ESPN

Dan Rafael

  (1:29 PM)

Greetings Fight Freaks. I am in my hotel in lovely downtown Hartford, Conn., ready for tomorrow's Chad Dawson-Glen Johnson rematch. Pushed the chat back a little today because was traveling. But I am here now and ready to roll. We've also got Valuev-Haye this weekend and next week's huge Pacquiao-Cotto fight. So let's get to it.

Mike (NJ)

Any word on when tickets will go on sale for Williams-Martinez?

Dan Rafael

  (1:31 PM)

Here you go, straight from the promoter's news release on the fight: Tickets for the Williams-Martinez bout are priced at $300, $200, $100 and $50 and can be purchased starting Saturday at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com.

Matthew (Iraq(Al-kut))

Do you see Pascal-Diaconu II playing out any differently this time. And if Pascal wins do you see a unification match with the Dawson-Johnson winner?

Dan Rafael

  (1:32 PM)

I see it as another action fight, but I do think Pascal wins again. He a bit faster and fresher I think. The winner of Saturday's Dawson-Johnson fight will be mandatory for the winner of Pascal-Diaconu winner and I think either guy would be willing to fight the winner and I also think HBO would (and should) buy that fight, especially if it's Pascal-Dawson. That's about as good a 175 fight as you can make right now.

Toro (Brooklyn)

Hey Dan. Go Yankees, great parade. Being that Cotto and Pacman are two very humble gentlemen is that why Roach has step up his trash talking. I think he's nervous about Cotto. Go Yankees and Viva Cotto..

Dan Rafael

  (1:34 PM)

Go Yankees indeed!!!!!! I am totally psyched about them winning No. 27. I have the parade on in my room here. I'm loving this!!! I'm sure Freddie knows Cotto is no joke and he should be taking him seriously. Freddie is a great trainer and knows how to get inside the opponent's head but I don't think it's having much impact on Cotto after talking to Miguel last night.

David (Reno)

Are Pac and Cotto wearing 8 oz. gloves?

Dan Rafael

  (1:35 PM)

Yes.

Andrew (Akron, OH)

Dan, with Arreola out for the Williams-Martinez card, would HBO allow James Toney to be on the card?

Dan Rafael

  (1:36 PM)

I'm not sure if they would take Toney but the opponent will not be Toney so they don't have to make a decision. He is not being considered as Arreola's opponent.

doug (manchester, nh)

Dan, first time in vegas next saturday and i want to catch the cotto pac fight, would you reccomend getting the closed captioned seating, or do they have the fights at bars to watch, id like to watch it somewhere fun, not sure if the CC is the way to go, thanks!

Dan Rafael

  (1:37 PM)

You mean closed circuit! I do not think it is as at bars in Vegas, just closed circuit locations at the various MGM Mirage properties in Vegas.

Dan Rafael

  (1:37 PM)

Guys -- hang out for a minute. We are having a fire alarm going off and have been instructed to leave the building! I will be back ASAP.

Dan Rafael

  (1:58 PM)

So that was interesing.

Dan Rafael

  (1:59 PM)

I'm back. Turned out somebody threw water in what was supposed to be a dry sauna, so I hung outside with everyone. Chad and Angulo and Yorgey were there. Lampley, Max, Emanuel, Harold and Gary Shaw were also there. Pretty freakin' cold here.

eric (allentown)

Dan, what about Pac calling out Mayweather? Smart move or no big deal? Sorry if you talked about it already (I wasn't here last week)

Dan Rafael

  (2:01 PM)

He didn't exactly call Mayweather out. He was asked about Mayweather by reporters and said he didn't think Floyd wanted to fight him. I'm pretty sure Manny is thinking way more about Cotto than Floys at this point.

kelby (omaha)

ahahahahaha. good to see your still alive Dano...

Dan Rafael

  (2:02 PM)

Thanks. I stay in hotels a lot. That was a first. Pretty fun walking down 16 flights with a whole bunch of people.

