Dan Rafael

  (12:10 PM)

Greetings from San Antonio Fight Freaks! Big fight weekend. Sorry I'm a few minutes late, some ESPN technical issues, but I am here. Chavez-Rubio and Donaire-Vazquez tomorrow night plus a nice FNF tonight with Chilemba-Miranda. Plenty to discuss! So let's get to it,

JoJo (Thousand Oaks, CA)

Is JCC Jr. doomed to be labeled a "Paper Champion" until he fights Martinez? Do you think boxing fans will eventually grow tired of him if he doesnt fight Martinez or Canelo?

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

He is a paper champion for sure, but he can prove himself by beating one quality guy after another even if he doesn't face Martinez. But Rubio is a good start toward his legitimacy.

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

I feel a little ill by the way as I just saw El President Jose Sulaiman of the wretched WBC in the hotel lobby.

Keith H (Seattle)

Good morning, Dan. RIP to Angelo Dundee. On the Mt. Rushmore of Boxing Trainers, I'd have Angelo, Eddie Futch, Emanuel Steward and Freddie Roach. Who would be on your Mt. Rushmore?

Dan Rafael

  (12:13 PM)

Your list is outstanding.

JoJo (Thousand Oaks, CA)

Can we give Mayweather some credit for fighting Cotto at 154 and not forcing a catchweight? A fight for a title should be fought at the title limit, not a catchweight. I give him props for exposing himself to additional risk because I'm sure he couldve forced Cotto to fight him at 150.

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 PM)

I dont have a huge problem with catch weights if one guy is legitimately moving up in weight but I do give Floyd credit for the 154 weight. Good for him.

Ken (Cleveland)

Hey Dan, do you think a Chavez loss would be better for boxing as a whole so they would quit trying to protect the '0'?

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 PM)

No, I dont think it is "better for boxing" if a guy who is very popular, sells a ton of tickets and scored major HBO ratings loses.

Sal Rangel (El Paso, TX)

I'm pumped for this weekend! What are your official picks?

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

I like Donaire by knockout mid-rounds and the main event I have gone back and forth on but I think Chavez gets it done.

JoJo (Thousand Oaks, CA)

Remember the Dalimo, does Rubio have a realistic chance against JCC Jr.?

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

Definitely. Rubio has a huge heart and excellent power.

Rob (Denton, Tx)

Floyd is fighting at 154 but didnt he say he would fight Martinez at 150 or am I making that up ?

Dan Rafael

  (12:16 PM)

He said that.

Gary (Ft. Wayne, IN)

do you think David Lemieux will return to relevance?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

Sure doesn't seem that way. That loss to Rubio shattered him I think.

Darren (Dallas,Tx)

DTM, I tried to get you a special guest for the chat today. @ashleyferrara, the ring card girl for tom night. She knows her boxing!

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

I just saw her in the lobby.

Justin (Seattle)

DTM, care to comment on any dancing plans for the weekend? I understand you intend to Salsa on Sunday. #Giants

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

I will salsa when the Giants win the Super Bowl!!!

Nizzi (Des Moines)

Dan, are we going to be watching a better Rubio tomorrow night than the one who faced Pavlik several years ago?

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

I dont know about better. Rubio is what he is. He gave Pavlik a solid fight.

KK (GR)

JCC jr is starting to grow on me after watching is last 4 or 5 fights. All very entertaining. Will he have to leave Arum for the Canelo fight to happen?

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

Chavez has always been entertaining. As for Canelo, I think the weight is a big issue right now. Also, what if Canelo left Golden Boy to make the fight? It's a two-way street.

Mike (San Diego)

Dan, I see that Vanes Martirosyan is fighting on the Chavez undercard. Is he still being trained by Freddie Roach?

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

Yes, Vanes is on the card, just spoke to him a few minutes before beginning the chat. Freddie does work with him.

Chris C (Washington DC)

Hey Dan, I know both sides in the pac-mayweather disaster messed up but who would you blame more for this round of failed negotiations? Arum's stubbornness or Mayweather's refusal of 50-50 (or 55-45 to winner)?

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

They are both to blame.

Steve (Hartford)

Is Hopkins/Dawson II official ? When do tix go on sale?

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

The fight is made and will happen April 28 in AC. But the promoters are still working the money out with HBO, so until that's all set no tickets on sale yet. Way too early anyway.

