Dan Rafael

  (11:55 AM)

Greetings Fight Freaks! It's a huge weekend with the Super Six kicking off Saturday night on Showtime. I can't wait. And there will be an RAD late night Saturday following the conclusion of the fights. We have plenty of coverage this week too -- feature, big notebook and blog, so check it out and don't forget to check the schedule. Let's get going a few minutes early this week because I am so psyched. What a week -- saw KISS in DC, Yankees rolled into the ALCS and the start of the Super Six! Let's get to it.

Horn (Vegas)

Not too many people have Showtime around my way so I'm ordering Showtime just for this and next month's Super Six bouts.

Dan Rafael

  (11:55 AM)

Good man. No true boxing fan should be without Showtime.

Garth (CT)

Greetings Dan, I am so hyped that the super 6 is finally starting up tomorrow. I know we've heard it before but if Taylor has truly worked out his stamina issues which I believe is more mental now than physical I am picking him to win the tournament. My darkhorse is Dirrell who can surprise everyone.. Let's get it on!!!

Dan Rafael

  (11:56 AM)

I think Dirrell is a legit contender to win the whole thing. I agree with that. As for Jermain's stamina issues, I'll believe it when he shows it.

Gary Burton (Beaverton, OR)

Dan, what's the latest on Shane Mosley vs. Andre Berto? Is this fight still going to be made for January 30?

Dan Rafael

  (11:57 AM)

They're slowly getting there but it's not done yet and with Lou DiBella and Al Haymon in Germany for the Taylor fight, nothing will be concluded until they get back.

Horn (Vegas)

Taken that Abraham-Taylor will be on tape delay, will EPSN display the results on the Bottomline right away? If so, to ask a red blooded American fan not to watch ESPN on a Saturday to prevent the spoiler is highly laughable.

Dan Rafael

  (11:58 AM)

I have no idea but I would imagine so. ESPN is in the business of delivering NEWS, not waiting for Showtime to televise something. Please.

Big Mike (Chicago)

Dan, I'm pumped for the Super Six Saturday. Predictions?I like Dirrell & Taylor in a upset. And if Taylor loses is that the nail in the coffin for him to be relavant in boxing?

Dan Rafael

  (11:58 AM)

I like Abraham and Dirrell tomorrow. If Taylor loses he will still matter because he has at least two more Super Six fights to go. One loss does not eliminate anyone, which is one of the great things about the tournament.

Darin (Silver Spring, MD)

Who the heck is Grady Brewer and why is Winky fighting him? When did this fight get signed?

Dan Rafael

  (11:59 AM)

The fight is not signed yet, but getting there. Grady won the Contender a couple of years ago but had a long layoff because of a serious knee injury, but he's back and been winning. It's a reasonable fight Winky coming off two losses and trying to get back to work.

Jeremy (Rio Rancho, NM)

How can anyone in there right mind think the tournament will go the distance? All 6 fighter staying for 3 fights win or lose, no major injury, 4 top fighters move on for at least one more fight, and 2 fighter going through 5 consecutive fights against top level opponents. Just not possible, but here's to wishful thinking.

Dan Rafael

  (12:00 PM)

I agree. There probably will be issues as it moves along but at the moment, it's intact. I have no doubt the first three fights will come off without issue. After that, who knows? Let's all enjoy the ride.

Julio (Seoul)

Hey Dan,I'm curious, what were the three judges score cards in the 12th round for the Lopez Mtagwa fight? Were they all 10-8? And a follow up question, had Mtagwa actually knock down Lopez in that round could it have been ruled a 10-7 round??

Dan Rafael

  (12:03 PM)

One judge had it 10-8, which correct. The other two had 10-9, which was a joke. That round should be in the textbook of a 10-8 round without a knockdown. Mtagwa beat the snot out of Lopez for the entire three minutes. Had he scored a knockdown, I would imagine all three judges would have had it at least 10-8. It's unusual for there to be one knockdown and a judge make it 10-7, but it could have been warranted in that fight.

Freddie Faull (London, UK)

Hey Dan, I Cant wait for the Super six to kick off, best thing to happen in boxing for years! What weight division would be best for the next super six if they were to do one? I like junior welterweights.

Dan Rafael

  (12:03 PM)

I agree with you. That would be a good division to do it in.

Ray (Dearborn)

Happy Super Six Eve! I want to be the earliest mention of the Love Child in Chat history

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. He returns tonight on Telemundo to face Clarence Taylor in an undercard fight.

Brandon (Arlington, VA)

DTM - Any chance of a King Freak sighting tonight at the AC/DC concert at the Verizon Center?

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

No. I went to KISS on Tuesday. Always liked AC/DC too but not enough to go to a second concert in a week.

Timothy (Oakland)

Hey Dan,By way of update, I am seeking help... the process requires me just taking things slow and one blog at a time and one chat a time.

Dan Rafael

  (12:06 PM)

We're all here for you.

Fitfighter56 (Allentown,pa)

Any idea why Sergio Martinez would wait so long between fights? How could this help his career?

Dan Rafael

  (12:06 PM)

The money and dates to make his fights just isn't there. He may wind up fighting on Dec. 12 on the Diaz-Malignaggi 2 undercard off TV if a fight that he'll make squat and DiBella will still lose money.

Jeff (Manila)

Dan, Ideal situation for the super six. Have either Ward or Dirrell come out as the champion, a young emerging American star. Worst situation and nothing against the man himself, but have Taylor win it. It is just hard to see him become a legit star at this point of his career.

Dan Rafael

  (12:07 PM)

Whomever wins the tourney is going to be a star.

Drew (Lexington, KY)

Dan, good choice I say on post-poning the KISS concert and going to the Top Rank show! I almost skipped the PPV but I'm glad I didn't. Mtagwa was a beast, I hope Arum matches him with Gamboa as mentioned in your notebook.