JD (Vegas )

Hartford u gotta love it

Dan Rafael

  (2:03 PM)

You can love it, I'll pass.

bruce t (torrance, ca)

glad you aren't on fire. now how about a valuev vs haye pick? thanks.

Dan Rafael

  (2:03 PM)

I am also glad. I'm taking Valuev via knockout.

Pat (NY)

Did you die?

Dan Rafael

  (2:03 PM)

No.

rob (bellmore)

Ive heard rumblings of Mayweather's next opponent being Salita, should he upset Khan. Have you heard this? any validity to this?

Dan Rafael

  (2:04 PM)

Rumblings from inside your own head do not count. Complete nonsense.

Brett (Northern Virginia)

Dan,I read the notebook today and had an observation about the Klitchko/HBO thing. Seems to me that HBO thinks that Klitchko is a draw. But, I would submit that the numbers they garnered from the Areola fight had to do more with Areola...a young, up and coming, promising American heavyweight...that actually fought him for 10 rounds, instead of laying down (yeah I'm talking to you Samuel Peter). What do you think?

Dan Rafael

  (2:06 PM)

I think they were both the draw, meaning the match and the fact that it was in the US. But if they televise Klitschko-Johnson remember they will pay a pittance to have the rights compared to what they paid for the live Arreola fight. Seems like good bang for the buck. I hope they do it. Imagine how bad they'll look if Vitali looks sensational with another good performance and they weren't there OR an undefeated American wins the title?

State Penitentiary (Texas)

He's still here. He says hello.

Dan Rafael

  (2:06 PM)

Thanks for the update.

Mrs. DTM (at work)

at least you were walking down, not up!

Dan Rafael

  (2:06 PM)

Good point.

Rusty (Philly)

Danny Boy, looks like Artie Perullo got more pull then you think getting the WBO to make Yorgey-Angulo a title fight. Sounds like some greenbacks were thrown their way.

Dan Rafael

  (2:07 PM)

Artie knew it would be approved before he even sent out the press release asking for the sanction. I just saw in him in the elevator after the fire drill and we talked about it. He knows I think it's a sham.

R! (Yay Area)

So its down to Minto or Rossy for Arreola, who do you think HBO approves? Any idea who Miranda is facing on the under card of Ward-Kessler? Already got my tickets!

Dan Rafael

  (2:08 PM)

It's six of one, half dozen of the other but I would like to see Minto if I had to pick between the two, even though I don't love either.

Scott (Bloomington, MN)

Mario Danningham, Who ya got this weekend? Besides Valuev.

Dan Rafael

  (2:08 PM)

I like Angulo and Dawson.

Dan Rafael

  (2:09 PM)

Montreal for sure.

Alex (Louisville)

DTM, when can we expect to see more of Korobov? I think he is likely a huge talent but most of his fights aren't televised (like next week). Thanks.

Dan Rafael

  (2:10 PM)

He's in the early stages of his career and fights next week under Cotto and Pacquiao. His fight will air before the PPV on cable systems around the country along other undercard fights. Top Rank's Bob Arum said the systems will carry 90 minutes of undercard action for free followed by the 30-minute preview show. Then comes the PPV. Not all systems will carry it but they all can if they want.

Anthony (Sacramento )

Hi Dan! I have to vent to you: I have nothing against Maskaev and while I am grateful the local newspaper here is covering the Oleg fight I am perplexed that they have failed to mentioned that the number one super middleweight in the world is training here in town to fight the best American at his weight down the road in two weeks.

Dan Rafael

  (2:11 PM)

Send the sports editor a note or an email or make a phone call and let them know.

Herbie Hide (On the Canvas)

What was Dirrell thinking asking for a rematch with Froch, is his heart not 100% in the tournament anymore after suffering a defeat?

Dan Rafael

  (2:12 PM)

I think they were protecting him for after the tourney. He'll continue in the tournament.