Joe (Pittsburgh)

Dan, do you give Bradley any chance against Pacquaio?

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

Sure. He's fast, he's young, he's experienced, he's hungry and he has a hard head.

Ollie (San Antonio)

Welcome to the great city of San Antonio Dan!! If Chavez wins how soon can we see him against Maravilla Martinez? Chavez bores me and I would love to see him get destroyed. Hope to see you at the fight tomorrow I got free tickets and can't wait to see Donaire in person!

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

I dont think we're going to see Martinez-Chavez for a long time if ever.

C.M. (Toronto)

The Danchurian Candidate. My opinion is that Pacquiao feels he has his legacy secured, so he is starting to ease up. Mayweather is realizing his isn't, so he has been amping it up. Your take?

Dan Rafael

  (12:23 PM)

Dont agree. Both guys have secured all-time legacies except have not faced each other.

pedro (miami)

good morning, dan. now that rigondeaux is a full wba champion , do you think or heard he will fight donaire , any news who his next opponent will be? hope arum doesnt marinate this rigo donaire as he did gamboa lopez. thanks.

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

If Donaire wins tomorrow they have other plans for him and Rigondeaux is not on top of the list. Donaire would likely face Arce and Nishioka in his next fights in whichever order.

the duder (Portland, OR)

Is Bradley a lock for Manny in June? What do you think of that fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:25 PM)

It is not a LOCK. I think it gets done, but it is not done yet. Mike Koncz, Manny's adviser, will be in San Antonio to talk with Arum and he told me they plan to make a deal this weekend on some fight, but I think the other guys -- Peterson and Marquez -- are still possible, even if Bradley is the favorite to get the fight.

Erick (Monterrey)

Hello Dan! I heard something about Marquez vs. Peterson... what about Peterson-Khan II?

Dan Rafael

  (12:26 PM)

Peterson will be in one of those fights. Neither is off the table.

Ed (Mission Viejo)

hey Dan! first let me say GO GIANTS!!! do you know when tickets go on sale for Cotto vs Mayweather?

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 PM)

I asked Richard Schaefer about this yesterday -- he said probably late February.

Fabian (San Francisco)

Kirkland vs Canelo or Kirkland vs Martinez....which fight would you rather see?

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

Canelo-Kirkland please.

Isai (OKC)

How does Marquez vs Peterson do on PPV? With a solid undercard, maybe a Chavez Jr. vs Margarito, I can see it doing respectable numbers.

Dan Rafael

  (12:29 PM)

First off there is zero chance of seeing Chavez Jr on an undercard. Second, Peterson vs Marquez could be done on PPV and probably with good date, site and promotion, do something like 200,000 PPVs.

Victor (Chicago, IL)

Why couldn't the Lara and Russell fights for next week have been moved to a small ballroom or casino and moved to say a Shobox event?

Dan Rafael

  (12:30 PM)

It just wasnt.

Dan Rafael

  (12:31 PM)

Here's my feature on JC Jr. http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/7536736/julio-cesar-chavez-jr-tough-marco-antonio-rubio

Horn (Vegas)

Do you think that Koncz made Pacman look like a fool for not initially reporting Mayweather's stance on the earnings?

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

Not at all, he was keeping it private as he was asked to do before Mayweather went public.

Ed (Mission Viejo)

Thanks! Dan. Any info on who Canelo will fight? Is Mosley really an option?

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

Yes, Mosley is an option.

Tom (Coventry, England)

What excites you more as a contest - Mayweather/Cotto or Pacman/Bradley?

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

Mayweather-Cotto.

Ryu (Japan)

If a fight for some reason was cancelled like Ortiz-Berto, how will the trainers get paid?

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

They wont, and neither will the fighters.

Boxingtitan (Big Apple NYC)

Hey Dan is Lamont Peterson a free agent or did Top Rank resign him?

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

At the moment, he is a free agent.

Andrew M (DC)

Danimosity, did you ever give much credence to the Cotto-Chavez Jr. talk? Seemed crazy to me to talk of matching a guy who's not big at 154 with a dude who walks in the ring at 180.

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 PM)

Had Cotto stayed with TR, yes, Chavez was possible.

