Dan Rafael

  (11:59 AM)

Greetings Fight Freaks and welcome to the chat! Big weekend of fights with Showtime covering Williams-Ishida, Cloud-Campillo and Arreola-Molina (on Showtime Extreme)and Epix covering Vitali Klitshcko-Dereck Chisora on Saturday. And dont forget there is FNF tonight and Thomas Dulorme on ShoBox tonight. New notebook is up, Klitscho feature and plenty of news and blogs (and an updated schedule) so check it all out and let's get to it!

Dominique (Quebec)

Earlier today, Dereck Chisora slapped Vitali Klitschko during the weigh-in. Vitali didn't retaliate. Who is mentally prepared for the fight and who isn't? Duh...

Dan Rafael

  (12:01 PM)

I watched the video of that. Biggest mistake Chisora ever made. Klitshcko is a an assassin. He is calm and cool and will make Chisora pay. I think Chisora is insecure. I am looking forward to the fight though.

Mike (NY)

I was thinking of attending the Pacquiao-Bradley press conference in NY at Chelsea Piers on Thursday. I would love to get a picture with Pacquiao, do you think there is any chance of that?

Dan Rafael

  (12:02 PM)

It is open to the public and should be fun if you've never been to something like that. But I wouldnt count on getting a picture with Pacquiao. It will be crowded and lots of people will want the same as you. Go and have fun and if you get a chance for a photo, great. But I wouldnt count on it.

Dan (London)

I don't think Chisora will have a chance to blame his toe after that slap!

Chris (Rotterdam Jct, NY)

Chirosa's slap was stupid...but it makes this a must see event. Chirosa will show more than David Haye and at least he will go out swinging. That's all you can ask for!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:03 PM)

Well if he was trying to drum up publicity, he did it. In the US the fight is live at 4:30 pm ET on Epix and EpixHD.com. I'm headed to New York later today because I will be broadcasting the bout from the studio with Bruce Beck and Freddie Roach.

Martin (NYC)

Excited about Rios-Gamboa. I like Gamboa to play safe first 5 rounds and sweep the rest of the rounds on purely boxing ability. Gamboa UD12 maybe SD12

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 PM)

Tremendous fight and I can't wait!!! April 14 on HBO at Mandalay Bay.

MM (Chicago)

Do you think Paul Williams will ever be in a big fight again? Against who?

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 PM)

Guess that depends what happens tomorrow.

Martin (NYC)

I'm calling an upset this weekend - Campillo SD12 Cloud. I think Campillo withstands the early rounds to sweep the final 5 rounds. Am I crazy?

Dan Rafael

  (12:04 PM)

No crazy, but he is the underdog for a reason. I like Cloud to win but I do think it's a very solid fight and should be quite entertaining.

Mike (Miami)

Any news about Lara ?

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

Up in the air right now. He was supposed to fight Ronald Hearns on Showtime under Ortiz-Berto 2 before it was postponed. Not sure if he will wait to the new date or the fight will be resked sooner.

Mike (Miami)

Why is Alexander-Maidana 10 rounds ?

Dan Rafael

  (12:05 PM)

That is what the sides agreed on and since it is not for a title it no problem.

robert (laredo, tx)

DANIMAL!!! i did my homework....read monday's notebook, division standings, blogs, ring tones, and todays story on paul williams!

Dan Rafael

  (12:06 PM)

If you were a real Fight Freak you'd know the notebook is on Friday and Monday is the scorecard!

Benjamin (Little Rock, Ark.)

If Ishida beats Williams, which is odd to think about, what kind of interest would an Ishida-Kirkland rematch create?

Dan Rafael

  (12:06 PM)

Definitely would create interest.

slam (mia)

i would like to see paul williams vs pavlik. Could be kind of entertaining.

Dan Rafael

  (12:07 PM)

I agree, although they are separated by weight at the moment. Paul is at 154 and Pavik at 168, but I do think maybe in the future it could happen in the mid 60s.

Justin (Denver)

Campillo has it in him to be one heck of a spoiler

Dan Rafael

  (12:07 PM)

Agreed.

paul (Concord, CA)

"Klitshcko is a an assassin." Post-fight headlines.

Dan (DC)

Picks for the weekend?

Dan Rafael

  (12:09 PM)

I like Williams, Cloud, Klitschko. I like all the favorites but I think Cloud-Campillo could be the fight of the weekend.