Dan Rafael

  (12:08 PM)

It was hard to skip the MSG KISS show but the fight card was worth it. It was a great show top to bottom. Gotta give props to Top Rank matchmaker Brad "Abdul" Goodman, who even made the off tv fights very solid and entertaining. All good matches on paper and they turned out nice in the ring. You know it's a great card when the worst fight on the card was a John Duddy fight, and even that one wasn't that bad.

Loren (NYC)

Dan, never seen Ornelas fight before. Could you tell us a little about his style. Does he bang or is he more of a boxer? Thanks!

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 PM)

Straight ahead, nothing fancy.

Steve (Hartford)

anyword on the price of the Judah and casamayor ppv?

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 PM)

No, but whatever it is will be too much.

Steve (NYC)

Why would Potvekin pull out of the Baltimore fight? He just isn't active enough.

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 PM)

Somebody didn't read the notebook.

Jason (Sandusky, Ohio)

Would you put $10 on Andre Ward at 5-1 odds to win the whole thing?

Dan Rafael

  (12:10 PM)

I don't gamble on boxing.

Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark)

DTM, Odlanier Solis..........how powerful is he? Looked he just tapped Monte on the chin, but it did the trick. Solis - Arreola, good matchup, no?

Dan Rafael

  (12:10 PM)

Solis-Arreola is a great matchup. I have some stuff from Arum about wanting to make that fight that I'll use in an upcoming blog.

Reid (Michigan)

Dan it seems like there is so much talent in the super six that i doubt any fighter will go through it unscathed. If someone does win it without losing, would you have to consider this person to be high p4p?

Dan Rafael

  (12:11 PM)

Probably.

Jesus (Puerto Rico)

Dan, in one part of the twelve round of the mtwaga/lopez war Mtwaga had lopez out cold on his feet. Do you think that the ref could of call the fight then? And after the display that Juanma showed in which he acts like he only depends on his power and has no defense do you think he can beat Gamboa or louveano like that?

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

Lopez was always trying to punch back and the fight should not have been stopped. Lopez does need to box a little more and not brawl so much if he wants to keep winning. Gamboa and Luevano are both more skilled than Mtagwa and throw straighter punches, which could be a problem for Lopez if he doesn't tighten his defense at least a little.

Noah (Plantation, FL)

I heard John Ruiz had an open workout yesterday in Boston. Did you attend?

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

I wouldn't attend a John Ruiz open workout if it was taking place at my neightbor's house.

Ian (Pembroke Pines, FL)

Is Richard Schaefer serious about a possible Mayweather-Saul Alvarez fight in Mexico or was he just putting Alvarez's name out there?

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

Throwing his name out there in my opinion, which is what a good promoter does. If anyone actually thinks Mayweather will fight a totally unknown fighter in his next fight they are just stupid.

Aaron (Hartford)

Dan...it was pretty cool to see your office and where you do these chats in the FightCamp 360 ....

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 PM)

That is where I am doing this chat from right now.

Brandon (L.A.)

It should be mandatory that prior entering Friday's chat that they read the notebook and the rest of the weeks blogs/news to cut back on waste chat space.

steve g (atl)

when is bj flores going to step up and try to fight someone worthy

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

Not a clue.

Clark (Kansas City)

Is the footage in the Super Six 360 video actual promoter negoiations or is that a dramatization?

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

Actual negotiations.

hakeem (melbourne)

Will Mayweather be fighting this Mexican Alvarez in his next bout? Are you kidding me? Mayweather comes back to fight smaller men and prospects now prospects? I hope this isn't true.

Dan Rafael

  (12:16 PM)

Relax. Don't believe everything you read. I can't believe how many people think that is legitimate instead of just idle chatter. Please. Get a clue Freaks.

Gary Burton (Beaverton, OR)

Dan, please don't pull a Woodward and Bernstein on use here, so who was it that leaked news (or faxed you the information) of the Super Six tournament in the early stages that was discussed in the Showtime video? :)

Dan Rafael

  (12:16 PM)

Now why would I tell you? Showtime pressured me to tell them for the show and I wouldn't tell them, so I'm going to tell you? I didn't even tell my wife.

Rags (NYC)

Is Arum's claim that Mayweather-Pacqiuao won't happen in 2010 just posturing on his part, or does Arum honestly believe that the fight is too difficult to negotiate?

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

Everything that comes out of everybody's mouth related to Mayweather and Pacquiao right now is nothing but posturing. And nothing matters at all until Cotto-Pacquiao happens and we see who wins and what the PPV sold. Don't waste your time with the nonsense right now.

psycho (LaLaLand)

say dan, what would you think of a super six round robin tourney with the following fighter: Sam Peter, Chris Arreola, David Tua, David Haye, Odlanier Solis and Denis Boystov. Do you think its a crappy idea or even better than the super middles??

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

No interest because it is very clear that Wlad and Vitali are 1 and 2. So what are these guys doing? Fighting to see who is third? I think it's a crappy idea.

Braindamaged2too (Asylum)

Mr. D-T-M!,Great blogs and coverage on the Super Six tourney. Although nothing can beat the atmosphere and excitement being at a great fight here at the Asylum we've been arguing over a viewpoint we need your help with and your opinion on. If you weren't a sportswriter would you prefer to watch a fight live or at home on the best big screen TV? And why?

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

Watching it live is always great but it depends. If you have good seats, definitely live. Some fights might be better to sit home and watch on the 52-inch HD though.

Ron (Bethel, Ct)

I got to meet Paulie Malignaggi at the Lopez fight last Saturday and he made it sound like the rematch was definitely happening December 12th. Hoping you or your bat phone can confirm this?? Also have to say paulie was an extremely nice guy. Can you believe my wife spotted him first and she doesn't even really watch boxing. She knows him as "that guy that put dreads in his hair"!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 PM)

It's probably happening but it's still not done yet. A few things to still work out, but I suspect it will get done. Neither guy has anywhere else to go to make money this year.