Steve (Hartford)

What kind of ppv #s would you expect Mayweather/Cotto to do?

Dan Rafael

  (12:34 PM)

It will be huge. And if Canelo is on the undercard huger. I think it could easily do 1.5 million.

jim (Dallas, Tx)

When Floyd is motivated, him and his team appear to be a step or two ahead of Arum and Top Rank, imo. Landing Cotto was the best decision outside of Manny he could have made and it also screwed Bob and company because they wanted to fight Cotto

Dan Rafael

  (12:37 PM)

I agree that Cotto was the next best option. I dont think it was just to screw with TR but Mayweather probably views that as a bonus.

Mateo (Peoria, IL)

What's your thoughts on the FNF, Miranda vs. Chilemba? Chilemba taking the fight on 3 weeks notice and Miranda being a spent fighter, might be the only thing making this one watchable.

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

It's a good match, one I like better than the original (Miranda-Despiagne 2). We'll see how Chilemba deals with a solid pro. And we'll see if Miranda has anything left.

Radu (Romania)

Greetings from Europe! Who do you have in this weekend's Steve Cunningham vs Yoan Pablo Hernandez cruiserweight matchup? It seems to me Sauerland are ready to throw Cunningham under the bus and go with the younger Hernandez. I fear an unpopular decision is in store.

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

I could see another controversial situation but I think Cunningham is a better fighter. But Hernandez is younger and was a great amateur. For some reason, I lean to Hernandez again.

Ricky (Ny)

Hey Dan settle this debate....I think morales beats marquez and my brother thinks the opposite wat do you think?

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

I just want to see the fight.

Darryl p (Indianapolis)

Any chance the Floyd fight will be on showtime? And if so? Wil that be a blow for ken hershman and his first year on the job?

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

Anything is possible but I believe Mayweather will be on HBO PPV.

Clark (Madison)

How upset is Arum over Cotto-Mayweather?

Dan Rafael

  (12:40 PM)

I dont think he is upset at all. He appreciates that Cotto lived up to his contract and was man enough to inform Top Rank of his decision before it was made public. They part for now on good terms and it wont surprise me in the least if Cotto is back with TR before his career is over.

Moscow (Philadelphia)

Who won the purse bid for Mike Jones v Bailey fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:41 PM)

It was called off as the IBF said it was informed they made a deal.

Julian (Davenport, IA)

Hey Dan, have you seen the trash-talk going on from Vazquez Jr's wife on twitter lately? haha. Have you ever seen a spouse talk trash for the fighter? its new to me. Have fun in Texas

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

I've seen it and it is mildly amusing. Maybe the wives can fight on the undercard? I wouldn't mess with Rachel Donaire though -- she's a black belt.

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

I've seen it and it is mildly amusing. Maybe the wives can fight on the undercard? I wouldn't mess with Rachel Donaire though -- she's a black belt.

Dave (Bethel, CT)

Dan had Miguel Cotto signed a long term deal w/ Golden Boy or is he on a fight by fight basis for now?

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

It is not a long term deal.

Marc (Malden, MA)

With Floyd fighting Cotto in May, then going to jail for 6 months...guessing the earliest he could fight Manny is May 2013?

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

Some folks seem to think this November is possible but I just dont see it. Figure Floyd gets out of jail with good behavior in mid-July. I mean it is possible but maybe after being in jail Floyd won't want to go right back to training? Maybe Floyd gets into some beef in jail and winds up doing the full six months? Who knows.

Kevin (Boston)

There are only 90 days in 6 months?

Dan Rafael

  (12:44 PM)

His sentence is 87 days but it is suspended from 6 months. If he gets in trouble, he could be made to do three more months.

jim (Dallas, Tx)

Floyd will be out after 30 days...tops. Follow the money...

Dan Rafael

  (12:45 PM)

If you followed the money he wouldnt be doing a single day. He will do more than 30 days, according to the court.

Steve (Hartford)

If Marquez and Peterson take interim bouts , any word on potential opponents?

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 PM)

That's a lotta ifs.

the duder (Portland, OR)

The three boxers my mom knows: May, Manny, and Cotto. No Timothy Bradley.

Frank (PHX)

Dan the man, isn't Marquez and Peterson both free agents? If they both fight each other why is Top Rank gonna promote it?

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

Marquez is with Fernando Beltran.