Charlie (Chicago, IL)

Whens the last fight we've had where the opinions on who will win have been split as evenly as they are between Rios and Gamboa?

Dan Rafael

  (12:12 PM)

It is amazing. Totally divergent. People I hear from either think it's a Gamboa massacre or a Rios blowout. I love it!

Brian (RI)

Rios looked like death last time he tried to make 135lb....Gamboa will destroy him

Dan Rafael

  (12:14 PM)

Many think that. For what it's worth, he's working with a nutritionist and not making weight stupidly by just not eating. It probably will make a big difference. He also started to train at a much lower weight than he had blown up to before the Murrary fight.

Roy (Reno)

Rios by devastating KO!

Dan Rafael

  (12:15 PM)

And the other half say Gamboa the same way!

Jeff (Greensboro)

Dan, has EPIX decided if they are going to air any undercard bouts tomorrow?

Dan Rafael

  (12:17 PM)

My understanding is we may show the Banks fight, or part of it, or highlights, depending on the length of the main evnet.

Rick (San Diego)

Dan, do you consider Vitali to be a great heavyweight? Even if you wouldn't rank him with Ali, Foreman, Frazier, Dempsey, etc., he has been so dominant in his era -- his two losses were both in fights he was winning and due to injury -- I'm starting to coming around to that view. I don't view Wladamir the same way.

Dan Rafael

  (12:18 PM)

I had that exact conversation with a top boxing person this morning. I do believe he is a great heavyweight and would have competed with any heavyweight ever. He is huge, skilled, powerful, smart and always in tremendous condition.

Nick (Chicago)

Dan, what's next for Abner Mares? Not a lot of options @ 122 for a Golden Boy fighter, most of the top guys are with TR and getting in line for Nonito.

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

April 21 on Showtime, probably vs Eric Morel.

Juan (PR)

Great notebook today, esp note on Maidana-Dulorme training together. Both hard working, exciting fighters. Pushing each other to get better. We have seen Dulorme's skills in the ring, this shows he has the right attitude and mentality.

Dan Rafael

  (12:19 PM)

I love Dulorme's attitude and always hear great things about his work ethic. And he's a smart fighter too. I'm looking forward to his ShoBox fight tonight. I hope my NY hotel has Showtime or I will have to catch it Sunday.

Bob (IN)

Why is Chisora getting this fight coming off of a loss?

Dan Rafael

  (12:21 PM)

Did you watch his last fight vs Helenius? It was one of the worst robberies of the year. He didnt only beat Helenius he did it fairly easily and got robbed. He was in great shape, made it exciting and showed a good chin. He got the fight and I have no problem with it.

Chris (Los Angeles, CA)

What are the chances of a Gamboa - Gary Russell fight down the road? How sick would the hand speed in that fight be?

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

Down the road it would be sick. If it ever happens though, it's probably a long time away.

Larry (New Orleans, LA)

When are the Mayweather/Cotto tickets going on sale?

Dan Rafael

  (12:22 PM)

TBA. When it is announced I will tweet the info and write about it. Follow me @danrafaelespn or check out my boxing Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dan-Rafael-ESPN/320596341293700

Danny (LA)

Dan, assuming Arreola wins tomorrow and Wlad wins his fight, do you think they will meet each other next? maybe this summer in the states?

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

I think that is a fight that could certainly happen in the US this year but I would think more likely the fall if it happens.

Brian (RI)

What about the Love Child?

Dan Rafael

  (12:24 PM)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. Nothing on the sked at this point unfortunately.

Fabian (CA)

Any news on Andre Ward

Dan Rafael

  (12:27 PM)

Yup. Read this: http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/7582638/andre-ward-cleared-training-long-hand-feels-ok

Dan Rafael

  (12:28 PM)

Here's my story on Rios-Gamboa being finalized today: http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/7585766/yuriorkis-gamboa-brandon-rios-fight-set-april-14

Steven (Hartford)

Hopkins/Dawson II tix? I wanna plan a trip to AC

Dan Rafael

  (12:30 PM)

Here you go: Tickets, priced at $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25, go on sale on Thursday, February 23 at 12 p.m. ET and will be available for purchase at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 736-1420 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Dan Rafael

  (12:31 PM)

By the way, before the slap, Klitshcko and Chisora weighed in. Klitschko: 243.61 lbs, Chisora: 241.185 lbs.

Joe (PA)

Has HBO decided if Max or Larry will work Mayweather-Cotto?

