ESPN

Dan Rafael

  (2:00 PM)

Greetings from New York, Fight Freaks! Huge fight tomorrow with Cotto-Clottey, which I am psyched for. Just came from the weigh in. Both guys liked terrific. Big notebook is up and plenty of news and blogs this week. So let's get to it -- and bear with me a little bit because the software ESPN uses for these chats has changed and it's going to take a little bit of getting used to for me.

Andrew Filkin (NYC)

Hey DanHow many fights HBO will show on saturday? Can we see Matt Korobov on the televised part of the show?

Dan Rafael

  (2:02 PM)

Just one fight -- Cotto-Clottey. HBO does have the ability to show hili of Calderon and Korobov fights if it wants to. Hopefully, they will.

Frank Booth (Lumberton, NC)

Dan-Should Cotto win tomorrow, do you see a potential Mosley rematch at all...?

Dan Rafael

  (2:03 PM)

I think it is possible at some point. Depends on how things break with other fights.

Dan Rafael

  (2:09 PM)

What's funny is that the opponents being from New York was sort of an accident. Obviously, it was by design with Malignaggi but not the case with Judah and Clottey. Judah was a sub for what supposed to be the original date for Margarito, who decided to fight Williams instead, so Judah was Plan B. Clottey was the fight Cotto asked for and it just so happened he lives in New York.

Dan Rafael

  (2:09 PM)

I like Cotto in a very good, competitive distance fight.

Steve (Phoenix)

Do you know if the June 19th card with Fernando Guerrero is on any television or internet webcast? Guerrero is one of my favorite prospects to watch.

Dan Rafael

  (2:10 PM)

It will be streamed live on prizefighttv.com, according to promoter Brian Young. Enjoy. I also like Guerrero.

David (Old Bridge, NJ)

Now that David Haye is without an opponent, it would be excellent to see Hopkins move up to heavyweight to fight Haye. Any chance ? "Battle of the trash talkers!"

Dan Rafael

  (2:12 PM)

Highly doubtful. What does Haye bring to the table for Hopkins? Not a title.

Frank Booth (Lumberton, NC)

Dapper Dan-Denis Boytsov...thoughts? Is he too small to pose a threat to a Klitschko...?

Dan Rafael

  (2:13 PM)

He's a work in progress and maybe a tad small for the Kklitschkos but I like what I have seen. I thought he looked excellent knocking out Bidenko last week.

Darin (Silver Spring, MD)

Name two people in boxing today you believe could beat Mayweather?

Dan Rafael

  (2:13 PM)

Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko.

Frank Booth (Lumberton, NC)

Dan-Whom did you have winning the Dawson-Johnson fight...?

Dan Rafael

  (2:14 PM)

I thought Dawson won a razor close fight.

Frank Booth (Lumberton, NC)

Dan-Chagaev isn't gonna be another Ibragimov, is he, Dan? IS HE, DAN...?

Dan Rafael

  (2:14 PM)

Very possbly and that fight was horrible. I am sure that was part of the reason HBO decided to pass on it.

Nick (Tucson)

I saw on Sportscenter about 10 days ago that Sugar Shane and Pacman have agreed to fight. What happened? I don't see anything on the web about it or any comments from you about the fight.

Dan Rafael

  (2:16 PM)

That's because it was BS story that ESPN should never have run on TV. Somebody putting together the telecasts didn't check the story and didn't check with me. If somebody had I would have told them it was fiction. It was put out by Mosley's PR team based on an off hand comment from Manny being willing to face Mosley if they could make the right deal. Duh. But there was nothing to it. ESPN messed up bad on that one.

ed (nj)

is there any chance clotty could win by decsion.

Dan Rafael

  (2:16 PM)

Of course.

ed (nj)

if cotto wins will he go up in the p4p ranking or will stay the same.

Dan Rafael

  (2:17 PM)

It all depends on how the fight goes. Why would I commit to something like that without knowing the circumstances of the fight?

Louie (Carlsbad)

I know Manny Pacquiao is in town to accept his BWAA Fighter Of The Year award. Is he going to be in The Garden to watch the fight because he was supposed to skip the whole trip to NYC?

Dan Rafael

  (2:17 PM)

Since he made the trip, he is supposed to be ringside for the fight. I know Freddie Roach is here because I talked to him at the weigh in. Manny should be here shortly.

Nick (Queens)

Hey Dan- What percent chance Obama would go to the Mayweather-Marquez fight?? I'd have to imagine about 0.3%, no?

Dan Rafael

  (2:18 PM)

Why such a high percentage from you?

Ted (Washington)

Considering this is cotto's 1st real comp since Margarito, Do you think he ready for this task? b/c Clottey an't no Micheal Jennings

Dan Rafael

  (2:19 PM)

That's what we all want to know and one of the reasons the fight is interesting.

DuD (Pittsburgh)

If Spadafora wins comeback fight do you think he'd get a shot on HBO in next fight- like against Mayweather or pacman

Dan Rafael

  (2:19 PM)

I think it will take a lot more than one win against a stiff to get into that position.

Dan Rafael

  (2:20 PM)

we have some breaking news from the Bat Phone.

Dan Rafael

  (2:21 PM)

Star Boxing won today's purse bid for the vacant welterweight title bout between its fighter, Delvin Rodriguez, and South Africa's Isaac Hlatshwayo. Star bid $137,000 to Branco's $127,500. Fight might be in August.

evan (ny,ny)

Danomite, you gonna make it up to Canastota for the HOF festivities this weekend? We could do some shots and party with Lennox and Larry!!!!!

Dan Rafael

  (2:22 PM)

As much as I would love to be there, I won't. I am covering the fight Saturday night and headed home on Sunday morning.

Kevin (San Antonio)

Danno, I'm not a big MMA guy, but have often wondered why HBO hasn't gotten into their broadcasts like SHO has. Not complaing, b/c it means more boxing. Just wondered on your thoughts....

Dan Rafael

  (2:23 PM)

HBO and UFC tried to do a deal a year or two ago and were very close. It fell apart over differences on who controlled the telecast. UFC wanted to hire the announcers and HBO wanted to maintain editorial control.

carlos (rodriguez)

if cotto wins on saturday night, will he get the winner of mayweather marquez?

Jimmy (NYC)

Dan, what will it take for Matvey Korobov to get in your rankings? I think he can beat most/all of the fighters on your middleweight list now.

Dan Rafael

  (2:29 PM)

A lot. He's 5-0 and against five nobodies. Give him time. He's got tons of potential but he's not close to being ranked in the top 10, or the top 25.

Dominic (San Francisco)

This new chat format is creeping me out a bit.

Dan Rafael

  (2:29 PM)

I hate it so far.

Mike (Hillsboro, OR)

Dan, definition of a software upgrade: replacing the old software bugs with new software bugs.

joe (faribault mn)

anychance dawson vs johnson will be for real[ring] lightheavy title

Dan Rafael

  (2:32 PM)

No because Hopkins is No. 1

Jon (St Pete)

Does Kirkland have any idea of when he could be getting out of the slammer?

Dan Rafael

  (2:33 PM)

Like many of the opponents before some of his early fights: TBA.

Geraldo (Dale City (VA))

Ivan Calderon is going to be fighting Mayweather next I cant wait! haha that was one of the best quotes ever

Dan Rafael

  (2:33 PM)

That quotable was pretty classic in today's notebook.

Roy (Reno)

I hate not seeing time stamps, those were excellent bookmarks

Dan Rafael

  (2:34 PM)

I'd like to see the time stamps as well.

Tony (Tampa)

One good thing is at least we don't have to hit the refresh button with this new format

Michael (Roxbury, NJ)

Dan although its sad about Kirkland going to jail, were you honestly very surprised?

Dan Rafael

  (2:35 PM)

Not really because I knew he had been in trouble before and wasn't surprised at all. Disappointed but not surprised.

Steve (NYC) (NYC)

Does David Rodriguez have any legit skills or is he just a record?

Dan Rafael

  (2:36 PM)

If you are talking about the heavyweight, no. Totally manufactured record and not very good.

jackson (iowa)

Ivan, please don't give Floyd any idea...he WILL take you up on it...

MK (TX)

If Angulo scoops the main event slot on FNF, who might he fight?

Dan Rafael

  (2:36 PM)

Two names thrown out were Alex Bunema or Carson Jones.

joe (nyc)

Pavlik, Williams, Ward, Dirrell, Angulo, Kirkland, Korobov, Lara, Jacobs, Andrade all 27 or younger, it seems there's potential for a lot of entertaining fights in the 160-168 lb range over the next 5 yrs or more

Dan Rafael

  (2:37 PM)

You are right.

Brian (Toronto)

Any likelihood of Pavlik fighting Froch or Sturm this year ?

Dan Rafael

  (2:37 PM)

Arum mentions everyone so you never know.

Eddie G (The PG, Illinois)

Calling it right now! Clottey by KO, Late Rounds... I think he wears down the Puerto Rican the same way Margacheato did!

Peter (Philadelphia)

This week you noted Freddie Roach's decision to train some of the newly defected Cuban fighters. I noticed that Erislandi Lara wasn't one of them? Any reason? He looks like a fighter with tremendous potential

Dan Rafael

  (2:38 PM)

Lara has a trainer that he and his team apparently are happy with.

Joe (Gainesville)

Happy Friday, Dan! Great notebook and random thoughts as usual. What do you think about Martin Castillo coming back? Those smaller guys get old fast.

Dan Rafael

  (2:39 PM)

Castillo is still young (31) so why not? If he has the hunger again, no reason he can't give it another go.

carlos (houston,tx)

why did the fight between katsidis vs. escobedo fail through? not enought $?

Dan Rafael

  (2:39 PM)

According to Golden Boy, Katsidis just didn't want that fight.

Jamesa (Ottawa)

Dantheslimeman, Man up and explain your random thoughts on Tyson. Just did it for the outrage, cause no way you have any right to call anyone out for their life choices if they it doesn't harm anybody. Man just lost his daughter and you try to chump him. Why? Man up big dog.

Dan Rafael

  (2:42 PM)

I wrote what I wrote because it's my opinion. I was respectful but I was truly shocked Mike got married two weeks after the tragedy. I didn't say it harmed anyone, but I am paid to voice my opinions in my blog about all things boxing. Like it or not, Tyson is one of the biggest names ever in boxing, retired or not. I hope his marriage works out. But I have talked to Tyson about the subject in the past personally and wrote what so many others are thinkings. If you don't like it, nothing I can do about it. But I did not write it for shock value. I wrote it because it was my random thought.

Chris (Kalamazoo, MI)

Now Ivan Calderon is mocking Floyd about his failure to fight the elite welterweights. That's awesome. Being called out by a guy 30 lbs. lighter. How low on the food chain is Floyd now? What a chump.

Nick (Boston)

Dan - Love your stuff but what right do you think you have to comment on Tyson's personal life and relate that back to the tragedy that was his daughters untimely death?

don (queens)

it seems you love to post comments that rip Mayweather - especially his so-called failure to fight elite welters. Judah, Baldomir, de la Hoya, Hatton, and Marquez - seems like great competition to me even if they're not all natural welterweights

Rob C (South Jerz/Philly)

Baldomir as elite competiton?!?! Ahh hahaha, my dughter could beat Carlos, that statement was crazy

Joe (Yonkers)

Any news on the Olympic hopeful Deontay Wilder how is his pro career going .Hope it goes well good to see exciting up and comers to the Heavyweights

Chris (Kalamazoo, MI)

It amazes me how some dummies (Don in Queens) can't seem to understand that the criticism of Mayweather is strictly based on his lack of desire to fact the elite in his class and then wants to call himself the greatest of all time. People need to think while they read instead of being defensive.

Dominic (San Francisco)

Dan, just like to say I had the similar thoughts to you when I Tyson got married, as I'm sure a lot of people did. Also, that was an interesting quote about marriage you had from Tyson.

Delgado (The Bronx NY)

If you're not going to call Tyson out on the chaos that is his personal life, who will? Personally, I think dude could have used some of that early in his career. Too many yes men and not enough people with the grapes to tell it to him like it is.

Jonathan ((Northern VA))

Dan, WTF crawled up all of the Freaks arses today? We got Versus Fight Night Club last night, FNF tonight, and Cotto/Clottey tomorrow! AMAZING BOXING WEEKEND!! Cheer up, Freaks!

COREY (CHICAGO)

i would love to see shane mosley vs paul wiiliams and mosley vs mayweather

Andrew Filkin (NYC)

HI Dan, who you think is gonna be a winner Kotelnik or Han?

Mark (Brooksville Fl.)

I enjoyed the Versus boxing last night. It was interesting to hear B-Hop commentating although Doug Fischer seemed to overtake the blow=by-blow role. What did you think of the show?

joe (nyc)

Han wins if Chewey is in his corner

Joe (Yonkers)

Is the Cotto fight sold out or is there still time to get a ticket?

Chris (Kalamazoo, MI)

I'd imagine Yoda would be Han's trainer if he fights Kotelnik. With Luke arm incident, I'd imagine he'd be the cutman. Just guessing.

Sondogmarco (Paris, TN)

It amazes me that how some people will point fingers at others for a supposed transgression (stating an opinion) when they (we) all make "judgement" calls in public all the time. I too, thought it peculiar, that he'd marry so soon.

Al (Indy)

Hopkins current ranking (still 4th) on Ring Magazine's P4P list despite his inactivity (and record in last 5 fights) makes me weary of GB Promotions ownership interest and influence on what is recognized as the last objective measure of fighters. Thoughts?

Michael (Roxbury, NJ)

Dan sorry if it's already been said, but i missed the weigh in: can you tell us what they weighed, and anything else in particular from the weigh in we might want to know?

David (Laredo Texas)

Why didn't Showtime pick up the Wald fight? I mean it is a more important fight than the Abraham fight. Did ESPN beat them to the rights?

Braindamaged2too (Asylum)

Will the voices of the fan help ESPN SN to do away with this god awful "new" format for the Freaks beloved Friday Boxing chats? Change is not always wanted or appreciated!!!

JD (Saratoga, NY)

I totally agree with HBO's decision not to pick up the Wlad fight. In other sports like football, fans have an obligation to follow an event that is significant even if its not very entertaining- the super bowl. But in a sport like boxing, where you have to order the fights on hbo - even free hbo, some level of entertainment or drama has to accompany the event for us to pay attention.

Roger (Brooklyn Zoo)

Anything New news on my boy Daniel Jacobs?

(Kamau) (MIA)

Why is pac man ranked 1 p4p when he has been stopped twice, and once with a body punch? Mayweather has never been stopped or even knocked down (clean) for that matter?

sergio (san diego)

please dan, let the powers that be know this new format is terrible, takes too long for the each blog to post, no time stamp.

ish (NYC)

Dan, please tell ESPN the "most recent post - top/bottom" feature is not working.

NK (CT)

Does Margarito actually have a chance at coming back in September as he says he does?

Gabriela Ruth Noriega (Irvine, CA (Public Health Office))

Dan Rafael, this is my first time in chat...you are very arrogant...if somebody wants to have a particular question answered...just answer the question...no need to say read my notebook...just answer the question like you are supposed to. And I just realized that you do not answer questions from female fans...Fine, I will never come back here and will spread the word about you. PIG

Mark (CT)

Dan, whats this about Manny wanting to retire after his next fight. I read in an article recently that he said he had given a lot to the sport and his next would be his last.

Ryan (Cleveland)

This format is like the River of Ooze in Ghostbuster II. For some reason everybody is a little nastier today. Tell ESPN to go back to the old format for the sake of mankind. That being said, "I ain't 'fraid of no ghost."

Tim (NYC)

Danimal, any news on Peter Quillen and if he's fighting again soon? didn't see him on the schedule, and haven't heard from him since he pulled out of an HBO broadcast late last year.

Lifetime Banishment (alcatraz)

Gabriela you are banished. BANISHED FOREVER!!

squibbs (alpharetta, ga)

piglet, hahahahaha

Orange Co. Public Health Watch Dog (Irvine, CA)

I just realized that a public health official is wasting her time on an ESPN boxing chat at taxpayers' expense. I will spread the word about her.

Mike (Fairfax, Va.)

It's not your opinion of Tyson that everyone is so much mad it, it's the highly questionable timing...

Derek (Edmonton, Alberta)

The Ring will get bashed by some of these jokers no matter what. They complained when the Ring didn't recognize Mosley as the 147 lb champ. If the Ring DID recognize Mosley, the same people would be screaming that it is bias towards GoldenBoy fighters.

Rob C (South Jerz/Philly)

Is the Boxing Media a little bit Salty that Pacman had to be talked into showing up to recieve there highest honor?

Ryan (Cleveland)

I disagree with you on plenty of occasions, but geez, today is just bizarre. Can't we all just find common ground (like our mistrust of boxing organizations, dislike of John Ruiz in action, need to take dumps during MMA fights) and get along.

Joe (Gainesville)

OK, I think I've recovered from that violent bout of laughter. "Read my notebook you piglet." You're a wretched swine, Dan.

Aziz (Newcastle, UK)

DTM!! Hyped for Cotto-Clottey tomorrow night. Just wanted to ask you if the issue with Khan, Ortiz and Salita is sorted out? Thanks

Fenster (Whiting NJ)

For us poor folk, would you ever be generous to give away a press pass or ring side seat for those who can't afford to see a fight that upclose and personal ?

Nick (South Dakota)

ESPN mag didn't put anything about Pac-Hat in their mag.

Joe (Harlem)

Everyone, this guy Dan Rafael is a Fraud!!! He never criticizes anyone with power in Boxing, (Arum, De la Hoya etc..) and he is a concealed Floyd hater, call him out for what he is!!! Sellout!

Ben (Puerto Rico)

What are your thought on a possible bout between Juan Manuel Lopez and Celestino Caballero (considering Lopez wins his next fight). Who do you see wining?

Joe (Gainesville)

If Rodriguez beats Hlatshwayo, I'd be pretty excited to see a Berto fight follow. That would be entertaining.

John (NJ)

is it mental ward outpatient day here on the chat?

Luis (prov rhode island)

considering its PuertoRican PARAde weeked Dan can you give us your thoughts on a Prime Miguel Cotto at 147 vs a Prime Felix Trinidad at 147 ?

Mario (Bell Gardens CA)

What is the deal in here today? New format and everyone goes crazy?

Rodney King (LA)

Can't we all just get along...

Jerry (Illinois)

Any chance Tua vs Cameron gets on tv in America?

Bime (Taunton)

D-Money Stacks$$- Do you Cotto is going keep his camp the way it is now, or are they any talks of Cotto eventually getting a new trainer

Randy (Milwaukee)

Tito - Cotto would be awesome. A prime Tito would drop him, though.

Mia (Miami, FL)

I heard that the Johnson-Dawson rematch is a done deal. Any idea when and where the fight will take place?

Eric (Columbus, OH)

Calderon's comment about PBF was the funniest thing I've heard all week. Maybe they could have a catchweight match at 126?

Philip K (Las Vegas)

Dan, how do you see Cotto vs Clottey fight going because I don't see any edge for Clottey. Would not be Surprised if Cotto put him down with a Left hook to the body at some point.

b00too (frisco bay area)

Mayweather claims to be the best 154 down, im not convinced. Until he faces: Williams @ 154, Mosley, Cotto, @ 147, and Pacman @ 140......he's just a big B.S.er

Chris (NYC)

Prime Tito with his rigged handwraps would drop Cotto.

Dan Rafael

  (3:48 PM)

Like Margarcheato?

Inmate 7765 (On The Run)

You were mean to tyson, you hate floyd....Now please undo my straightjacket. thanks

slam (mia)

how was the atmosphere at the weigh in?

Dan Rafael

  (3:50 PM)

There was none because it was not open to the public, so it was pretty low key. Just media and the promoters and commission.

Swine Flu (Everywhere)

I have officially infected todays chat causing the vast number of ridiculously idiotic posts

Geoff (Burlington, ON)

I think Pascal upsets Diaconu next week. Any thoughts?

Dan Rafael

  (3:50 PM)

I'm just looking forward to watching that fight.

Joel Julio (Love Child)

Hey dad, how's the chat going?

Dan Rafael

  (3:51 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child.

Bing (Philly)

Is Michael Grant still fighting?

Dan Rafael

  (3:51 PM)

Yes.

Tony (San Diego)

What do you think of the chances that Vitali will face Haye now??

Dan Rafael

  (3:51 PM)

That's not happening at this point.

Randy (Shanghai)

Gary Shaw says he's been trying to contact Dan Goosen to set up a Dirrel vs. Ward eliminator fight. Last week you made it sound like that fight had almost no chance of happening next. Are you still so sure of that now?

Dan Rafael

  (3:53 PM)

I'd be shocked if it happened right away.

Dan Rafael

  (4:03 PM)

OK, Freaks, thanks for the chat today -- even if it was a bit insane today. Enjoy the fight tomorrow night. Talk to you next week. Peace.