Aaron (Michigan)

What are the chances that Dawson gets in the Super Six if he wins tomorrow??

Dan Rafael

  (2:12 PM)

Virtually zero. It's not going to happen.

Scott (Boston)

Hey Dan, what makes you pick Valuev by KO? I know that he switched trainers but do you know something we don't?...

Dan Rafael

  (2:12 PM)

Haye has no chin. None. And he's facing a man massively bigger.

Gutterdandy (Brooklyn)

Dan, do you think we get Vitali-Valuev next year when Valuev takes care of business with Haye? That surely would be a megafight to end all megafights in Germany.

Dan Rafael

  (2:13 PM)

I think that is possible but could be tough to make.

Brad (L.A.)

Two Words: Love Child

Dan Rafael

  (2:13 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhm, the Love Child.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Dan,Is John "Zzzz's" Ruiz the next opponet for the Haye/Valuev winner?

Dan Rafael

  (2:14 PM)

Yes, that was part of the deal to allow Valuev-Haye to go through. Ruiz is the mandatory and fights/hugs on the undercard tomorrow.

Victor (Kansas City, KS)

If Angulo dominates tomorrow night, who is next? Very very exciting fighter!!! Can't wait.

Dan Rafael

  (2:15 PM)

The winner of the fight will be mandatory for Dzindziruk, so we'll see what happens.

David (Winston-Salem)

So which card is/will be worse? The Camacho-Campas or the Judah card?

Dan Rafael

  (2:15 PM)

They both are a joke.

Victor (Kansas City, KS)

When does Saul Alvarez make his US debut?

Dan Rafael

  (2:17 PM)

He's already fought in the US.

Anthony (Astoria, NY)

Did you get a chance yet to watch Muhammad and Larry from ESPN's 30 for 30?

Dan Rafael

  (2:17 PM)

Yes, I watched it. I thought it was outstanding.

Michael (Hollywood, CA)

Besides preceding an actual Williams/Pavlik fight one day, any chance we ever see some of that countdown footage like the interview you filmed the other month?

Dan Rafael

  (2:18 PM)

Hmmm. I have no idea. I suppose if HBO produces a feature on Williams before the Martinez fight they could use some of the various interviews they did because we talked about Paul as a fighter and his career, not just as it related to Pavlik.

Q (Waterbury,CT)

Where in the world is Tavaris Cloud?

Dan Rafael

  (2:19 PM)

Who?

Jonathan (DC)

Have you seen the nasty war of words between Berto and Mosley? I hate it. What's your opinion on the beef?

Dan Rafael

  (2:19 PM)

A bunch of nonsense. Sign the contracts and fight. I'm sick of it. And it's not Shane holding it up.

Nicholas (NJ)

Dan - serious question - none of my friends are around next Sat nite to split the cost of the fight - i don't mind paying for it on my own, but Im hesitating because of the undercard - please can you tell me something that i can get excited about on the undercard fights?

Dan Rafael

  (2:20 PM)

I wish I could.

jonathan (los angeles)

D$, i like the williams-martinez matchup, who do you think wins that one?

Dan Rafael

  (2:22 PM)

It's a good matchup. Obviously, Pavlik-Williams is much bigger but on short notice this is outstanding. I do wish they were fighting at 154.

Walter (Albuquerque, NM)

Is there any scenario remotely possible that Mayweather gets the ring with Paul Williams?

Dan Rafael

  (2:22 PM)

Maybe if they put Paul in suspended animation and rolled his body into the ring.

Big Mike (Chicago)

Dan, Any idea on when tickets for Juan Diaz and Paulie Malignaggi go on sale? You should should come to Chi-town. Lots of freaks here!

Dan Rafael

  (2:23 PM)

That info has not yet been announced.

JOJO (ARizona)

Did you listen to the Radio Talk Show R.A? Floyd was asked the questions he hates to answer. You got a hear it....