Dan Rafael

  (12:31 PM)

Not yet.

Marc (Claremont,Ca)

When is the Mayweather/Cotto promotional tour? is Puerto Rico on the list of stops?

Dan Rafael

  (12:32 PM)

TBA but I am told there will be three stops: LA, NY and PR.

Fabian (CA)

You think Gamboa will be affected by jumping two weight classses to face a big guy at 135? He isn't exactly known for taking a good punch.

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

Maybe but it is not that big of a jump. Remember, he fought many of his early pro fights at 130 before moving down to 126.

The Met (T.O.)

Rios-Gamboa? Suddenly I'm getting the urge to pop on Chavez-Taylor. Here's hoping Richard Steele doesn't come out of retirement to ref this one.

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

#LINSANITY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Todd (Florence, SC)

Hey Dan - What is the vacant lightweight title for which Rios and Gamboa will fight? You did not specify in the article.

Dan Rafael

  (12:33 PM)

The one Rios was stripped of.

Anthony (Sacramento )

Dan looks like April 14 with Rios-Gamboa on HBO and Kessler- Steiglitz on Showtime is going to be a heck of a fight night! I cant wait!

Dan Rafael

  (12:36 PM)

Certainly looks that way.

the duder (Portland)

I need to see Mayweather-Merchant 2.

Peter (Los Angeles)

Rios/Gamboa is going to be SIIIIIIICKKKK!!! I'm glad the promoters came together and made a great decision for the fighters and the fans. Sad that this is the exception in boxing.

Juan (PR)

After seen a picture of Shawn Estrada from yesterday, how could his team think he makes 175? Its all bad weight. I'm surprised he is *only* 196.

Dan Rafael

  (12:37 PM)

He only missed weight by 24 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Al (OH)

Is it true Pop Freitas is returning?

Dan Rafael

  (12:38 PM)

Possibly. Despite a press release saying the fight was on it is not official. There still needs to be money raised to cover it by the investment group and they have not done that yet. Popo's people do not want him to fight either. There is no done deal for this fight. Frankly, I hope it doesn't happen. Popo has been out for like 5 years and would be fighting 20 pounds heavier than he ever fought against a limited but very strong opponent.

Brooks (New Hampshire)

I'd really love the see Marquez take on the winner of Rios-Gamboa in the fall.

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

Love it.

Chris (Seattle)

7 have tried, 7 have failed #Linsanity

Rob (Williston Park, NY)

Its really a disgrace that Estrada is being allowed to fight;

Dan Rafael

  (12:39 PM)

It is shaky, I agree. I dont think he should be with that much disparity in weight.

Power Pellets (Las Vegas)

If Chisora wants a chance to win, maybe he should have Lazarte do a run in with a chair WWF style.

Dan Rafael

  (12:40 PM)

Pay the man, Shirley!!

Jerry K (Philly)

Should I buy Mayweather-Cotto PPV or Pacman-Bradley PPV, I can only afford one.

Dan Rafael

  (12:41 PM)

I cant answer that for you. Are a huge fan of one of them? Do you care about the undercards, which are not set yet?

CB (NY)

Good time to be a NY sports fan!!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:42 PM)

Yes it is!! I will get to NYC tonight for the Epix telecast tomorrow and I fully plan to buy some Giants Super Bowl gear!!!! Knicks are playing great and Yankees are stacked and spring training starts this weekend!

Jeff (Gilbert AZ)

Big D,Outside of the hideous frames lamps was wearing the last HBO telecast was the best I can remember. There were many stretches during the fight that the broadcast crew didn't say a word....It was very refreshing. Don't get me wrong, I think they are the best team in boxing but sometimes there could be less redundant chatter.

Richard (London UK)

Is it true James Toney is fighting Bobby Gunn?? GROSS!!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

That's what the promoter announced. I felt ill when I read the press release.

bk don (brooklyn)

whatever happened to freddie roache's prospect/contender Lateef kayode? any news on him?

Dan Rafael

  (12:43 PM)

He may be fighting Guillermo Jones in a mandatory for one of the belts. The fight is in discussion.

Bob (IN)

Was Chisora's last fight on TV in the US?

Dan Rafael

  (12:44 PM)

Yes, I called it on Epix.

Justin (Denver)

Any chance of HBO picking up Bute/Froch? Or they can't cuz of Bute's commitment to Showtime?