Frank Booth (Lumberton, NC)

Danzania-Do you think Sven Ottke lost in certain fights but got bailed out by the judges...? Examples?

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

Ottke got gifts in several fights, which is why I will not vote for him this year. He is on the HOF ballot for the first time, which I just received.

Ron (Bethel, Ct)

Hey Dan, All I can say is what an overall card last Saturday in NYC!!! I got there from the opening fight and being someone who has not gone to a lot of live fights I had such a great time and enjoyed every fight (televised and untelevised)!!! The atmosphere in that building for that last fight was amazing!!! In my opinion I have that as fight of the year so far!!! Am I wrong for thinking that??

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

Not at all, it's a definite top candidate for FOY.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla. )

Interesting blog on the Super 6 tournament. Who, in your humble opinion, would be the biggest "surprise" winner out of all the fighters?

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

Hands down, Taylor would be the biggest surprise to win it all.

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

A reminder Freaks -- Tyson and Holyfield will be interviewed together today on Oprah. My DVR is set. Set yours.

Joey (Detroitttt)

James Toney is the only guy left for the Klitschkos. Why won't they make that right?

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

You're crazy. Toney the only guy left? Are you on drugs? What has he done lately to deserve a shot at being destroyed?

Kris (Bethpage)

I just want to win this tournament. There ain't nothing else to it. It's not about the money or anything but that I want to win. I plan to just leave it all in there. That's all I got. That's my state of mind right now. No excuses. Just go in there and fight." come on dan how can u not root for jermaine Taylor.

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

I don't root for any fighter, but if Jermain won it all I'd be very happy for him and his team.

Kurt (London)

Hey Dan,Just wondered how much you have seen of Exciting British prospect Nathan Cleverly and what you think of him.

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

I have seen a few fights. He's a good prospect. Might be able to advance past the European level.

Joe (NY)

Any update on Vitali vs Kevin Johnson?

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

The fight is agreed to, but at this point I think their just trying to tidy up the paperwork and plan a press conference.

Anthony (Sacramento)

Dan it seemed implied during 360 that Goosen and Ward were the most reluctant coming into the tournament. (Yet in turn maybe they got the best deal, not having to travel overseas for all three fights in the first round). What?s your take?

Dan Rafael

  (12:25 PM)

I don't know about reluctant, but they did get the best draw in terms of location of fights, but it's not easy to have to open the tourney against the de fact No. 1 seed in Kessler.

Steve (NYC)

I did read the notebook. What risk is there taking a club fight with a new trainer when your next fight is three months away?

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

He would be deemed unavailable by the IBF if he fought and, therefore, be passed over for an interim title bout.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan,Will there be a RAD tomorrow night?

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

Yes. After the Showtime card.

Matt (portland, OR)

"When I get finished with Froch he'll have a look in his eyes as vacant as the title he won when Joe Calzaghe gave it up rather than waste his time with such a trivial defense." Back to back awesome Dirrel quotes in the notebook. That guy is a top 5 trash talker right Big Boss Dan?

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

He has really come on with his talking!

Ryan (Saratoga Springs, NY)

Dan the man, any chance you will be watching Opera today for the reunion of Tyson and Holyfield? PS-please bring FNF back to the Saratoga City Center, I had so much fun there two years ago!

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 PM)

I will record it and watch it probably tomorrow. I have no say in where FNF fights go, but I know Saratoga is a great place for fights. I covered my very first professional fight at the Saratoga City Center in 1996.

Aaron (Hartford)

your as sick as your secrets Dan...

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

If you only knew...

Sean (NJ)

If Jermain pulls an upset tomorrow night (unlikely as it may be), does he become the fave to win the whole thing?

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

Ummmmmmm, no.

Anthony (Sacramento)

Hi Dan! Is Linares contract with Golden Boy now void after his shocking upset loss?

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

Not at all.

Greg P (Staten Island, NY)

Dan, was any thought been given to Jean Pascal being in the Super Six or as a replacement?

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 PM)

Considering he has a light heavyweight belt, no.

chrisdiggidy (oklahoma city, ok)

Dan, the showtime 360 for the super six was awesome. there were 2 major things that stood out though. 1) Carl Froch's girlfriend Rachael Cordingley is gorgeous. 2) Dan wearing a pair of shorts is the complete opposite of gorgeous

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 PM)

What can I tell ya?

Tom E (Jersey City, NJ)

Loved DiBella's "Allan Green is available" comment

Dan Rafael

  (12:30 PM)

That was pretty funny on 360.

Joel (Woodland, CA)

Have you seen a Lopez-Mtagwa replay? Berstein, Farhood, and Marquez made one of the best calls of a fight I've seen in a long time?

Dan Rafael

  (12:30 PM)

My wife recorded the PPV for me and I watched it when I got home. I agree, they did a great job capturing the excitement of the fight. They were sitting right in front of me during the fight, so I could hear some of the commentary during the fight at ringside.

Rob (NYC)

Granted he is already the consensus underdog for other reasons, but it seems that Taylor also has the toughest set of bouts to make it to the semifinals. Having watched FightCamp 360, wondering if you could add any insight to how the draw was done (i.e., attempts to avoid any rematches, saving Abraham/Kessler until the next round, etc). Thanks.

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

I am not entirely sure but I do believe it was on purpose that matches like Kessler-Abraham and a Froch-Taylor rematch can't happen until at least the semis.

Jason (Boston, MA)

Is it acceptable for a man to watch Oprah today?

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

Yes. Enjoy.

Fitfighter56 (Allentown,PA)

C'mon Dan, your wife could care less about boxing...you just keep bringing home the bacon.