Dan Rafael

  (2:24 PM)

I heard it and I loved it. He made Floyd look really bad and he was dead on about most things.

Craig D (Philly)

will you name your next pet Hideki?

Dan Rafael

  (2:25 PM)

Very good possibility.

Anthony (Sacramento )

Dan in your opinion who is the bigger star in boxing Floyd or Manny?

Dan Rafael

  (2:25 PM)

Floyd is a is a bigger name in the US. Manny is a bigger name globally.

Eric (Irving, TX)

Danno, do you think there's no possibility of Williams/Floyd b/c Williams couldn't make 147 or b/c Floyd would never agree to the fight? I personally would love to see that matchup.

Dan Rafael

  (2:27 PM)

I dont see it happening because Floyd would never take that kind of risk.

john (harford)

how many do u expect tommorow for the dawson johnson fight tommorow its my 1st fight very xcited

Dan Rafael

  (2:28 PM)

Not sure about the crowd, but I hope you have a great time.

R.A. The Rugged Man (Suffolk County, NY)

Mayweather cant say he's undefeated anymore....because I sure whooped him on Satelite Radio!

Bing (Philly)

Here it ishttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHmCYlIsX5E

Dan Rafael

  (2:30 PM)

That's the Mayweather getting abused by Rugged Man.

Mark (Brooksville, Fla.)

Did you catch Manny Pacquiao on Jimmy Kimmel Live? He was asked about what all those guys in his huge entourage do and he even sang, in english, and didn't embarass himself.

Dan Rafael

  (2:31 PM)

I did see it and the singing was hilarious, although he doesn't have a bad voice!

Gianni (Limerick, Ireland)

Why doesn't anybody discuss how Monte Barrett knocked Haye down? Imagine when Valuev makes contact with his chin.

Dan Rafael

  (2:33 PM)

Exactly. The knockdown was not called but he got nailed and more than one time.

Wilkie (Toronto)

Who will Pavlik have to beat to regain your respect?

Dan Rafael

  (2:34 PM)

I've never lost respect for him so I don't know what you are talking about.

Matt (Southington CT )

Dan, will u get to the XL Center early to watch the entire undercard?

Dan Rafael

  (2:35 PM)

Of course.

Dan Rafael

  (2:36 PM)

The weight from Germany are in.

Dan Rafael

  (2:36 PM)

Valuev 314.6 pounds, Haye 216.7.

Derek (Edmonton, Alberta)

right on, Dan. I also have Valuev winning.

jermaine (sactown)

Hay man why do you hate floyd so much i think you and everybody else just dont want to admit that floyd is the best and he will beet anybody he fights.

Dan Rafael

  (2:38 PM)

I don't hate Floyd at all. But you can't say you are the best until you actually beat the best and Floyd has not beaten the best at welterweight. Period. When he does, I'll be the first to give him all the credit in the world.

Nick (Harrisburg, PA)

It's incredibly easy to see why people hate on Floyd...he fought Judah, Baldomir, DLH, Hatton and Marquez....when he should have fought Margarito, Cotto, Williams, Mosley and Pacquiao...clear as day.

Jeff (Redondo Beach)

I imagine 14.6 pounds of that is back hair

Dan Rafael

  (2:40 PM)

It's possible.

Gutterdandy (Brooklyn)

Since Haye said this week he is adamant about retiring from boxing at 31 at the top of the sport, if he loses to Valuev by KO (as I think he will), that is going to put a serious crimp in his plans.

Eric (Irving, TX)

Jermaine, we've been over this several times in the chat. Floyd is incredibly talented, but he hasn't fought a single in their prime welterweight. I'd love to see him try to clean out the division. But he won't, which is the reason for all the criticism.

Manny (Fresno,CA)

Hey Dan who you got..Fernando Vargas or Camacho Jr??