Richie (Bronx NY)

Looking forward to On Roach tonight? Cause i believe you haven't seen this episode..

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

I have only seen the first 2, so this one will be new. I will watch it when I get home on the DVR since I am in San Antonio.

Aaron (miami)

whats up DTM is gamboa rios a lock?

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 PM)

It is being worked on.

Samuel (Durham)

Outside of the PPV and tickets, where does the huge money needed to put on mega fights come from?

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 PM)

Live gate for a big fight is millions, so is sponsor money and foreign TV sales.

John (PHX)

So, after your constant bashing of Guzman, are you going to try and justify ESPN putting him on TV?

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 PM)

Nope, I hate that he is being shown and have voiced my opion.

Boxingtitan (Big Apple NYC)

Dan any chance Goldenboy will add Robert Guerraro to the undercard on May 5?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

I would say that might be possible.

Gerardo (AZ)

Dan, was Don King always Chavez's promoter? Did Arum promote him at any point?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

Chavez spent time with both.

Joe (San Francisco, CA)

An added bonus of fighting Bradley is that Pacquiao will get headbutted and Arum can use that as an excuse to further delay a Mayweather fight...

Joe (PA)

Do you think by asking for more than 50/50, Floyd was trying to get out of fighting Manny?

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 PM)

I know that insisting on the lion's share Mayweather knew there was no chance. That says a lot.

Warren (NZ)

Is there still a Top Rank after Bob Arum?

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 PM)

Definitely. They have a good organization and Todd duBoef is heir apparent.

MacDaddy (Philly)

Dantastic, can Manny get 1.25 million buys with Bradley?? that would be an amazing number and prove he is a monster draw regardless of what MM says.

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

I think that could be tough.

Sal Rangel (El Paso, TX)

What next for Joel Julio?

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. Nothing at the moment.

Anthony (Bronx, NY)

Wouldn't Bradley be somewhat of a dangerous opponent for Pac only in the way he leads with his head? Plus lefty righty matchups always tend to produce headbutts. I'm sure Arum/Pac camp wouldn't want this going to an early scorecard.

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

That is a concern to Koncz, yes.

Andrew M (DC)

San Dantonio, who's the biggest puncher in the welterweight division in your eyes?

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

Love the name. I would say maybe Maidana now that he is a welter, but we have to see how he does at the weight. Ortiz is a good puncher also.

phil (boston)

how many rounds is maidana vs alexander?

Dan Rafael

  (12:55 PM)

10. Read the sked.

Chris (Los Angeles, CA)

If you were advising Pacquiao, would you accept less than 50/50 or 55(winner)/45?

Dan Rafael

  (12:55 PM)

No way.

Steve (DC)

Does Larry Merchant's HBO deal change with Ken Hershman now in charge?

Dan Rafael

  (12:56 PM)

No contracts can just be changed just because a new person runs a department. They are legal documents. Besides, Larry is here in San Antonio and rearing to go.

Fabian (San Francisco)

Dan, if Mayweather outsells Pacman this on there upcoming fights doesn't that just make his case for "lion's share" ring louder?

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 PM)

Read my lips: It's a 50-freakin-50-fight.

Esteban (PHX)

Any news on the Erik Morales fight is it back on ?

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 PM)

Yes, it is March 24.

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

Freaks, please, read the sked before you ask: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?page=boxing/schedule/index

Jose (NY)

I think Vasquez JR upsets Nonito. Would you consider that an upset, even though Nonito is moving up in weight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

Yes, I would consider it an upset, definitely.

Darryl p (Indianapolis)

So with berto out will Ortiz wait r look for a new fight?

Dan Rafael

  (12:59 PM)

Depends on just how long Berto will be out.

Tom (Pittsburgh)

The fact that mayweather wouldn't agree to 50/50 or 55(winner)/45 and is willing to fight cotto at 154 but would make martinez drop to 150 speaks volumes IMO...nothing has changed in the past 2 years. The fight is FAR from happening.

Michael C (Houston, TX)

Did Juan Diaz ever go to law school?

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

Not yet. I actually was hanging with Ronnie Shields (Diaz trainer) yesterday because he has a kid on tomorrow's show. He said Juan has not gone to law school yet but plans to. Juan has been running his construction company.

chris k (dc)

Do you believe Mayweather's side of his version of what happened with Josie? He made himself sound like he was the good guy in that situation.