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 PM)

Nah, she's sort of interested in boxing, although not so much the actual fights, rather the stories and the personalities. She is amused by the whole thing.

Michael (Long Beach, CA)

Angels in 6?

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 PM)

You're banned.

Don (Miami)

I saw that Zsolt Erdei may step up to cruiserweight and fight one of the titlists there? Is he finally going to fight a real opponent? Lol.

Dan Rafael

  (12:35 PM)

The fight is made. Nice of him to leave light heavy for cruiser without having fought any serious light heavyweight title defenses. What a joke of a titleholder he was. He is moving up to fight Fragomeni for his belt.

Rob (Halifax, Canada)

Who else is on the ballot?

Dan Rafael

  (12:36 PM)

It's a pretty weak ballot overall this year, especially in terms of first-ballot guys. Go to bwaa.org and you can read capsules on every fighter on this year's ballot.

Dan Rafael

  (12:37 PM)

Do you know how to read the transcript or do you just enjoy submitting the same question over and over? Learn to read or be banned.

Jeff (Toronto)

Dan any news on Nonito Donaire?

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

Nonito is not going to fight the rest of the year, but Arum told me yesterday that he will be on the next Pinoy Power PPV, which will take place in January or February.

john (dc)

I personally would like to see taylor win the super six. There's not a better comeback story then that. Plus he has the hardest schedule for the first 3 fights.

Nate (TAMPA,FL)

Are you taking the Hopkins-Roy Jones rematch seriously????

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

Of course. Why shouldn't we?

Erik (Atlanta, GA)

Hey Dan was Showtime or the promoters "mad" at you when you broke the story? It seems that there is a bit of animosity.

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

Yes.

Brooks (Cleveland, OH)

Obviously you'll never tell, but as a long time reader one name in particular comes to mind when thinking about who "leaked" you the super six info. I'm sure the showtime people suspect the same thing . . .

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

You can guess all you want but you will never know.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan,with the documentry and recent television appearences no one has asked how Mike Tyson is doing financially. He admitted on Oprah that he blew all of his money.........is he broke? And if so how is he getting by?

Dan Rafael

  (12:40 PM)

Mike always can make money. He will make money on the DVD, which I think anyone with a remote interest in Tyson should see. He can make appearances or sign autographs to make money and because he's Tyson, he always finds people to give him some cash.

Aaron (Hartford)

Does anyone else think Gary Shaw looks like Barney Rubble ?

Dan Rafael

  (12:41 PM)

That's the funniest thing I have read in a long time! I am cracking up.

Brian (Scottsdale, az)

I read your weekend wrap up about Linares fight. anymore word on what happend, why he went all amir knan on us?

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

He simply got caught with a punch he never saw. He got up but had no legs left and was out on his feet and Salgado did a good job finishing him.

Jay (PA)

is HBO gonna pick up the Vitali fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

I don't think it's been determined for sure yet but I sort of doubt it.

Bunk (Baltimore)

FOY comes down to Pascal-Diaconu and Lopez-Mtagwa, correct?

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

There are others I would put in there too like Marquez-Diaz, for example. But those two are top candidates.

Al (Indy)

Please tell me the note about Winky promising Trinidad a rematch in Puerto Rico was just a footnote to see if us freaks were reading carefully. I can't bear the thought of Tito in the ring...

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

No, you read it wrong. Tito and Winky are friends and Winky promised Tito he would come to PR for a fight, not a rematch with Tito.

Harry (London, UK)

Have you ever thought about going to the business side of boxing?

Dan Rafael

  (12:44 PM)

I'm very happy doing what I do now.

R! (Yay Area)

Peter vs Povetkin on the under card of The King vs The Matrix! Man, Showtime is killing HBO right now IMO. When is Wlad vs Chambers being looked at to happen in 2010?

Dan Rafael

  (12:45 PM)

Settle down. That's a long way from being done. Wlad-Chambers likely would be in the spring.

Jeff (Manila)

Dan talk some sense into my fellow Filipinos and let them know Cotto's first name aint Ricky

Steve (hartford)

Any word on if Versus will pick up the tape delay of Jones vs Green?

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 PM)

I spoke to John Wirt of Square Ring yesterday and he said Jones-Green will have a US TV outlet, but nothing is set. I know he's been talking to ESPN but right now there's just a lot of talk. Obviously, it would make the most sense for it to be on Versus along with the live Hopkins-Ornelas fight.

Greg P (Staten Island, NY)

Dan, how come there's no commotion over Froch not coming to the U S for any of his 3 fights in the tournament?

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

Probably because he may have to go to Denmark to fight Kessler and because he came to the US in April and drilled Taylor, so we already know he is willing. The way the draws were done somebody was going to be at home for three fights.

bing (philly)

BTW, my thoughts on Froch's girlfriend:...oh...my...god

Jack (NY)

Who is hotter? Calzaghe's girlfriend or Froch's girlfriend? I'm leaning towards Froch.

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

Calzaghe, but unfortunately, they broke up recently.

Joe (NYC)

Will the Showtime commentators actually be in the arena or will they be calling it from a studio? It's a much better atmosphere when they are actually ringside.

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 PM)

They will be ringside. They have one team in Germany and one in England.

Aaron (Hartford)

Salita's a nice kid....but he has absolutely no shot against Khan... we all agree on that right ?

Jay (PA)

Is it better to be an interim champ, Super Champ or Regular Champ?

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 PM)

My head hurts.

Marty (Seattle, WA)

Do you think the Pascal-Diaconu rematch will be televised in the US?

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 PM)

I sure hope so, but I am not too confident at this point.

Jay (PA)

Do you think Roy Jones Jr vs Bernard Hopkins will be the retirement fight for both guys?

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 PM)

I think the guy that wins will fight on.