Dan Rafael

  (2:42 PM)

May I excuse myself to go vomit?

dave (detroit)

dan, you are one of the few picking valuev. I agree and see it playing out like the valuev / lykahovich fight, with valuev jabbing at will

Dan Rafael

  (2:42 PM)

Haye is much faster than Liakhovich, but Valuev will need to use that kind of jab against him. The jab he used against Liakhovich was sick.

Matt (CT )

Dan, thoughts on Pavlik/Dawson at 168lb?

Dan Rafael

  (2:43 PM)

Bring it on, but not a good fight for Pavlik.

Derek (Edmonton, Alberta)

Dan, another website is reporting Green/Jones will be on Vs. Have you heard this?

Dan Rafael

  (2:44 PM)

LOL. I broke that in last week's notebook. And then Versus got around to sending out a press release yesterday.

Craig (Newport Beach)

Okay, Dan, it?s the last round. Your fighter is down on all the cards and needs a knockout to win. Which ONE fighter of all time would you pick to get it done?

Dan Rafael

  (2:45 PM)

Interesting question. I really don't know. Nominees from the Freak Nation?

Joe (Philly)

I know I'm getting way ahead of things but Paq-Mayweather belongs in Yankee Stadium way more than it does in Dallas

Dan Rafael

  (2:47 PM)

If that fight happens, rest assured it will be in Vegas. If not, I would be surprised. On the Yankee Stadium front, the Yankees took out an ad in next week's Cotto-Pacquiao program with a great picture of Yankee Stadium and calling it home to boxing in 2010. The Yankees are serious about doing a fight there next year.

mike (tampa )

who did u have winning the 1st dawson johnson fight and who do u like tommorow

Dan Rafael

  (2:47 PM)

I had dawson winning the fight 115-113 and I pick him to win another decision.

Anthony (Astoria, NY)

I get the criticisms of Floyd, but it's revisionist history to hate on him for fighting Baldomir. If he hadn't, the knock would be he was never linear. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. The Mosley-Floyd thing has also gone both ways with Floyd wanting a fight with Mosley in 2006/2007, while Mosley clearly didn't want to interfere with a potential Floyd fight against his boss Oscar.

Dan Rafael

  (2:48 PM)

I never had a problem with the Baldy fight because it was for the real title.

Keith (Astoria, ny)

Goign to vegas for the 1st time for Cotto-Pac...besides the weigh-in and fight...what's a cool place to be at during fight week, favorite bar, restaurant.

Dan Rafael

  (2:49 PM)

Anywhere around the MGM there will be fight people.

josh (canada)

roberto duran for the knockout

Dan Rafael

  (2:50 PM)

I don't recall Duran stopping a lot of guys late.

Randy (NYC)

What happened to Fernando Vargas' career? When they say he got old fast, what does that mean in a boxing sense?

Dan Rafael

  (2:50 PM)

It means he got destroyed and consussed multiple times and took a beating from Trinidad and was never the same. He was 23 when he had that fight and it ruined him.

Ron (Bethel, Ct)

Hey Dano, trying to comfirm if the weigh in for Dawson vs. Johnson is at 4pm?? Never been to a weigh in and would love to go!!

Dan Rafael

  (2:52 PM)

Yes, it's at 4 pm in the XC Center main concourse. I am not sure if it is open to the public.

Garth (CT)

Floyd's problem is he is baseing his greatest on being undefeated, when in fact he would he would be respected more if he took on tougher challengers win or lose. The frustrating part for boxing fans is he has to talent to beat all the fighters people want him to face but refuses to truly test himself.

Dan Rafael

  (2:53 PM)

I agree 1000000000000000000000000000%.

Cruz (Portland OR)

Julio Cesar Chavez for 12th round knockout.

Benny P. (Boston)

Gotta vote for Arthur Abraham for the late KO. He seems to come on late.

Big Mike (Chicago)

You gotta go Gatti for the dramatic KO in the 12th

Eric (Irving, TX)

Marciano had a lot of late round stopages.