Dan Rafael

  (1:01 PM)

I wasnt there. I have no opinion other than that something happened that was not good.

evan (work)

do you think thomas dulorme will stay at 147 or move up to 154?

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 PM)

He just got to 147. He'll be there for awhile I believe.

Gerardo (AZ)

Dan, I think you have done a good job picking prospects of the year, but can you imagine if you had picked Lemieux instead of Canelo in '10, as others did? The haters would be all over you. I'm sure you at least considered him, right?

Dan Rafael

  (1:03 PM)

Of course I considered him as would any other person on the planet who picks prospects. They are PROSPECTS, meaning they have POTENTIAL. Some make it, some don't.

Richie (Bronx NY)

Dan, is there a reason Arum never releaseed Pac/Marq, Cotto/Marg numbers?

Dan Rafael

  (1:05 PM)

He doesnt want to release any PPV numbers anymore, good or bad.

Joe (PA)

Do you think Vitali vs David Haye will actually happen, or is Haye too much of a chicken?

Dan Rafael

  (1:05 PM)

No idea, but hope it doesnt happen. Toe doesnt deserve a shot. He's a fraud.

Charlie (Tampa)

So Dan , Is Chavez going to prove he is the "best middleweight in the world " on sat ?

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 PM)

No, because he's not.

Marc (Malden, MA)

How much of a chance to you give Cotto?

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 PM)

Cotto has a shot, but obviously is the underdog.

Jesus (Riverside, CA)

Any chance we see Pac-Clottey 2?

Dan Rafael

  (1:06 PM)

Any chance we see you play in traffic?

Brooks (New Hampshire)

Hey Dan - Have we seen the last of Chuck Giampa on Shobox or will Showtime give him another shot? That was tough to watch.

Dan Rafael

  (1:07 PM)

Ummm, I forgot what to write.

Don (NJ)

Do you not rate Haye as a cruiserweight?

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

Toe was a good cruiserweight and legit champ, but a fraud as a heavyweight.

Jose (NY)

CruuuuuuuuuuuuuuzzzGo BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom (Pittsburgh)

I would rather play in traffic than watch pac-clottey 2 (or 1 again)

Wes (San Francisco)

What do you see as the max weight for Donaire in his career?

Dan Rafael

  (1:09 PM)

He says 130 and that seems reasonable.

Mike (Oklahoma)

Hey Dan! how much of a shot do you give Chisora against Vitali? I love Klitschkos but would love to see them get at least some competition

Dan Rafael

  (1:09 PM)

I think Chisora, whatever happens, will be in there giving maximum effort and could make it fun and push Vitali a little. He sure knows how to deal with size. I'm looking forward to calling the fight for Epix.

ryan (liverpool uk)

eddie hearn said that barker is set to fight pirog and hbo are going to show it in the us you heard anything

Dan Rafael

  (1:10 PM)

Haven't heard that but it's an OK fight.

Jose (NY)

Feb 18th SHowtime card- will that have all 3 fights on TV?

Dan Rafael

  (1:11 PM)

Arreola will be most like on Showtime Extreme.

Richie (Bronx NY)

Did you have opportunity to interview Angelo Dundee?

Dan Rafael

  (1:12 PM)

Yes, many times. Loved the guy.

Dan Rafael

  (1:12 PM)

Here's the column I did after Angelo passed: http://espn.go.com/blog/dan-rafael/post/_/id/722/dundee-a-great-ambassador-for-boxing

Edwin (Houston)

Whatever happened to Danny Jacobs?

Dan Rafael

  (1:13 PM)

He is recovering from cancer.

Dan Rafael

  (1:13 PM)

He is recovering from cancer.

Joe (ny)

is the dude paul williams is fighting the same guy that ko'd kirkland

Dan Rafael

  (1:14 PM)

Yes.

Nizzi (Des Moines)

Dan, was Tyson/Lewis a 50-50 split?

Dan Rafael

  (1:17 PM)

Something in the water today with all the insanity being put into queue? You guys have all lost your minds today.

Fabian (San Francisco)

Dan, tell me this will boxing ever be ran like a legit sport with one belt per division one sanctioning body?

Dan Rafael

  (1:19 PM)

No.