Dan Rafael

  (12:46 PM)

No chance. They turned it down even when Showtime allowed Bute out to shop the fight. But Bute still owes Showtime one more fight.

Salomon Gaxiola (Mexico)

Wow how cool it is Vitali for not hit him back, how cool would it be he saying: "I must break you" Ivan Drago Style! Lots of respect for the Brothers!

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

That would have been EPIC!!

Nick (Chicago)

Rios-Gamboa a HBO fight? Or is it going to the highest bidder?

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

It is on HBO.

Brandon (DSM)

Winky Wright - HOF?

Dan Rafael

  (12:47 PM)

Very good possibility. I am inclined to say yes.

Drew (NJ)

Is it hard to do commentary from a remote site as opposed to being ringside? I would think it would be extremely difficult to do well without being in the actual building and feeling the atmosphere.

Dan Rafael

  (12:48 PM)

It ok. We hear the crowd noise and get into it, so we're pretty excited watching even if only on a huge monitor in front of our face.

your name Mike (Emmett, ID)

Dan, love Freddie Roache's series on HBO I've seen all four of them so far

Dan Rafael

  (12:49 PM)

I have to. My DVR is set for No. 5 tonight.

Matt (Pittsburgh)

Dan, will HBO be showing any undercard fights to go with Rios/Gamboa?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

Top Rank would like to include Mike Alvarado as the co-feature and is talking to HBO about it. HBO is planning to have a second fight on the card but it depends on what they are offered.

Mike (DC)

Does Quillen-Winky have any legs?

Dan Rafael

  (12:50 PM)

It's been discussed but that is it at this point.

jordan (albuquerque )

The wbc wants to fine chisoro 50 k for that slap.. where was their insistence on a fine when floyd tried choking ortiz at their weigh in?

Dan Rafael

  (12:51 PM)

The wretched WBC makes everything up as it goes along. They're disgusting.

Besim (Staten Island, New York)

Rios/Gamboa is a fight freak kind of fight

Dan Rafael

  (12:51 PM)

100%.

Rich (NYC)

Is Alcine vs jermaine Taylor being made?

Dan Rafael

  (12:52 PM)

DiBella has mentioned Alcine, who he also promotes, as a possible opponent for Taylor.

Matt (Lincoln, NE)

Dan, your thoughts on Luis Yanez

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

Excellent amateur, disappointing as a pro, good skills, zero power. He is on the FNF card tonight, although I am not sure if his bout will be on the broadcast.

Dale (Cambridge, MA)

Funny story, my girlfriend saw I retweeted one of your posts claiming that the WBC was disgusting, and my girlfriend thanked me for taking a public stance against the Westbor Baptist Church hahahahahahaha

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

Legendary.

slam (mia)

all i know is im glad rios vs gamboa is not be allowed to marinate!!!

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

Pay the man, Shirley!

Richie (Bronx NY)

How do you personally feel about Mayweather's comments on Lin

Dan Rafael

  (12:53 PM)

Ignorant.

Horn (Vegas)

In watching 2 Day with Rios, it made me realize that making weight is sometimes the priority over the opponent a fighter is facing.

Dan Rafael

  (12:54 PM)

You're right. HBO's 2 Days piece on Rios was captivating. 15 brilliant minutes of television.

Horn (Vegas)

Chisora's slap was the cleanest hit Vitali has taken since coming out of retirement.

Dan Rafael

  (12:55 PM)

Good point.

Gabe Saginaw Mi [via mobile]

How about Marquez vs. Guerreo?

Dan Rafael

  (12:57 PM)

Would be a fine fight.

Jake (Utah)

Seriously, since Marquez has no opponent right now and Guerrero seems to want to fight anyone, why not match them up>

Dan Rafael

  (12:58 PM)

Hard to do at the moment since Robert is with GB and Marquez is with Beltran, who works with Top Rank.

Kyle (CA)

How bout them blue devils last night, one thing we can say is these boys got some fight in them this year

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

Awesome comeback against NC State!

Dinky Toy (Brooklyn)

Do you think Vitali might do a Kirk Johnson number on Del Boy and just blast him out of there early?

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

Certainly possible, although Chisora is in better shape than Johnson was.

Gil (NYC)

Sources indicte the Love Child is having a hard time dealing with your twitter relationship with Adrian Broner

Dan Rafael

  (1:00 PM)

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rick (Marina, Ca)

Is the Baby Faced Assassin Barera officially retired

Dan Rafael

  (1:01 PM)

He has never made an official announcement as far as I know.