Patrick (Mexico)

Joe Louis has to be near the top

mike (tucson, az)

dan lets say pacqiuao beats cotto what do you think the catch weight for the paqiuao vs mayweather would be?

Dan Rafael

  (2:55 PM)

Don't think it will matter. Would probably be 147.

Dan Rafael

  (2:55 PM)

Floyd will ignore the contract anyway.

Jason (Boston, MA)

Anyone who faces Jermain Taylor is pretty good for a late KO

Dan Rafael

  (2:56 PM)

Ouch.

Nate (Poconos, PA)

Dan, Just watched 30 for 30 Ali/Holmes on ESPN that I had DVR'd, I can't believe Ali's camp allowed him to fight, he couldn't even hit the speed bag properly, let along defend himself! They said Holmes never got his proper respect because he was in the shadow of Ali, where do you rank Holmes all-time?

Dan Rafael

  (2:58 PM)

That was sad to see in the footage. Larry was a great fighter. I rank him in my personal top 10 heavyweights, probably around 5 or 6.

Turk (DC)

RA the Rugged Man said it well, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is undefeated, does that make him a great fighter?

Nazim (Philly)

More entertaining: John Ruiz or the Cotto segments on 24/7?

Dan Rafael

  (2:59 PM)

The Cotto segments are a little bit tough. He's not giving them much to work with.

josue (florida)

was you surprise by the perez showing last saturday?

Dan Rafael

  (3:00 PM)

Not at all. I have seen Yonnhy fight, including his knockouot of Mabuza, I know he's a very good fighter and thought it was a toss up fight.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

Do you think that Holmes fight is part of the reason Ali is the way he is now?

Dan Rafael

  (3:01 PM)

Absolutely. The sick part is Ali actually fought one more time after the Holmes fight.

R! (Yay Area)

Tough comeback fight for Ortiz, Antonio Diaz is a live dog. He will be forcing the action, going to make Ortiz uncomfortable...

Dan Rafael

  (3:02 PM)

I think it'll be a good fight.

Shower Door (Bathroom)

Late KO's are for losers.. My opponent wouldn't make it past the 3rd round

Justin (St Paul)

It will probably never happen but I wish everyone would boycot Floyd's ppvs when he is fighting these smaller/lesser compitition. That will be the only way to shut him up and force him to fight the best of the best. Until then he will keep YAPPING about his ppv buys and how that is all that matters.

Cory (Indy)

Give me Bob Foster for the KO

Dan Rafael

  (3:04 PM)

Just not against a heavyweight.

Steiny (ny)

dan - you're wrong - Ali didnt fight again after the Holmes fight - you need to do your homework!

Dan Rafael

  (3:05 PM)

Actually, he did.

Grey (Cape Cod, MA)

Steiny, go look up Trevor Berbick and feel like a fool for questioning THE Dan Rafael

Dan Rafael

  (3:06 PM)

Steiny is a moron and always has been.

Anthony (Astoria, NY)

Good Lord Steiny: Trevor Berbick!

Scott (Hollywood, CA)

That was embarrassing Steiny...wow

Akira (Columbus,Ohio)

Yeah he fought that bum Trevor Berbick and actually won some rounds.

Pete (NYC)

Stump the Steiny

Dan Rafael

  (3:07 PM)

It would last one question.

Mike (Queens)

What do you think of the WBC suspending Arreola for cursing after the Klitschko fight?

Dan Rafael

  (3:08 PM)

They're idiots.

Ruben Guzman (Mexico)

Isn't Pacquiao-Cotto big enough to deserve a fight credential?

Dan Rafael

  (3:09 PM)

Of course and there will be one next week.

Cory (Indy)

RIP Lou Filippo, You scored Hagler Leonard right!!

Dan Rafael

  (3:10 PM)

Not sure I agree with his score, but RIP indeed. Had a chance to meet him a few times over the years. Very good man.

Keith H (Seattle)

I have Floyd down for two losses: Brian Kenny and Rugged Man.