Richard (Allentown, PA)

We are insane an injured Toe will do that to you.

Dan Rafael

  (1:19 PM)

In San An-toe-nio?

Anthony (Los Angeles)

Dan$$, Your thoughts on Delahoya Tweeting and saying Casamayor gave Bradley a run for his money...Was Oscar smoking weed with Casamayor prior to the fight??

Dan Rafael

  (1:20 PM)

Casamayor was a DEAD man in that fight did not give Bradley a run for anything.

Ryan (Uk)

Who is the love child?! And why?

Dan Rafael

  (1:20 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child

Matt (Lincoln, NE)

Dan, is there any news on Delvin Rodriguez's next fight?

Dan Rafael

  (1:20 PM)

Nothing at the moment.

Jose (San Antonio)

Did you enjoy your meal last night ?

Dan Rafael

  (1:21 PM)

A bunch of us went to some local Mexican joint (have no idea of the name) and it was excellent.

Lee (Los Angeles, CA)

Dan, I challege Floyd to a fight on PPV. 95% to me 5% to him. If he does not accept, then it is clear he is ducking me.

the duder (Portland, OR)

Not knowing who the Love Child is is cause for banishment.

C.M. (Toronto)

R.I.P. Angelo Dundee. Absolute legend of this sport.

Newt (Jacksonville)

Can Arum really sell Timothy Bradley to the public? Talk about a true test of 24/7's brilliance ...

Dan Rafael

  (1:23 PM)

He'll have his work cut out for him.

Mike (miami)

Hey Dan; can u gives 3 reasons why Rigondeax-Donaire won't happen this year ? Thank you

Dan Rafael

  (1:24 PM)

Donaire has bigger fish to fry and Rigondeaux means absolutely zero comercially.

Derek (Toronto)

Perhaps Dirrell Promotions can merge with Winky Promotions to form a new promotional powerhouse focused on world domination.

Chris (Michigan)

Hey Dan who was Bernard Hopkins' promoter before he went with Golden Boy? and did he ever have problems with his past promoters?

Dan Rafael

  (1:25 PM)

He had briefly been with Top Rank and before that for many years with Don King.

Mike (NJ)

Worst behind the mic...Giampa or Ferdie Pacheco?

Dan Rafael

  (1:26 PM)

Ferdie was horrible.

Lee (Los Angeles, CA)

Bernard was with Lou DiBella too and had an ugly ugly breakup.

Dan Rafael

  (1:27 PM)

Correct. DiBella, then King, then Top Rank, then GB.

Junior (Long Beach, CA)

Donaire vs Mares...Will we ever see this matchup DTM>>>???

Dan Rafael

  (1:27 PM)

Unlikely right now given the promotional issues.

Junior (Long Beach, CA)

Dan, One more question. Any word on ANGULO? Did De La Hoya abandoned his newly adopted DOG?

Dan Rafael

  (1:30 PM)

Have not heard anything specific on when he will come back but I would imagine we'll see him on one of GB's Televisa cards in Mexico.

Chris (NYC)

How cool was it on RAW the other day when the Undertaker came out to challenge Triple H?

Dan Rafael

  (1:30 PM)

Loved it!!!

Andrew M (DC)

Danterior cruciate ligament, any word on what Mr. Gary Russell will do now that Ortiz-Berto is off?

Dan Rafael

  (1:31 PM)

Like all of the fighters on the card, wait for GB to resked or find a new spot for them.

Danny (Chicago)

DTM- how was your encounter earlier with "El Presidente " ? Any words spoken ?

Dan Rafael

  (1:32 PM)

Didnt speak to him, just saw him across the lobby.

Kevin (Boston)

How cool was it on RAW the other day when YOUR COLUMN was shown on TV.

Dan Rafael

  (1:33 PM)

I liked that. Got a kick out of it.

Joe (Vancouver)

RIP Wayne Kelly. He died of a heart attack on Wednesday morning. Kelly was a Vietnam veteran, a pro boxer in the 70s and one of boxing's best referees during the past two decades.

Dan Rafael

  (1:33 PM)

Yes, I heard about that. Was a shame to hear that. I met Wayne many times over the years. Didn't really know him but always came across as a nice guy and a real big boxing fan aside from his referee assignments.