Matt (portland, OR)

Dan also gotta say I loved the Darth Vader mouse pad on the Fight Camp show. You think the Dark Lord of Sith could have taken Tyson?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

LOL. Glad you liked it. Darth would beat anyone. He would just pinch his fingers together at the opening bell and choke the guy.

Raph (London)

Dan, hand on heart, do Ward and Dirrell deserve a place in the tourney more than Allan Green?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

Not more, not less.

Bronk (Dillsburg, PA)

RIP Captain Lou Albano

Dan Rafael

  (12:51 PM)

Exactly. In his honor, I am considering wearing my goatee in a rubber band and piercing my cheek.

Randy (NYC)

That 360 video attached to your super 6 blog was fantastic. Showtime needs more of those

Luis (Philadelphia, PA)

Dan's what the status on the Hair cut????

Dan Rafael

  (12:51 PM)

We're working things out.

Jeremy (Boston)

Did Shannon Briggs and Vassily Jirov comeback fights this weekend get cancelled?

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 PM)

Not as far as I know.

Juan (NY, NY)

What a great fight this weekend between Lopez and Mtagwa! Is Mtagwa an unbelievable tv fight or what? There is no reason he should not be fighting Gamboa or Lopez in a rematch on HBO early next year. He is the arturo gatti of the super bantamweight division. What are your thoughts on mtwagwa-gamboa or mtwagwa-lopez II?

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

First you need to settle down. Mtagwa is not Gatti. If they did a rematch, fine. But they're not doing a rematch, and that's fine too.

Andy (Ventura, Ca)

Haye-Valuev - Can I watch it anywhere in the U.S.?

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

Read the notebook. It's on PPV in the US.

Brian (Scottsdale, az)

I got abraham by 11th rd ko, Dirrell by UD tommorrow.

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

Wonderful.

Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Yankees in 5, Go get'em, DTM!

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

Yanks in 4!!!!

Steven (Linlithgow, Scotland)

Hi Dan, was just wondering what Americas opinion on Carl Froch is, and if you'd agree with me that he's the number 2 guy in the Super 6?

Dan Rafael

  (12:56 PM)

Based on his comeback against Taylor I think he has respect here. If I had to seed the six guys in order going into the tournament my list would go like this: Kessler, Froch, Abraham, Dirrell, Ward, Taylor.

Jacum (New Jersey)

Did you watch the baloon boy on CNN?

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 PM)

LOL. Yes.

Louis (Montreal)

Is there an official replacement fighter is somebody got hurt during the super six or they plan on dealing with as it comes

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 PM)

No, but Allan Green is unofficially the first alternate.

Chris D (Chicago)

Do you know the reasoning behind the leak for the Classic? Was a promoter trying to ingratiate himself to the press, or somehow thought it would benefit him in negotiations later on?

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

My lips are sealed.

Jonathan (Northern, VA)

DR, who is the best pure talent in the Super 6? And the Barney Rubble comment still has me laughing!

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

The Barney comment still has me laughing also! Talent-wise, all of them are talented.

Steve (NYC)

How did Bert Cooper get a license? Sad.

Dan Rafael

  (12:59 PM)

Fishing or boxing?

Shower Door (Las Vegas)

I'm the one who leaked it!!!!!!

Bob (Chicago)

Dan, I love the layout and information that you provide with the upcoming fight schedule. I think it would be great to have an archived or results section, so that as the fights fall off the upcoming schedule that they could move to the other section. See any value in this? Too much extra work? Thanks, Dan.

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

If you want to see results, all of my weekend scorecards that run on Mondays are archived. The schedule itself is a document that is updated daily and not archived.

Steve (DC)

If HBO doesn't pick up Vitali vs Johnson, will ESPN?

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

And maybe I also have today's lottery numbers?

Bronk (Dillsburg, PA)

Would the Taylor-Froch fight make the Top 10 FOY list? I was there and it was good fight with a dramtic finish.

Dan Rafael

  (1:01 PM)

Probably not. It was a good fight but nothing special at all until the last round.

Josh (Miami)

I was looking at the champions page and have a question. How exactly does the WBA classify Shane Mosley as a "super" champion? I thought you had to unify the WBA belt with another belt in order for that to happen.

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 PM)

It's the WBA. They suck and make up rules as they go along. Chris John is also a so-called "super champion" but is not unified. The WBA is a piece of crap.

Steve (hartford)

Do you think HBO would approve Dawson vs Pascal, that would be mandatory if they both win their bouts right?

Dan Rafael

  (1:03 PM)

Dawson-Pascal is a very good fight. If that fight was brought to HBO and it got turned down it just means nobody there has any clue.

Alexandre (Montreal)

Hi Dan, I read that Pascal and Froch have become good friends after their fight ... is it me or does that only happen between fighters who have been in a war with each other ? Gatti - Ward, Pryor - Arguello, etc.

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

I think they have become friends. Froch spent time in Canada and sparred with Pascal to get ready for the Taylor fight.

Juan (CA)

don't forget ortiz vs Maidana for FOY

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

A candidate.

Matt (Charlotte)

If Gary Shaw is Barney Rubble, then DiBella has to be Homer Simpson and Dan Goosen is Frankenstein... no ?

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

Absolutely hilarious.

Mike (Westminster)

Do you have insight into the Jermain Taylor/Pat Burns break up from years back? Seemed like Jermain was really flourishing under Burns' tutelage and has since faltered under Steward and Nelson.

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 PM)

Part of it was issues between Ozell Nelson and Pat. Ozell wanted to bring in Emanuel. That worked out well didn't it?

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

Minor news via the Bat Email: The Valuev-Haye PPV will begin at 4 pm ET on Nov. 7.

Mark (ATL)

Is it just me, or is that one of the weakest HOF classes ever? Who else (with the exception of Nassem Hamad...and even he is very questionable) should get in? Should there be a doughnut where NO ONE gets in this year?

Dan Rafael

  (1:09 PM)

It's not strong. But the way the HOF does it they will induct at least a few guys who get the most votes. Without an inductee, the HOF weekend would pretty much be pointless so somebody will get in every year, which I don't really like.

Tyrone (New York)

Dan, you mentioned that Abraham v. Dirrell is one of the second round matches. Do you know the others? Is the entire stage 1 Europe v. America?

Dan Rafael

  (1:09 PM)

Read the Primer link on the front page. Does anyone actually read the damn stories loaded with the information?

Michael (Toronto)

Dan, looking at the BWAA ballot, it seems like Prince Naseem is the strongest candidate. You didn't vote for him on the first ballot -- have you made up your mind this time around?

Dan Rafael

  (1:10 PM)

Given how weak the class is this year, I may vote for Nazmataz this year.

Matt (CT )

Dan, now with this business of an interim title fight for Potvekin, it seems like we'll never have a unified champ in terms of belts, but rather we'll have to depend on concensus when determining who the champion is, or rather now, the "top guy"...as a boxing fan, its cool, I know who the best is, but for the average fan, it'll be very difficult to ever get back to the period when the heavyweight championship was the biggest thing in sports...

Dan Rafael

  (1:13 PM)

I actually don't have a problem with the IBF sanctioning the interim title fight for Povetkin because Klitschko is out with a legit injury. The IBF almost never uses interims except in the case of injury, which is when it should be used. The last time the IBF used an interim I believe was several years ago when Tszyu was injured and Sharmba Mitchell won the interim and then faced Tszyu as soon as he returned.

Yoda (Degobah)

Valuev and the wookies-- good relations they have.

Joel (Eastchester, NY)

Dan, so Shobox will be on the same night as Bute/Andrade 2?

Dan Rafael

  (1:14 PM)

Glad you can read.

Lou (Detroit, MI)

Dan, I'm sensing a lot of home-cooking in the US writer's coverage of the Super Six. Hard for you guys to stay objective?

Dan Rafael

  (1:15 PM)

Not at all. I couldn't care less where a guy is from. I pick fights based on who I think will win. What home cooking? This week I did two features on the tourney -- one on Taylor, one on Froch. One American, one European. Get a clue.

Michael (Long Beach, CA)

Is Gary Shaw as grumpy as he seems?

Dan Rafael

  (1:16 PM)

Yes.

Besim (Staten Island, New York)

Mike Tyson's reaction on Oprah when asked about how he felt when his wife revealed his abusive behavior: "I wanted to sock her". That's a strong candidate for quote of the year. Unless Roger Mayweather has something to say about that.

Dan Rafael

  (1:16 PM)

If Roger did, you wouldn't be able to understand it anyway.

Kirkland's cell mate (Jail)

Don't even ask. He is still here.

Obama (DC)

Note to self: Do NOT invite Vitali to any town hall meetings.

Matt (CT )

Are you going to be in Hartford for the Chad Dawson fight? I really hope there's a good turnout, have you heard anything about ticket sales?

Dan Rafael

  (1:18 PM)

I will be there.

Alan (South Africa)

Watched Bowe-Golota2 with my girlfriend the other night, which she surprisingly enjoyed. Should I be happy or concerned?

Dan Rafael

  (1:18 PM)

Probably a little of both.

Tom E (Jersey City, NJ)

Hamed got manhandled and completely exposed - and ruined by the age of 27 - by Barrera. Not a HOFer in this fan's completely meaningless opinion.

Dan Rafael

  (1:19 PM)

I would say a lengthy reign as the No. 1 featherweight in the world, the legitimate champion, a guy who should have had all four belts at once but for politics and a who changed the economics of his division is a strong candidate.

Carl (Greensboro)

Dan, who do you believe is the hardest puncher of the Super Six?

Dan Rafael

  (1:20 PM)

Abraham.

Simon (UK)

Andre is 4oz iver the limit and has less than 2 hours to make weight... is 4oz easy to get rid of?

Dan Rafael

  (1:20 PM)

He'll do it, no problem.

Sean (NJ)

So Dan, did I read correctly? Are you, dare I say, praising, the IBF?

Dan Rafael

  (1:22 PM)

It was not praise, it was a legitimate comment on its careful use of interim titles. In this case, I agree with it.

Romeo (DC)

Will there be open scoring in the Abraham-Taylor fight tomorrow?

Dan Rafael

  (1:23 PM)

No, it is not a WBC world title fight, or any kind of WBC fight.

Matt H (Phx, AZ)

Dan, I risk banishment with this, but I can handle it... since we've been talking a little about Tyson, I still feel he is a top all-time Heavyweight IF you base it on his prime. All (past) fighters get their rankings on their prime years. The '87-'90 Tyson years were some of the best. He had the power + speed head movement combinations. He was the best at THAT moment in time. What do you say sir?

Dan Rafael

  (1:25 PM)

I say based on his overall career, he falls short of the top 10 heavyweights of all time.

Don (Miami)

Keynote speaker for the next WBA convention. Dan Rafael!!! LOL.

Dan Rafael

  (1:25 PM)

Maybe keynote barfer.

Alaz (batcave98)

Why in the hell did yuo drop John Ruiz out of your rankings? You know nothing about boxing!!!!!!!!!

Dan Rafael

  (1:26 PM)

Because he hasn't fought in a year and a year is the rough cutoff.

Gus Johnson (Nottingham)

FROOOOOOOOOOOOCHHHHHHH!!

Dan Rafael

  (1:26 PM)

I can hear it now.

Roger Mayweather (Nevada)

dfnjksdfs sr brgbedg dg bgkjsbkgbdf sufjskdbfkjs huh huh huh ??????????