Nick (Harrisburg, PA)

If only Floyd was given a loss for every fighter he avoided...he'd be a .500 fighter.

Dan Rafael

  (3:12 PM)

Let's not get carried away.

DMB (LA)

Dan, I find it odd that Vitali Klitschko is getting a lot of credit for the ratings for the Arreola fight. Wasn't the replay of the Mayweather-Marquez fight shown before? Given the strength of that PPV, wouldn't the folks at HBO know that would significantly influence the ratings?

Dan Rafael

  (3:15 PM)

Definitely not. Replays historically do poor ratings and when the fight sold a million buys most folks who were interested had already s een it and everyone knew after the fact it was terrible fight and totally one-sided.

Ryan Mathew (Cleveland)

Calzhage didn't fight anybody until he was in his late thirties. Give Floyd a break. The dude might not be in his prime yet.

Dan Rafael

  (3:16 PM)

Calzaghe didn't fight top guys because his promoter prevented those fights from happening. Floyd is his own promoter and can try to make any fight he wants. Big difference.

Mike (New York)

If Cotto is 100% mentally he wrecks Pac. I agree with Atlas in that he did not look 100% mentally recovered from the Margo fight when he fought Clottey.

Dan Rafael

  (3:18 PM)

I don't know where he is exactly but I can say this -- talking to Cotto yesterday he sounds VERY VERY confident.

JJD (Seattle)

Also, Joe Calzaghe doesn't tell everyone with working ears that he is "the greatest fighter of all-time".

Jose A. (Puerto Rico)

Also Ryan, Calzaghe wasn't calling himself "THE GREATEST FIGHTER EVER!!! THE BEST CHAMPION IN BOXING" and all the nonsense Floyd keeps babbling about. If you say you are the best, you fight the best!!!

David (Winston-Salem)

Dan, speaking of Calzaghe, do you consider him the greatest super middleweight of all time?

Dan Rafael

  (3:20 PM)

Yes.

Cruz (Portland, OR)

Will you be attending the fights at the Mandalay Bay the night before Cotto-Pacquiao? Seems like a good low key card. What do you think?

Dan Rafael

  (3:21 PM)

I plan to be there. Several good prospects on the show.

cdiddy2310 (stillwater,ok)

At what point does Taylor have to announce what he's going to do? It seems like Showtime is going to need to know as soon as possible.

Dan Rafael

  (3:23 PM)

Jermain is taking his time, which is his right. This is a serious decision he has to make and there is still some time to do it.

Alaz (Plantation)

Kiss sucks and Mike Tyson is the best Heavyweight of all time!!

Dan Rafael

  (3:24 PM)

You're banned. For life.

Don (Buffalo)

Dan - what dates in Jan will be the super middleweight continue? it appears that HBO has 1/23 and 1/30 already booked. Will the tourney be competing with HBO telecasts?

Dan Rafael

  (3:26 PM)

There's a good possibility, although I have not heard of a date set in stone yet for Abraham-Dirrell, which is the Jan. Super Six fight.

Jake (Franklin, TN)

According to Tim Graham, you have issues... though his way of admitting he can't carry your jockstrap when it comes to chats.http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/5423/espn-coms-shining-jewel-afc-east-chat-wrap

Dan Rafael

  (3:27 PM)

I saw that. Tim is my man. I did email him to let him know that the chat in question actually was 3 1/2 hours, not just 3 hours.

Green (New York)

Will Pac/Cotto do over 1 million PPV buys?

Dan Rafael

  (3:28 PM)

Yes. If 1 million people buy it.

Dan Rafael

  (3:31 PM)

OK, Freaks, thanks for the chat. Glad the hotel didn't burn down during the fire alarm! I'm headed for the weigh in. Hope you check out today's notebook and the various news stories from the week. Enjoy the fights this weekend and talk to you next week from Las Vegas. And let's hear it for the World Champion New York Yankees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace.