ESPN

Dan Rafael

  (10:03 PM)

Hey Fight Freaks, when Froch-Dirrell is over, I'll be right here and we'll chat about the Super Six and anything else you want to discuss. Enjoy the rest of the fight.

Dan Rafael

  (10:36 PM)

Hey Freaks, I'm back. What a night of fights. Let's get right to it!

Ryan (Cleveland)

Boy...Arthur Abraham really let it all hang out tonight!

Dan Rafael

  (10:36 PM)

Not really. Not until the last round!

Jose (NYC)

Hey Dan- Im sorry but I feel like Jermain Taylor is DONE- stick a fork in him. I think he seriously needs to consider retirement before he starts to sound like Roger Mayweather

Dan Rafael

  (10:37 PM)

Jermain has something thinking to do after such a brutal knockout. Two bad KO losses in a row, although he fought a pretty good fight. Just can't seem to finish strong.

Mike (Tampa)

Do you think Taylor will continue in the tournament?

Dan Rafael

  (10:37 PM)

I do think he will go on at least to the next fight, which will be against Andre Ward.

Besim (Staten Island, New York)

I don't know what was uglier- Arthur Abrahams entrance outfit or Andre Dirrell's boots.

Dan Rafael

  (10:38 PM)

Imagine them both on the same guy?

Jeremiah (Minneapolis)

What are the chances that this bad decision throws a wrench into the fight of the tourney?

Dan Rafael

  (10:38 PM)

It wasn't a bad decision. There's a difference between a bad decision and a legitimately close fight. I also had Froch winning 114-113.

bill (pgh)

Do you agree with the decision in the Froch fight?

Dan Rafael

  (10:38 PM)

Yes.

wesley (miami)

how do you feel about that dirrell fight? Thought he one, thought the ref did a poor job of controlling the fight.

Dan Rafael

  (10:39 PM)

The ref was not so good but Dirrell did it to himself by running and holding so much early on. He gave up too many rounds. Had he fought like he did in 10-12, he could have won the fight.

Jon (NYC)

Has there ever been another top level fighter who has gotten kayoed in the last seconds of two consecutive fights?

Dan Rafael

  (10:39 PM)

I'm sure there are but I can't think of any off the top of my head.

Robert (Wales)

DTM, do you agree that to be chmapion you really have to BEAT the champion? It seems to me Dirrel edged it but he is the challenger and there were many close rounds.

Dan Rafael

  (10:40 PM)

No I don't agree with that nonsense. When the fight starts you score 12 rounds one by one. Period. The notion of "taking the title" is BS. You have to win 7 rounds.

Ochs (Webster, NY)

Did Showtime really need to zoom in on Arthur Abra-Can.

Dan Rafael

  (10:41 PM)

That was hilarious. I wish they would have spent more time zooming in on Froch's grilfriend.

sam (phili)

What do you think would have happened if Dirrell fought the whole fight like he did in the 11th?

Dan Rafael

  (10:41 PM)

He woulda won.

Jon (DC)

Do you see Carl Froch winning the Tournament?

Dan Rafael

  (10:41 PM)

No, never have. But I give him credit for beating a very tough guy to fight.

mike (nyc)

i thought the tourney's been pretty lame so far. neither fight was very good except the last couple rounds of each.

Dan Rafael

  (10:43 PM)

Figures you'd find something to complain about because you always do.

Ryan (Cleveland)

Dan, I don't know how I have overlooked this...what would happen in the case of a "no decision?" Or even, for that matter, a DQ?

Dan Rafael

  (10:44 PM)

Those things are covered in the contratcs. A no decision is a draw so each guy would get a point (although not a no decision because of a failed drug test). A DQ is simply a win for the guy who wins and he gets one point.

Scott (Waterdown)

Is King Arthur is contention for KO of the year?

Dan Rafael

  (10:44 PM)

It goes on the list for sure.

Edgar (Glendale CA)

Do you see anyone but Arthur winning this tournament? I dont its going to be easy for him to get out of this tournament in a clean way

Dan Rafael

  (10:44 PM)

Why don't we see what happens in Kessler-Ward first?

Hubert ((tampa))

Total disagree with you, I thought Dirrell landed the harder cleaner punches. Did see froch land much at all. Dirrell won the fight even though he did hold far too much.

Dan Rafael

  (10:45 PM)

You can disagree. So did one judge. I saw Dirrell give up too many rounds by running and holding. But it was a legit close fight and I don't think Dirrell hurt himself much at all. He'll win some fights in this thing.

Wil (SC)

Dan, put your tv on mute, rewatch and rescore that fight.

Dan Rafael

  (10:47 PM)

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. I had Froch winning by one point and I stand by it. I don't need to (or want to) rewatch the fight. You go rewatch it and let me know how it turned out.

sam (philly)

Why won't Abraham engage more. Seemed like he could have had that ko by mid rounds if he wanted it.

Dan Rafael

  (10:49 PM)

That's the way Abraham fights. He is tremendous late in fights. He has tons of late KOs.

efrain (biola ca)

dirrell would beat him if they fight agian

Dan Rafael

  (10:49 PM)

If you had wings you'd be a bird. If, if, if... Whatever.

Stacy (SC)

I see why Ward is glad he doesn't have to fight in Europe

Steve (NJ)

Any chance Joe Calzaghe comes back to fight the winner of this tournament?

Dan Rafael

  (10:52 PM)

I think it's possible, but obviously it would have to be at 175.

big willie (los angeles)

did you want froch to win

Dan Rafael

  (10:52 PM)

LOL. I didn't care who won and, in fact, I picked Dirrell to win ahead of time.

Nick (SoCal)

What were the punch stats? I didn't see any on the broadcast. Who was more accurate and who landed more?

Dan Rafael

  (10:53 PM)

Showtime does not keep punch stats because CombuBox is exclusive with HBO in terms of premium cable fights.

Dan Rafael

  (10:54 PM)

Bat Phone. Be right back.

Dan Rafael

  (11:00 PM)

Hey guys, I'm back. That was Lou DiBella on the phone from Germany.

Dan Rafael

  (11:02 PM)

Lou said Jermain had a severe concussion and is in the hospital for precautionary reasons. He has had short term memory loss. Lou said he'll stay in the hospital for several days as a precaution. No decision has been made about his future in the tournament.

Robert (Wales)

If Taylor pulls out, does the replacement fighter take Taylor's 0 score?

Dan Rafael

  (11:03 PM)

Yes.

Steve (Brooklyn)

Do you have the Yankee game on now?

Dan Rafael

  (11:03 PM)

Yes. Of course.

Walter (LA, CA)

What do you think will happen with Jermain?

Dan Rafael

  (11:04 PM)

Really don't know but I actually think he'll probably withdraw now.

Mike Hawk (NYC)

if Taylor cannot continue who is in line to take his place?

Dan Rafael

  (11:04 PM)

Probably Allan Green.

Zim (Boston)

How do the semis work? 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3 based on points?

Dan Rafael

  (11:05 PM)

Yes, the semis are seeded.

Jose (NYC)

Prayers for Taylor- He needs to RETIRE for his and his family sake....

Greg (Anaheim, CA)

I think we saw tonight why Pavlik's people never wanted to make that fight with Abraham.

Dan Rafael

  (11:06 PM)

You could be right about that.

Louis (Montreal)

I thought every fighter that has been KOed needed to be checked by a doctor. Is going to a hospital an rare thing?

Dan Rafael

  (11:07 PM)

It's not rare to go the hospital. It is to be admitted and stay for several days.

Nick (SoCal)

Do you think Allan Green in the same class as all of these fighters?

Dan Rafael

  (11:07 PM)

He's a legitimate guy to be in there if a replacement is needed. Bute is very unlikely.

Bill (Nebraska)

Mosley vs Berto done deal yet?

Dan Rafael

  (11:08 PM)

No, but Lou said likely within the next week.

Zim (Boston)

I think we're in for another ugly fight between Abraham and Dirrell. Abraham's style is similar to Froch without all the fouling.

Dan Rafael

  (11:09 PM)

We could be in for an ugly fight no matter who Dirrell fights, but Dirrell has that speed and power and he can box. He might make it ugly but it works very well for him most of the time.

Keaton (Chicago)

Do you think Froch's arms are sore from patting himself on the back after tonite's fight?

Dan Rafael

  (11:12 PM)

Now THAT is funny.

Matt ((Rhode Island))

DO you think after this tournament is over they will do this every year? And do you think it should be in different weight classes every year?

Dan Rafael

  (11:12 PM)

How about we get through one of them first. Plus, this thing will go about 18 months anyway.

Scott (MN)

How did the Love Child do tonight?

Dan Rafael

  (11:13 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. Julio won a shutout six-round decision last night. It was on Telemundo.

Chris (Vancouver BC)

LETS GO YANKEES! They sure are making it dramatic this playoffs.

Dan Rafael

  (11:14 PM)

Tell me about it. This game is killing me.

James (San Antonio )

As Teddy always says it takes two to hold in a fight. You can't put all the blame on Dirrell.

Dan Rafael

  (11:16 PM)

You are 100 percent right. But I do put most of the blame on him. He was going right into Froch and tying up or leaning on him.

Joe (Stamford, CT)

America's best hope in the tourney: Ward or Dirrell?

Dan Rafael

  (11:18 PM)

That's a tough one. Dirrell already lost his opening fight and Ward is in very tough with Kessler, the toughest first-round match. Really a toss up.

Blake (Little Rock, AR)

How did you have the Taylor fight scored before the KO?

Dan Rafael

  (11:18 PM)

I had Abraham ahead 105-103. I gave Taylor 1-4 and 11 and Abraham the rest plus there was a point deduction from Taylor in the sixth round.

andrew (PA)

Froch threw a lot of rabbit punches.

Dan Rafael

  (11:20 PM)

Yes, he did. And elbows and hit on the break. It was a pretty chippy fight. Dirrell did some of that as well.

Pete (SLC)

Did showtime urge espn not to report the outcome of the abraham fight? It was not up on the website till well after the fight?

Dan Rafael

  (11:21 PM)

I have no idea. I shut off my cell, did not go on my computer and made my wife screen all the calls coming in so I could watch Abraham-Taylor without knowing the result.

Rob (NJ)

Andre Dirrel won the fight!

Dan Rafael

  (11:21 PM)

Actually, he lost a split decision.

Ron (Bethel, Ct)

antonio tarver called froch "crotch" one of the funniest things I heard

Dan Rafael

  (11:21 PM)

That was pretty funny.

Kam (NYC)

Did you agree with the point deduction towards Dirrell?

Dan Rafael

  (11:22 PM)

I didn't have a problem with a point deduction from either one of them but at that exact moment it seemed odd.

Sam (Penn State)

Can we please ban that ref who was trying to count down Taylor? It was clear Taylor needed help immediately

Dan Rafael

  (11:22 PM)

That's a good point. I agree. He was out. Coulda counted to 100.

Nathan (NJ)

Seriously, can anyone in this tournament neutralize the defense and power of Abraham?

Dan Rafael

  (11:23 PM)

Guess we will find out.

Steve (Concord, CA)

Everybody knows Dirrell won. You just lost credability bozo.

Dan Rafael

  (11:23 PM)

Actually EVERYBODY doesn't think he won, including me and two of the judges.

Adam (Texas)

Is Tarver as good as Lennox?

Dan Rafael

  (11:24 PM)

He's already better as an announcer.

Brandon (Montreal)

I think this tournament is really missing Bute and Pascal...two more titles could have unified the division

Dan Rafael

  (11:25 PM)

You're not that smart are you? Pascal is a light heavyweight titleholder. Bute has another fight scheduled. And as good as Bute is, it's not like he's so overwhelming he just HAS to be in. The only reason you even think that I would imagine is because he happens to have a belt.

Bill (Nebraska)

I don't recall Lennox calling anyone "Croch".

Dan Rafael

  (11:25 PM)

I recall him calling somebody Malignoogiaey though.

Joe (Westwood (CA))

Dan, who has the best "chin" in this tourney?

Dan Rafael

  (11:26 PM)

I think Abraham's chin is terrific. I think Kessler's is also very good. Froch's is good, although he was down against Taylor in April and Dirrell rocked him a few times.

Felipe (Chicago)

Dan, do you think the winner of Andrade-Bute should replace Taylor?

Dan Rafael

  (11:27 PM)

That would be fine if Taylor is out, but Showtime has clearly stated that Green is the first alternate.

Dan Rafael

  (11:28 PM)

Yanks have winning run on third with two out in the bottom of the ninth! Hold on a minute.

Dan Rafael

  (11:29 PM)

Damn, Cano couldn't do it!

Rajhi (Dallas)

Who has a better chance of wining...The Cubs winning their first world series next year or Jermain Taylor winning this tournament?

Dan Rafael

  (11:30 PM)

Cubs.

Gabe (sacramento, ca)

Lets bring Kelly Pavlik in the mix to replace Taylor.

Dan Rafael

  (11:30 PM)

Why? He's a middleweight and has a massive fight in December. Pavlik isn't going to be in the tourney.

Gutterdandy (Brooklyn)

Is Showtime anti-Canadian?

Dan Rafael

  (11:31 PM)

That's the dumbest thing I've seen in this chat tonight. Of course not. They televised some of Bute's fights. They've done several fights from Canada (more than HBO, for example).

Ace (Jersey)

So Dan the Man, you vote for Naz on your ballot yet? Don't forget to do it!

Dan Rafael

  (11:31 PM)

I haven't done my ballot yet. It's due in a couple of weeks.

Marcin (Toronto, Canada)

What do you think of Adamek fighting Golota? Desperate Adamek?

Dan Rafael

  (11:32 PM)

Not desperate. It's called a big payday when there is no other really big payday. And for Adamek, he can test heavyweight, get paid big and not risk his cruiser title. I totally understand it since the Hopkins fight couldn't get done.

Antonio (VA)

Do you think King Arthur can make a name in the US?

Dan Rafael

  (11:33 PM)

If he keeps getting knockouts like that and his fights are seen here, I think he can gain something of a name. But it's hard because there is no big US star for him to fight.

Mike (LA)

Joe CAzlaghe is a fraud!!! Fight nobodies then beat Kessler and past their prime Roy and B-Hop. Legend my a**!!!!

Dan Rafael

  (11:35 PM)

Do you have anger management issues?

Bill (New York)

Dan, had Hopkins come down to 168, do you think he would have won this competition?

Dan Rafael

  (11:36 PM)

I don't think he would have any interest in entering. Not nearly enough money, too many young guys to tangle with. BHop has made his legacy and made his money. For what purpose would he be in this thing? Please think before you ask.

Johnny G (Toronto)

What kind of purse is there for these Super 6 fights? I don't remember seeing any details.

Dan Rafael

  (11:37 PM)

I don't know the exact numbers but at least for these first round of bouts Taylor I am pretty sure made the most, probably in the 1.3 neighborhood.

The Mill (Texas Hook-em Baby)

Kessler VS The "King" will be the championship fight! By far they are the best two out of the bunch!

Dan Rafael

  (11:38 PM)

I think when the Super Six was put together they were purposely kept apart in the round-robin part of the tourney. I think they could very well meet in the final and would not at all be surprised.

Holly (Little Rock, AR)

Did you sense anything wrong with Jermain during the post-fight interview? Obviously he shouldn't have been on camera after that.

Dan Rafael

  (11:39 PM)

I didn't. He spoke clearly and seemed OK other than a swollen eye and being disappointed. But a lot of times if a fighter has an issue you don't see it. It takes tests to reveal issues.

Chris (Roswell NM)

How bout a tourney with the best of the batamweight and lighweight divisions. They would be action packed bouts.

Dan Rafael

  (11:40 PM)

You could pick any number of divisions and have exciting fights with a field of six guys. You could add 122 to your list or 140 too.

Bubba (ottawa,il)

I just wanna take my hat off to showtime once again, a great show they put on tonight........Showtime is back on the boxing map. This was a great night of boxing.

Rick (Texas)

Did you know the 2 and 3 rounds of the tourney have already been drawn???

Dan Rafael

  (11:40 PM)

Ummm, yeah, since the day I wrote about the tournament happening back in July.

Brain (TX)

Do you think taylor has made enough money to retire comfortably.

Dan Rafael

  (11:40 PM)

If he does retire, he has made tons of money. Probably at least $15 million, probably more.

Paul D (LI, NY)

At least Froch won in the hottest wife or girl friend category, because he sure didn't win the fight...

Jay (Baltimore)

I don't understand how anyone could've wanted to see Dirrell rewarded for repeatedly grabbing Froch around the waist and dropping to one knee to avoid exchanges. Dirrell wasn't in there to fight.

Rick (Texas)

No Dan... im saying the match ups have been officially drawn.

Dan Rafael

  (11:42 PM)

They've been set since Day 1 back in July.

Antonio (VA)

Are you going to the Cotto-Pacquaio fight? Wondering why you weren't at either one of these two fights.

Dan Rafael

  (11:43 PM)

Of course, I will be at Cotto-Pacquiao.

Alan (New Haven CT)

where can we find a list of all future round matchups, and are dates already set?

Dan Rafael

  (11:44 PM)

Look on the boxing page and look at the story called "Primer" that I wrote the other day. It lists all the matches and approximate dates and locations.

Dan Rafael

  (11:46 PM)

Note to second basemen everywhere: When turning two, you still gotta touch the bag.

James Lampkin (Pasadena MD)

Is Quintana Clottey official?

Dan Rafael

  (11:46 PM)

Yes, it's set for the Pavlik-Williams undercard.

tomas (Poland)

Do you have any idea if and when Dirrell vs Froch compubox numbers willl be available?

Dan Rafael

  (11:47 PM)

They won't be because they didn't track the fight.

Bobby (Chicago)

What do you think of Odlanier Solis? Does he have a shot to unseat one of the Klitschkos in the next few years?

Dan Rafael

  (11:49 PM)

I liked how he attacked Barrett. He needs a bit better conditioning, but he has a lot of talent and looks like he can bang. But at this stage of his career, the Klitschkos would be too much. He needs a top contender to fight and beat first.

pitsy (sydney)

what about sakio bika surely he should get a go before green

Dan Rafael

  (11:50 PM)

I'd be fine with Bika in there as well, but why does he deserve it so much more than Green? They're about on the same level.

Kent (St. Catharines)

Dan, I know you mentioned in Friday's chat that you covered your first live fight in 1997 I believe. Who was the main event on the card? Any fighter that actually became known or was it just a small club show?

Dan Rafael

  (11:52 PM)

It was 1996. The main event was Buddy McGirt vs. George Heckley in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Earn (Puerto Rico)

Bigger Robbery Dirrell or Malignaggi?

Dan Rafael

  (11:52 PM)

A one-point split decision is not a robbery when it was clearly a close fight, so obviously Malignaggi was bigger, especially given the dumb 118 scorecard turned in.

Walter (LA, CA)

Why are people saying Dirrell got robbed? The guy ran practically the entire night landing a few punches here and there and held too friggin much and goldbricked taking a knee so he wouldn't be hit. You don't win fights like that, PERIOD!

mike (texas)

it wasnt a close dan can u honestly say with a straight face that froch looked good? he got taken to school

Dan Rafael

  (11:55 PM)

Did I say he looked good? Neither guy looked but the right guy got the decision.

Huji (NYC)

Do you think these first two bouts say anything with regard to the difference between US fighters vs European fighters?

Dan Rafael

  (11:56 PM)

Obviously, the Europeans are better and more experienced in this tournament overall.

Marcin (Toronto)

I agree with Walter. Ran too much.

Andy (Ventura, Ca)

I know you had Froch winning, but do you think 115-112 is too wid a margin?

Dan Rafael

  (11:56 PM)

I had him winning 114-113. 115-112 is one round difference and I can see that.

Erik (Austin, TX)

If Dirrell got awarded the decision, you'd have Froch homers coming out of the woodworks crying foul. Get over it. Close fight and someone had to win.

Walter (LA, CA)

No one can say it was a hometown decision either for Froch. All three judges were from other countries so anyone thinking it was a hometown decision need to do their homework.

Sergio (Washington, D.C.)

Dan. I feel like you haven't said much about Ward and mentioned Kessler and Abraham a lot. I actually have Ward going far in tourney. Do you like his chances?

Dan Rafael

  (12:00 AM)

Do you read what I write? I think Andre has a great shot to go far in this thing. He has a very tough first bout, but he also has two more after that at least.

Ben (Omaha, NE)

Any news on Z Gorres? I saw that Arum signed him.

Dan Rafael

  (12:01 AM)

He is on an upcoming Azteca card on Nov. 13 in Vegas the night before Cotto-Pacman.

Nick (Queens)

Dan, you say the right guy won, but you scored the fight by a one point margin--one that included a controversial deduction. Why are you acting like it's so hard to believe that one single round went another way?

Dan Rafael

  (12:02 AM)

I'm not acting like anything. Had Dirrell won it on a close decision I wouldn't have complained but he didn't. He got a point taken away and it hurt him. He should have had a point taken away earlier for the excessive holding.

marc (Potter, wi)

Never saw Abraham fight on TV till tonight. Good defense, and he punches like a beast to the body. Can't see any of the other guys beating him.

Dan Rafael

  (12:03 AM)

Punches like a beast to the face also.

sondogmarco (Paris, TN)

Even in losing, I think Jermain showed heart and class. He was fighting up until the very end - unlike Andre Dirrell who held, ran, flopped, etc.

James (S. Korea)

Dan, do you think Kevin Johnson has a chance to rise to the top of the heavyweight division?

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 AM)

No, because I think Klitschko will handle him.

Patrick (Mexico)

Abraham's great, but he gives away too many rounds early a lot. He doesn't want to have a four-round hole against Kessler.

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 AM)

I couldn't agree more. But when you can erase anyone with one punch, you're never out of it.

Bubba (Minneapolis)

Dan, do you think Mayweather will ever fight Mosely?

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 AM)

I really don't know. I would hope so eventually.

Courtney (Atlanta, GA)

Hey Dan, although I felt Dirrell won the fight, I also feel it was his fault he lost the decision because he kept the fight close by holding and running and not using his superior athletic and boxing ability consistently enough to dominate each round like he could've. However at least he can learn from this loss and improve.

Dan Rafael

  (12:06 AM)

Finally, an intelligent comment about it.

Robert (Wales)

How do you think Devon Alexander matches up against his fellow trinket holders at jr Welterweight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:08 AM)

Very well I think. I'd favor him against Urango and probably Khan. Bradley would be tough but a good fight.

sondogmarco (Paris, TN)

Dan - I never saw Kiss w/original members (have you?) If so, how does this version w/Thommy Thayer, etc. compare?

Dan Rafael

  (12:08 AM)

I have. The originals are great but I enjoy the current lineup also. Frankly, Eric Singer is better than Peter Cris anyway in my opinion.

Chris (Roswell NM)

Hey Dan I think that Juan Manual Lopez lookes vunerable and that is why they are not bringin up a mathup with Gamboa as much as before his last bout.

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 AM)

You're wrong. Gamboa is still the intended match for the summer. They were always intended to fight in 2010 against different opponents before fighting each other.

Devale (Chicago)

Tyson v Holyfield 3 who wins?

Dan Rafael

  (12:10 AM)

They didn't look like they were in the mood to fight when they were on Oprah on Friday.

Dan Rafael

  (12:11 AM)

AROD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:11 AM)

I need to change my pants.

Erik (Atlanta, GA)

Its an A-bomb from AROD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erick (Pensacola (in the house))

How come B-Hop and Lights Out never fought? Didn't they almost do it, why did it fall through?

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 AM)

They were close several years ago and then BHop changed his mind when he was really upset with the deal with King.

Vinnie (Brooklyn)

A-BOMB from AROD. Let's end this so I can got to bed!

James (S. Korea)

A-Rod is definitely in beast mode in these playoffs! Even though he was 0-4 before. Who will remember that now.

Jacub (CT)

"I need to change my pants" - next time a freak says something disturbing please remember that quote

sondogmarco (Paris, TN)

Dan - speaking of Peter Criss, did I read the CNN ticker correctly (on Friday) that he'd had a bout w/breast cancer?

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 AM)

Yes and thankfully, he is OK.

Joe (San Jose)

Are you chatting until the game ends?

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 AM)

Let's see how long it goes!

Dave (Boston)

Flyout in 29 other parks

Dan Rafael

  (12:16 AM)

Then thank goodness they are at Yankee Stadium, where the other team has an equal chance to hit home runs also.

Cole (UT)

I'm watching the Yankee game and didnt notice I was 2 minutes behind on the DVR, so when you posted AROD I thought your where calling his shot. LOL

Dan Rafael

  (12:16 AM)

That's funny.

Chris (Roswell NM)

Hey Dan sounds like we both have good wives 2 hours of Boxing and now Baseball aint live great.?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 AM)

Hell yeah. My wife is watching the game too.

Cologedo (NYC)

Dave from Boston can go weep with his other inferior dirty red sox fans.

Curtis (Ohio)

Do you think at this point in time Roy Jones deserves a fight with Bernard Hopkins. Even though he beat a washed up Jeff Lacey

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 AM)

There is no such thing as "deserve" in this instance. They both want to fight. They are both legends. They can make more money against each other than anyone else. And there are quite a few people who will be interested in seeing them fight each other. So what's the problem?

Bill (Nebraska)

When will Don King retire as a promoter?

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 AM)

Never. He'll promote until he dies.

Corey (Morgantown, WV)

Are you going to Hopkins fight in Philly? i got floor seats and wondering what you think the atmosphere will be like

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 AM)

I plan to be there. I'll probably come up the day of the fight and then head to AC afterward for the Pavlik-Williams fight, which is a couple of days later.

Dave (Boston)

My grapes are sour...

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 AM)

Obviously. Choke on them.

Joe (NC)

What do you think of Taylor's promotor and the job he has done? Don't you think a name of this magnitude didn't need a tournament and he shoulda fought some lesser opponents to build his resume back up?

Dan Rafael

  (12:20 AM)

Not at all. I think Lou did a great job getting Jermain big fights for good money even though he had lost 3 of 4 before tonight.

Chris (Roswell NM)

Good point Dan B-Hop and Roy Jones are past their primes, but I am still excited to see them get it on again.

chris (east meadow)

the problem with Hopkins - Jones, is that Hopkins-Dawson is a much more important fight to the sport. That's one reason why MMA is very popular- they ALWAYS make the biggest most important fights

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 AM)

Hopkin-Dawson generates 5 cents and not much mainstream interst. Jones-Hopkins 2 generates 10s of millions and worldwide interest.

Chris (Newark, DE)

What is a good strategy for beating king arthur?

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 AM)

Borrow Triple H's sledgehammer I think.

A-Rod (Yankee Stadium)

That was for you Dan. By the way - I thought Dirrell won.

bill (pgh)

any US tv outlet for Khan-Salita?

Dan Rafael

  (12:25 AM)

Not at this time.

Huji (NYC)

Since there was so much speculation regarding a fight between Pavlik and Abraham, who do you think would win a fight between the two of them (at either 160 or 168)?

Dan Rafael

  (12:25 AM)

I think Abraham would have to be the favorite at either weight.

john (ny)

any chance you'll be attending the next Scorpions concert based on their performance during Abraham's entrance?

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 AM)

Probably not, but I've always liked the Scorps.

albert (nyc)

dan, in hindsight, do you think it was wise for jermain to be matchedagainst abraham for fight # 1 as opposed to going up against less physical guys in ward or dirrell?

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 AM)

Well somebody was going to have to fight Abraham.

Juan Manuel Marquez (Mexico City, Mexico)

Had Taylor drank his urine, he would have had the energy to finish like I always do.

Terry (florida)

hey Dan go yankees!!! do you think Pavlik has the power to hurt Williams?

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 AM)

Pavlik has the power to hurt anyone if he lands his best shots.

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 AM)

Pavlik has the power to hurt anyone if he lands his best shots.

Cole (UT)

Trust someone from Boston to make that irrelevant point. Enjoy the offseason dave.

Todd (Queen City, NC)

Dan, do you agree with Antonio Tarver's comment that whoever won the Super 6 would be not only a big name in the sport but also a mainstream star?

Dan Rafael

  (12:31 AM)

That may be a reach. In boxing, the winner will be a star. But to be a mainstream star, it will depend who wins, what kinds of fights they have and if people are watching. It's hard to become a mainstream start fighting only on Showtime, which has a universe of about 15 million.

Sam (Penn State)

Drinking piss jokes will never get old.

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 AM)

You are so right.

Brendan (Australia )

Does Danny Green have a chance against Roy Jones?

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 AM)

Definitely.

Brian (Detroit)

Do you think Showtime has marketed this tournament well enough, seeing as thought he average sports fan would have no clue about a Super 6 Boxing Tournament?

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 AM)

Showtime has done what it can do and done it well. I am disappointed in ESPN's television side because as far as I know there has been zero in advance of one of the biggest events in the sport. Not even a brief preview on ESPNEWS or anything. Really disappointed in that.

Dan (Boston)

How dose Abraham not make Sportcenters top 10?!

Dan Rafael

  (12:35 AM)

Actually, we did not have the right to use the highlight until after the fight airs on the West Coast.

Chris (Roswell NM)

Hey Dan Brian made a good point I bought a USA Today friday(your old stoping ground) and they had nothing on the Super Six I was dissapointed they need you back.

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 AM)

I do appreciate it, but they had almost a full page on the tourney in Thursday's paper. I still read it every day.

Steve (Sac,Ca)

Dano, Assuming Kessler wins against Ward, will the winner of Kessler/Froch in round 2 win both belts?

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 AM)

Correct. It will be a unification bout.

KoolKc (Deland, Fl)

Going to the Bottom of the 12th . . .I think the Yankees end it here.

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 AM)

This game is killing me.

Besim (Staten Island)

When will Sportscenter be able to use Froch highlights? Oh, that's right... he didn't have any. Well I guess you can show the post-fight interview. His unwarranted cockiness could be considered a highlight.

Dan Rafael

  (12:41 AM)

Alright, sit tight for a minute, I gotta watch Jeter bat.

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 AM)

Dang.

Paul (San Jose, CA)

How long will it be until Deontay Wilder will fight for the heavyweight title?

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 AM)

Years (if ever, obviously).

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 AM)

Yeahhhhhhhh, Damon! Winning run on third!

Pete (SLC)

Apparently Showtime didn't think this was and important fight. they didn't even air it live on west coast.

Dan Rafael

  (12:44 AM)

They never air any fights live on the West Coast. Get a cable system or dish that offers Showtime East and your problems are solved.

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 AM)

OK, bases loaded, ARod coming up with the bases loaded, two out, bottom of the 12th. This is better than the fights tonight.

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 AM)

Popped him up and we go to the freakin; 13th inning.

Besim (Staten Island, New York)

If the Yanks win it, I'm shaving Nikolai Valuev's back. You can hold me to that.

Cologedo (NYC)

Dan I like the multi-tasking!!! Freak King REIGNS!!!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 AM)

It ain't easy.

J (Merritt Island, FL)

Maybe Peter Gammons will do a boxing chat.

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 AM)

That would be cool.

Pete (SLC)

Good point but it seems crazy to spend all this money to put an event together and then show it to half the country on delay.

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 AM)

That's what Showtime always does and it works for them.

Jason (Gainesville, VA)

Dan,Which fight tonight did you find more entertaining?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 AM)

Abraham-Taylor was a better fight to watch in my opinion.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

No offense to Jermain, but how incredible is it that he "beat" Hopkins twice?

Dan Rafael

  (12:51 AM)

He did beat him twice. Can never take those wins away from him.

ernie (Ca)

Dirrell all 3 fights on the road. Does he have the power to put guys away? I dont see him getting any close decisions.

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 AM)

Not true. He fights Abraham next early next year in the United States. And after that he fights Andre Ward and they are both Americans.

Julio (Seoul)

Dan aside from DLH, do you know any other boxer who is actually successful in promoting. It seems everyone who is or was a fighter wants to get into promoting, but DLH is the only one who seems to have done a good job at it.

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 AM)

He's got the biggest company and has had the most success, but, for example, Roy Jones' company has promoted many shows that did not involve Roy. Ricky Hatton's company has begun promoting some nice shows in the UK.

John (Lubbock, Tx)

I wonder how many of the judges scored 9-9 in the tenth after Dirrell rocked Froch?

Dan Rafael

  (12:56 AM)

I don't know how the judges had that roud but I had it 9-9.

Brendan (Australia )

Will Celestino Caballero vs Juan Manuel Lopez happen? If so, who wins?

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 AM)

I doubt it at this point with the way the Top Rank folks are talking. Arum made it sound like Juanma will move up to 126 for his next fight.

Will (Dallas)

Is Abraham almost cracking the top 10 P4P list?

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 AM)

I have him in the top 20 but not ready for the top 10 yet.

Ferg (Omaha, Ne)

Who do you feel has the "easiest" path to the final four of the tourney?

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 AM)

Noody since they all have to face three tough opponents.

Rebecca (NYC)

Why is Caballero in top 10 and not Abraham?

Dan Rafael

  (1:01 AM)

He's not in my top 10.

Chris (Alabama)

Abraham has the easyer of the matches IMO.He does not have to fight him self!

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 AM)

Hilarious.

Dan Rafael

  (1:03 AM)

And here we go, bottom 13. Will it ever end?

JD (Hyattsville)

I hope this game ends before the NFL games kick off.

Bubba (Minneapolis)

Dan, everyone thinks Abraham wins this tourney, but what about Kessler?

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 AM)

Most folks I have heard from make Kessler the favorite. But there are many excited by the way Abraham put Taylor away tonight. The odds before the tourney began had Abraham and Kessler as co-favorites to win it.

Dan Rafael

  (1:05 AM)

Alrighty, Hairston is on leading off!

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 AM)

And the bunt is good from Gardner, winning run on second, one out.

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 AM)

Intentional walk to Cano.

Ferg (Omaha, Ne)

If Dirrell flies to Nottingham either 21 days or 3 weeks ago, does he win?

Dan Rafael

  (1:07 AM)

I think they made too much of that. Going 6 days ahead of time and staying on his own time zone was fine if you ask me.

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 AM)

MELKY!!!!!!!! THEEEEEEEE YANKEEEEEEEEEEEEEE WINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN! THAT WAS SICK!!!!!!!!

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 AM)

I need to change my pants again.

J (Merritt Island, FL)

Just get some Depends.

Seth (New York)

NICE!!!!!!! Who gets the pie in the face?

adam (montreal)

YANKEES WIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!!

Cole (UT)

YAAAAANNNNKKKKKKEEEEES WIN!! Sing it Frank: "Start spreading the news...."

Dan Rafael

  (1:11 AM)

OK, Freaks, I am totally spent between the two fights, a five-hour-plus game as a hardcore Yankee fan like a nearly three-hour chat. Unreal. Great night. Great chat! Thanks Freaks. Talk you all next week back at our normal time on Friday afternoon. Peace.