Charles (DFW)

Curious that I didn't see Rafael Marquez' name in the mix for Nonito at 122. Has that fight been discussed at all?

Dan Rafael

  (1:35 PM)

That has not come up.

Michael C (Houston, TX)

Alamodome is a huge venue. I know they have an end zone arrangement for seating. Does the set up take anything away from the fight atmosphere?

Dan Rafael

  (1:36 PM)

I was there yesterday for the presser and saw how it is set up. They have it curtained off on one end to set it for about 13,000. It will look good.

Fabian (San Francisco)

Order these things in importance to you...........Giants Superbowl, Wrestlemania, Pacman vs Mayweather!!!

Dan Rafael

  (1:37 PM)

Giants Super Bowl, WrestleMania and Pac-May (last because it aint happening).

Danny (Chicago)

Donaire has bigger fish to fry then Rigo ? Rigo would destroy anybody else at 122

Dan Rafael

  (1:38 PM)

He means nothing to the public right now. Brings not one dollar to the table.

Jaime (San Diego)

How do you rate Mercito Gesta as a prospect?

Dan Rafael

  (1:38 PM)

He's been a pro for like 8 years. He's not as prospect.

Eddie (Da Bronx)

Chat is boring today. Anybody have any "interesting" questions?

Dan Rafael

  (1:41 PM)

No, Freaks off their game today.

Benjamin (Little Rock, Ark.)

Dan, Freddie Roach tweeted yesterday that Floyd was wanting a 70-30 split. I hadn't heard any tangible numbers; just rumors. Do we know what split Floyd actually wanted?

Dan Rafael

  (1:42 PM)

I dont know the exact split he offered but they had agreed to 50-50 2 years ago.

julio (dfw)

We're not on our game cause we're still angry at the jerking around we've gotten from Mayweather and Pacquiao.

Harry (Tampa)

Do you watch a Puno Limpio on WAPA. Good card tonight. The Arroyo Brothers.

Dan Rafael

  (1:44 PM)

Yes. My cable system just added WAPA late last year. I have the show set for the DVR.

Anthony (Bronx, NY)

We suck today because we're all thinking about Big Blue in the Super Bowl!!! What's your official prediction DTM?

Dan Rafael

  (1:46 PM)

GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Petr (Ukraine)

What about Andy Lee's mysterious 'bigger fight' that put him off HBO 3/17 card? Looks like Sturm is gonna fight either Zbik or Golovkin next...

Dan Rafael

  (1:46 PM)

Lee is stuck with nothing. I never believed he would get Sturm next anyway, saving face because of the mess the HBO fight was turning into.

Benjamin (Little Rock, Ark.)

Got a favorite Angelo Dundee story you can share, Dan?

Dan Rafael

  (1:49 PM)

Read my blog and you will see it.

Tom (Pittsburgh)

I'm surprised there's not more mayweather/cotto buzz. Are the questions just that bad? I do find it very intriguing floyd is going to 154. Cotto ain't martinez but he ain't margarito either. Lets remember Floyd did get wobbled by an old 147lb mosley.

Dan Rafael

  (1:50 PM)

More buzz? The fight was announced Wednesday. There will be plenty of buzz and discussion.

the duder (Portland, OR)

I don't think we suck today, I think the chat has plaster wraps...

Dan Rafael

  (1:50 PM)

Pay the man, Shirley.

Anthony (Houston)

What prompted you to watch the UFC on Fox?

Dan Rafael

  (1:52 PM)

I was home, there was no boxing on and it was free, so I checked it out.

steve (dallass)

what do you think of hylon williams, the prospect on FNF tonight?

Dan Rafael

  (1:53 PM)

Seen him a bunch of times. Good skills, was a terrific amateur, no power and I find him not very fan friendly, although he is talented.

Jess (AZ)

Do you think Povetkin will struggle without Teddy Atlas?

Dan Rafael

  (1:54 PM)

I think he can beat Huck without Teddy but obviously Teddy has been a big boost for him.

Dan Rafael

  (1:56 PM)

OK, Freaks, thanks for chatting today. I have to head over to the weigh in. Hope you enjoy the fights this weekend. Check me out on Twitter @danrafaelespn as I will tweet stuff from the weigh in as well as thru the card tomorrow night. Talk to you next week. Peace.