Gus (Detroit)

Which is worse, WBC or WBA?

Dan Rafael

  (1:27 PM)

Hmmmm, shall I drink pee or eat crap?

Alaz (batcave98)

Dan, you are nuts. Mike Tyson is easily a top 5 heavywight of all time. You suck!

Dan Rafael

  (1:28 PM)

Actually, you are the one who sucks. You would put Tyson all-time ahead of Ali, Louis, Foreman, Dempsey, Frazier? Even the most ardent supports of Mike don't have him inside the top 5.

nick (Nj)

how come Johnny Tapia is not in the HOF??

Dan Rafael

  (1:29 PM)

He is not eligible yet. He hasn't been retired for five years.

Roger Mayweather (Nevada)

dkafjdlafjdfd Angelo Dundee dlafkda dfda.

John (NYC)

I havent laughed so hard while reading a chat in a long time... these references to the Promoters and cartoon characters is priceless Dan. I dont think I can look at these guys with a straight face ever again...

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

You've got Barney Rubble, Frankenstein and if you threw in Valuev he could be Lurch!!!

chrisdiggidy (oklahoma city, ok)

Dan, if boxing wasn't your job and all of these fell on the same day, would you rather go to a world series game 7 in the Bronx, Super Bowl if the Giants were in it, or a fight of the year candidate on paper like a Vasquez/Marquez (as an example if they'd never fought)?

Dan Rafael

  (1:31 PM)

Game 7 in the Bronx.

Besim (Staten Island, New York)

hey Dan, I got your initials embroidered on my underwear. Freak Staus?

Dan Rafael

  (1:32 PM)

Hilarious. Does that mean you crap all over me?

Lesane (Brooklyn)

D$- Currently don't own a large TV or cable. Buying a 50" plasma and cable (with Showtime) just to watch the Super 6. Freak status?

Dan Rafael

  (1:33 PM)

Not really a plasma fan.

Brandon (Chula Vista)

I grew up a kid of the 80's and Tyson is by far and away my favorite boxer of all-time. I' am a HUGE "Iron" Mike fan. But there is no way in hell that "Kid Dynamite" even cracks the top 10 of greatest heavyweights of all time. To put him at three is loco holmes!

Kyle (Madison, Wi)

Tyson isn't better than Tunney, Johnson, Holmes, Lewis, Hollyfield, either.....

Randy (NYC)

Has a fighter ever come out of retirement and fought after being inducted into the HOF?

Dan Rafael

  (1:34 PM)

Yes, Ray Leonard, Azumah Nelson and Jeff Fench (when they fought each other).

Zach (Chicago)

Is the Froch-Dirrell fight also tape-delayed, or will that truly be live?

Dan Rafael

  (1:34 PM)

Froch-Dirrell will be live.

Rob (Denton, Tx)

If HBO decided to do Legendary Nights, what are some of the fights that would have to be on there ?

Dan Rafael

  (1:35 PM)

If they ever add to the series, which I hope they do, there are a bunch that deserve the treatment. Hopkins-Tito for sure. Gatti-Ward and Barrera-Morales trilogy for sure. Mayweather-Hatton. There are several.

Chris (Vancouver)

Hey Dan. Thanks for the afternoon entertainment to break up the work day. Question, I really like the little I saw of Abraham the person on 360. Seems like a good guy and now I think im pulling for him. Have you met him and if so what was your impression of him?

Dan Rafael

  (1:37 PM)

I met Arthur and spent some time with him and interviewing him in Florida before the rematch with Miranda. He was a very gracious guy. Funny story -- so I am interviewing him with a translator from Sauerland Event. And we're like 10 minutes into the interview and all of a sudden Arthur starts answering me in English. He did most of the rest of the interview in English and switched back to German. He speaks English pretty well but was more comfortable being interviewed in German, but I give him a lot of credit for trying.

Sean (Brooklyn)

Do you think Paul Williams will ever fight at 147lbs agian

Dan Rafael

  (1:38 PM)

No.

Pete (NYC)

Can we start a fan club for the PR girl at Showtime Sports?

Dan Rafael

  (1:39 PM)

Have at it.

sam (phili)

Who do you think has the faster hands, Dirrell or Ward?

Dan Rafael

  (1:39 PM)

I think maybe Dirrell by a tick.

Alaz (batcave98)

Do you think Shannon Briggs can beat one of the Klitchsko brothers?

chrisdiggidy (oklahoma city)

How are trinidad and winky friends? Not so much that Winky beat him up for 12 rounds, but does tito even understand english?

Dan Rafael

  (1:40 PM)

They became friends during and after their promotion together.

Eric P (Saratoga Springs, NY)

I don't like the fact that Allan Green is the UNofficial alternate. He has fought what, twice, in two years? And I don't want to hear it how he was injured. I think it's a bunch of crap.Although Bute/Andrade are facing each other, they are more of a worthy alternate. Throw Bike in that category.

Akira (Columbus)

Back in 1998 Ring Magazine ranked Tyson # 14 among the top 50 heavyweights of all time. That seems about right.

Dan Rafael

  (1:42 PM)

I might even move him up a slot or two, but, yes, that's about right.

bill (pgh)

I'm just catchin up in the chat. Did you say Calzage's girl is on the market? Do you know if she likes fat guys with no money like me?

Dan Rafael

  (1:42 PM)

Good luck.

David (Reno)

Just FYI you said the Malignaggi/Diaz fight was at 139.5 in the notebook, when it was in fact 138.5.

Dan Rafael

  (1:44 PM)

You are right. I just sent in a correction. Thanks for pointing that out.

sam (phili)

Is there a fighter who you would say is definitively the meanest you've met personally.

Dan Rafael

  (1:44 PM)

Yes.

Christopher (Staten Island)

Dan, I was going to buy a DVR recorder soon, do you record off of a seperate TIVO box or do you have a DVR that comes with a cable box?

Dan Rafael

  (1:45 PM)

My DVR is part of the cable box I have from my cable company. I record stuff to the DVR and then record it to a DVD.

Kyle (Madison, Wi)

Is it just me or does it seem like the people at Ring magazine are the only ones dissing the super six tournament?

Dan Rafael

  (1:46 PM)

I am not aware of Ring dissing the tournament.

Smooth (East Coast)

Dirrell failed to make weight in his initial attempt. Does this change your prediction of the fight outcome?

Dan Rafael

  (1:46 PM)

Not at all.

James (CANADA)

Dan, do you think that the Green who fought Simms would have beaten Bika?

jeff (new haven)

Dan broke up with my girlfriend because our three year anniversary is this saturday, and of course she wanted to go out to dinner. But i plan on calling her Monday after the super 6 and sunday football. Freak Status?

Dan Rafael

  (1:47 PM)

Idiot.

Mike (NJ)

Is Hector "Macho" Camacho a hall of famer in your opinion?

Mark (Camp E-How-Kee)

Of all the older fighters still hanging in there like Winky, Shannon, Toney Holyfield, and the others (except Hopkins) which one has the best chance to regain a major title from a current champion?

Dan Rafael

  (1:49 PM)

I don't see any of those winning another major title.

Jon (San Jose)

Over-under: 1 million PPV buys for Pac-Cotto

Dan Rafael

  (1:50 PM)

Whatever it does, I'm not betting my hair on anything.

Matt (LA)

I know it is only a fantasy -- but, Bute, Andrade, Pavik, Williams -- and add Bika and Green -- HBO could have a competing tourney. (Yes, I know Pavlik and PW would have to come up in weight -- but it is my fantasy!)

Dan Rafael

  (1:50 PM)

I wrote a blog about that exact topic not too long ago.

Nigel (Chestnut Hill, MA)

Hi Dan, sorry if you've covered this already: in the Super Six first round, what happens if a fighter with 3 decision wins ties with another fighter with two knockouts and a loss? Both would have 6 points. Would they reward the fighter with the two KOs?

Dan Rafael

  (1:51 PM)

Both would advance. The four guys with the highest point totals make it to the semis.

Andy (Cleveland)

Calzaghe might be the best super middleweight ever but hes definitely not the best fighter to fight at super middleweight. Agree?

Dan Rafael

  (1:52 PM)

Agreed. That's a good way of putting it. The best fighter to fight at super middleweight would be someone like Ray Leonard or Hearns or Roy Jones.

Matt (Seattle, WA)

Two questions. 1) What happens if Dirrell, 4 lbs over as of now, can't make weight? 2) Why would Linares be allowed to fight after taking a hard KO in sparring? Either by his handlers or by the commission? He was clearly still affected -- that hook that KO'd him was not a particularly vicious blow. Fighting with a recent concussion seems especially stupid and dangerous.

Dan Rafael

  (1:53 PM)

He is not 4 pounds over, he is 4 ounces over. Linares fought because nobody regulates sparring, which is a nasty problem in boxing.

Reid (Cleveland)

Dan - the 360 Fight Camp show was fantastic. When will they be airing the next installment? I am looking forward to going inside the Kessler and Ward camps.

Dan Rafael

  (1:56 PM)

They are planning on doing six episodes spread over the tournament at this point. The next one won't air until before Kessler-Ward but I don't think the date for the premier has been announced. That episode will look ahead to Kessler-Ward but also follow up with the postfight of this weekend's two bouts.

Ryan (UT)

I dont have showtime will espn be doing round by round?

Dan Rafael

  (1:56 PM)

No. Get Showtime.

Brent (Detroit)

Dan, regarding the first series of fights in the tourney. Do you agree that Abraham-Taylor will be the most fun to watch? I see Kessler-Ward turning into a chess match and Dirrell outboxing Froch in a decent fight but nothing special...

Dan Rafael

  (1:59 PM)

For action, I think you're probably right.

Randy (NYC)

Time Warner Cable has a deal to get 3 months of Showtime and Stars for free... go get it and cancel it after 3 months

Tom (Sacramento)

Is Froch's belt on the line? Kessler's WBA title on the line too?

Dan Rafael

  (2:00 PM)

Yes, their belts will be on the line throughout the tournament.

Ricardo (Bronx, NY)

Hey Dan, FightNight 360 is NOT on showtime On Demand in New York, even when they do something right they blow it.

Dan Rafael

  (2:01 PM)

So what? It's on a thousand replays and it's on ESPN.com and Sho.com.

jeff (new haven)

hey, i told comcast i was gonna leave for DirectTv unless they give me showtime. I didnt get free showtime, but i scared them into giving me the channell for 5$ a month, instead of the regular 19.99$ USe this scare tactic if you have comcast, and get showtime!

Dan Rafael

  (2:03 PM)

You should negotiate fight deals.

Rob (Halifax, Canada)

Where has Mario from Bell Gardens been? Let's hear some hype from Cali...

Dan Rafael

  (2:04 PM)

Yeah, where is he? MIA I think the past couple of weeks.

Aaron (Hartford)

Did you see any improvement with Duddy last week or is he still the same fighter ?

Dan Rafael

  (2:04 PM)

No improvement. He is what he is.

Steve (Hartford)

What weight is the proposed Jones vs Hopkins fight? If its at Cruiser does that mean the Johnson/Dawson fight is for the ring Title?

Dan Rafael

  (2:05 PM)

175.

Dan Rafael

  (2:05 PM)

OK, Freaks, thanks for chatting. Hope you check out the new notebook and the varius blogs and stories on the Super Six. It'll be a great boxing weekend. Report back here following the Super Six fights on Saturday night. Peace.