1:55 PM)

Very tough physical matchup for Mosley, who is a lot smaller.

Mike (NJ)

Dangaroo....how nice was the ring girls belly ring at the Willimas fight huh?

Dan Rafael

  (1:56 PM)

Impressive. Most inpressive.

E.L. Trujillo (Mile High City)

Thanks for such an excellent, coherent corpus on Oscar's HOF career. What is the PPV price for tomorrow night's Donaire fight. I'm hearing everything from $29-$39? thx,

Dan Rafael

  (1:57 PM)

The suggested retail is $29.95.

IBF

Luis I strip your title of human being. I am all powerful!

Frank Booth (Lumberton, NC)

Danforth- Was David Haye's loss to Carl Thompson an excusable, fluky thing?

Dan Rafael

  (1:59 PM)

It wasn't a fluke. I have the tapes and have watched multiple times. Haye was a young fighter and got smashed by a veteran who could punch and was always in great fights. He probably was matched him before he could handle it.

Randy (NYC)

Is it a strong possibility that the next Kirkland fight will be austin?

Dan Rafael

  (2:00 PM)

Yes.

Brandon from Tucson

Dang! Came to work two hours ago and haven't got an once of work done yet. Can't stop...reading...the chat...ARRGHH

Dan Rafael

  (2:01 PM)

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Danilo (Fort Worth, TX)

Danorexia, What's on the horizon for Glenn "the road warrior" Johnson? I hope he gets a title fight soon (and a fair decision for that matter), cause father time is running out on him.

Dan Rafael

  (2:04 PM)

Nothing at the moment, but his people have been talking to Adamek's about a fight. I hope Glen gets something big because he deserves it and he's good to watch.

Danilo (Fort Worth, TX)

Dantastic, since BHop's fight with Adamek fell through, what's the word on opponent for him?

Dan Rafael

  (2:06 PM)

Nope, nothing.

Danilo (Fort Worth, TX)

Dandroid, I always wonder one thing about sports reporters: When a sporting event is almost over, do you guys write the story as things are progressing or do you wait until the outcome? Seems like things are posted very quickly on the websites.

Dan Rafael

  (2:08 PM)

Most of us write some as it goes and then get into more detail once it's over. That's why we have our laptops at ringside. I type in notes and thoughts as the fight is going on and then bang it out right after the fight at ringside, usually in about a half hour or so.

Mike (Vancouver, WA)

Dan, now that he's officially retired, where would you rank Oscar de la Hoya all time? I would say top 25, but I'm kind of biased because Oscar was the reason why I started to watch boxing.

Dan Rafael

  (2:09 PM)

Certainly nowhere neat the top 25 of all time. Not even top 50.

Jim Lampley

(as the cinder block smashed thru the car window)... "It happened!!...IT HAPPENED!!!!"

Joel Julio

Papa, 2+ hours and no mention of me!

Dan Rafael

  (2:11 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child.

Biff (Langford)

How about a "most important fighters" list..where would DLH rank? Top 5? Top 10?

Dan Rafael

  (2:12 PM)

Top 10 for sure.

Ryan (Corpus Christi Texas)

What are the chances of Joe Calzaghe coming out of retirement, and fighting a Chad Dawson or Paul Williams

Dan Rafael

  (2:12 PM)

If Joe did come out of retirement it certainly wouldn't be for those fights. For what? They mean nothing to him and are not worth big money.

Dan Rafael

  (2:13 PM)

OK, Freaks, thanks for a great chat. Hope you enjoy the weekend fights, limited as they are. Make sure to check out the new notebook and blog and make sure to tune into FNF next week to see me in studio. Chat with you next week -- from Bristol. Peace.