Dominique (Quebec)

I think Vitali against a prime George Foreman would have made for one of the best fights in heavyweight history. Big George had a chin and would probably just keep coming forward.

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 PM)

That woulda been a really interesting fight. Vitali has a great chin too dont forget.

Walter (LA, CA)

Are you going to Wrestlemania 29 at MetLife Stadium next year?

Dan Rafael

  (1:02 PM)

Maybe.

CB (DC)

Has Vitali said how many more fights he plans to take?

Dan Rafael

  (1:03 PM)

Nope. Just says one fight at a time.

Joe (Tulsa, OK)

Odd for Pacquiao tickets to be on sale before Mayweather? Are they trying to undercut them?

Dan Rafael

  (1:03 PM)

It is odd, but just one of those things. Mayweather-Cotto stuff should be announced next week.

Matt (Lincoln, NE)

Dan, what are your thoughts on the Yanks getting rid of A.J.?

Dan Rafael

  (1:04 PM)

Cant come soon enough.

Mike (Boston)

Can we say now that bradley didn't necessarily do the "wrong" thing ducking kahn? It may not have been the best move b/c if he wins he gets even more $$ for pacquiao..but he got the pacquiao fight anyway which he wouldn't have gotten if he lost to kahn.

Dan Rafael

  (1:05 PM)

Whatever happened after the fact he did duck Khan. Plain and simple. He called him out, Khan accepted the challenge. Timmy didnt like the deal so Khan sweetened it and offered him 50-50. HBO was on board and thought it was done. Bradley said no and used his problems with his promoters as an excuse. He was entitled to duck the fight. It's his life and career. I like the guy and he's a good fighter. But facts are facts -- he did duck the Khan fight.

Joe (Vancouver)

Dan, why is Showtime refusing to show Froch-Bute? I think it's a more interesting matchup than over half of what they do have on.

Dan Rafael

  (1:07 PM)

They didnt do a multimillion dollar deal to have Bute fight the Super Six loser. They did it to have him fight the winner or some other major fight, perhaps at light heavyweight.

Greg (San Diego)

He did duck the fight, but he looks smart for doing it. We all had him going to the Winky Wright business school, Dan. Thoughts?

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

He has been expelled from the WWSOBB but he still ducked Khan.

Brian (RI)

Mayweather/Cotto more PPV bys than Mayweather/DLH?

Dan Rafael

  (1:08 PM)

No chance.

Ed (Mission Viejo)

Dansanity, What do you think of a JMM vs Robert Guerrero fight at 140? Thanks!

Dan Rafael

  (1:10 PM)

Good fight, but as I have said, unlikely at this point.

jordan (albuquerque)

I have been watching highlights on gennady golovkin.. this guy looks really impressive.. what are your thoughts on his chances against sergio martinez if they fight in the future

Dan Rafael

  (1:12 PM)

It's a legit fight. Golovkin was a top amateur, an Olympic silver medalist (owns an amateur KO win against Bute) and has been a good pro. I'd like to see it.

Brian (RI)

I just got slightly aroused from the thought of a Russell/Gamboa fight

Richard (Indianapolis)

Kelly Pavlik seems like he's getting his career back on track in Oxnard. Any chance he fights Chavez Jr. within the year?

Dan Rafael

  (1:14 PM)

I think that might be possible. Would be a popular fight that would generate a lot of interest and would be an action fight.

Craig D. (Philly)

Mark my words, Gamboa has no chance to KO Rios. There is a reason Gamboa took his time accepting this fight because he knows he is in peril. Rios will KO the little fella.

Dave (Alexandria)

Vitali vs Golota in their prime....who do you pick?

Dan Rafael

  (1:14 PM)

LOL. Vitali by brutal stoppage.

Rex (Chicago)

Dan I agree with you. In one sense, the ducking "paid off" for Bradley in that he got the Pac fight while Khan took a loss because he took a risk (Peterson in his hometown). However, it's both frustrating and sad that he is "rewarded" for ducking while Khan is "punished" for taking a risk.

Vic (DC)

If Vitali beat Chisora, all signs point toe-ward a fight with Haye. But it that fights doesn't happen, who else is there? Povetkin?

Dan Rafael

  (1:18 PM)

Wont be Povetkin. Hard to say who would be next. Toe-tally do not know.

Yinka Double Dare (Chicago)

I'd say the slap ensures that Chisora's going to get knocked out, but Vitali ends up with a KO against pretty much everyone anyway, so it's not much of a difference except in publicity, right?

Dan Rafael

  (1:18 PM)

Good way to look at it.

Rob (Denton, Tx)

Was HBO happy with the ratings they got for the Chavez fight ?

Dan Rafael

  (1:19 PM)

Very. It was the highest rated HBO fight in at least 2 years (not sure how far back it goes but at lest 2 years) from what I was told.

Dinky Toy (Brooklyn)

Any interest in Arreola's fight on Showtime Extreme? Is his opponent live or a just a can?

Dan Rafael

  (1:20 PM)

I'm interested because I like watching Arreola. His opponent, Eric Molina, is not very tested but has a solid record and I'd like to get a better look at him. And I am also interested to see how Showtime presents the undercard fights. So, yes, I am interested.

Matt (LA)

Didn't Peterson technically "duck" Khan at first too? He got a better deal and now look at him. Thoughts?

Dan Rafael

  (1:22 PM)

Not at all. He wasnt champion and he wasnt an opponent the world was asking for at that time. And he got a deal offered to him he didnt like so he took the eliminator for a lot less.

Mario Mungia (Corpus Christi)

In a busy fight weekend, what will King Freak be watching live and what will be DVR'ed for later viewing?

Dan Rafael

  (1:23 PM)

I will watch just about everything on DVR other than the Klitschko-Chisora fight we are broadcasting on Epix. I'll hopefully be able to watch FNF in the hotel tonight though. I'll be traveling home during tomorrow night's fights.

Derek (Boulder CO)

Dan, did you see Chris Mannix wrote he wouldn't vote Mayweather or Pacquiao as first ballot HOFers if they don't end up fighting. I think Chisora needs to smack some sense into your boy over there at SI.

Dan Rafael

  (1:24 PM)

He might be drunk in Munich on all the beer over there.

Jared (KY)

did Bernard Hopkins really lose either fight to Jermaine Taylor??? I don't think so

Dan Rafael

  (1:24 PM)

I had Taylor winning both fights closely.

Steve (Minneapolis, MN)

How can the WBC even fine Chisora? They don't handle his purse.

Dan Rafael

  (1:25 PM)

Good question. I dont think they really can. But they will try because they are money grubbing pigs.

Truckers union (Argentina)

Hi Dan, your thoughts on the Argentina boxing commission saying they have reviewed the Casimero-Lazarte riot and did not see anything/anyone that needs to be punished.

Dan Rafael

  (1:26 PM)

Reminds me of the press officer who used to go on the news and talk about how everything was great in Iraq before Sadam Hussein was overthrown.

Chris (Seattle)

Mannix must have been hanging out with Casamayor when he made that statement

Amain (Las Vegas)

Dan King, do you have TV Azteca so you can record Arce-Parra?

Dan Rafael

  (1:27 PM)

Yes sirrreeee. Ch. 403 in my system.

Dan Rafael

  (1:27 PM)

Yes sirrreeee. Ch. 403 in my system.

Shirley's sister (Ireland)

Danimal, could you give my sister Shirley some advice. She owes me money and is unclear how to clear her debt. Could you tell her how please?

Dan Rafael

  (1:32 PM)

Pay the man, Shirley!!!!

dustin (somewhere)

Dano when pbf and oscar fought did you have pbf winning?

Dan Rafael

  (1:35 PM)

Yes, 116-112 as I recall.

Frank (PHX)

If Jesse Vargas wins his next fight coming up, will he be fighting on the Mayweather undercard again?

Dan Rafael

  (1:35 PM)

I think that is the plan.

Dave, NJ [via mobile]

Why does Azteca America only show the undercards and not the main event? Hopefully they don't do this with Arce tomorrow.

Dan Rafael

  (1:37 PM)

I have no idea it is rather annoying. For what it is worth, the description of the event on my cable guide tomorrow specifically says Arce-Parra and it is a 2 1/2-hour scheduled show so I have hope.

Michael C (Houston, TX)

PacMan v Jermey Lin.....who do you like?

Dan Rafael

  (1:38 PM)

In basketball or boxing? #LINSANITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brian (RI)

Does Gamboa moving up 2 weight classes kill any chance of a Gamboa/Donaire fight?

Dan Rafael

  (1:39 PM)

Obviously for the time being. Gamboa has fights to purse at 135 and Donaire has plenty of business at 122 and eventually 126.

Dave, NJ [via mobile]

There is also a Golden Boy show on Fox Deportes. Is this a one time thing or did they come to a long term agreement?

Dan Rafael

  (1:42 PM)

Yes, this week's show, which is the Televisa card in Mexico, is on Fox Deportes in the US. My understanding is that those Golden Boy Televisa shows will not air on Fox Deportes in the US. Good for us!

Clark (Madison)

Does Morel stand any semblance of a chance against Mares if that fight gets made?

Dan Rafael

  (1:42 PM)

No and I think it's a crappy fight. Morel has never been in good fights. It's not a done deal as far as I know. Hopefully, they can get a better opponent for Mares and hopefully Showtime will insist on it.

Roberto (Sylmar )

Why is Saul "Canelo" Alvarez fighting Sugar Shane? Isn't there anyone else in that division more deserving of a title shot?

Dan Rafael

  (1:45 PM)

Of course there is but it's busines unfortunately. He is a recognized name, which is what helps sell PPV.

JJD (Seattle)

Did you ever get a definitive answer about Donaire's hand and why his wraps were so bloody after the fight? Did he pop a blood blister in there or something?

Dan Rafael

  (1:45 PM)

Yeah, I wrote about that not too long ago. He ruptured a vein in his knuckle.

Samuel (Indianapolis)

Dan do you speak spanish?

Dan Rafael

  (1:45 PM)

Un poco.

Pete (NYC)

Will Chuck Giampa be taking us inside the mind of a judge this weekend?

Dan Rafael

  (1:45 PM)

Acutally.... I forgot what I was going to write.

fabien (london)

im going to tell every one of my casual boxing fights about gamboa v rios no way thats not a sickk fight

Dan Rafael

  (1:46 PM)

Preach it Freak!

chuzen (st. louis)

i find paul williams' quote in the notebook very interesting: "He didn't get any fame and glory for winning that fight." um, paul, YOU actually got the decision, not him! it's like he subconsciously knows that he should have lost! know what im sayin?

Dan Rafael

  (1:47 PM)

I know what you're sayin.

matt (costello county,NY)

what time does the klitchsko fight start est?

Dan Rafael

  (1:47 PM)

4:30 pm ET is when the broadcast starts, not sure of the exact time he walks to the ring.

Derek (Toronto)

So let me get this straight: Paul Williams doesn't think Lara is worthy of a rematch, but he wants another crack at Sergio Martinez after getting starched?

Dan Rafael

  (1:47 PM)

You are a fine, fine reader.

Rob (Denton, Tx)

Dan, just curious. Today are you doing the chat naked with only a sombrero covering your front ?

Dan Rafael

  (1:48 PM)

LOL. Sounds a little too much like Marquez.

Tom (FL)

Dan, You said yesterday that Gamboa/Rios wasn't done. Did something change, or were you wrong?

Dan Rafael

  (1:49 PM)

I spoke to folks at Top Rank and HBO who said at that moment it was not completed yet, although it did get completd late last night. I cannot wait for this fight.

California Boxing Fan (California)

Hi Dan I just wanted to say I love your Ring Tones segments and hope they let you do more of those in the future.

Dan Rafael

  (1:50 PM)

Thanks. I'll be doing a couple of them each week.

Charles ((no longer Philly))

DTM, I moved to New York for a new job and am sub-letting around the corner from Little Muenster---good stuff!

Dan Rafael

  (1:51 PM)

Nice. Tell 'em I sent you.

Alex (Winston-Salem)

Do you see Hopkins fighting Cloud by the end of the year? That seems like the best possible fight for him at LHW.

Dan Rafael

  (1:52 PM)

No idea. BHop has a handful in front of him with Dawson. NO reason to look beyond a very tough fight at age 47.

Dan Rafael

  (1:53 PM)

Here's my Klitschko-Chisora feature: http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/7585638/vitali-klitschko-mindful-dereck-chisora-not-age

jonathan (los angeles, ca)

what up, dansta!....just out of curiosity, which would you have preferred....rios/gamboa or rios/marquez?

Dan Rafael

  (1:55 PM)

Rios-Gamboa.

Nizzi (Des Moines)

Dan, i understand that Klitschko will most likely win tomorrow, but do you think it is slightly unprofessional for him to negotiate his next fight before he current fight? He did the same thing before the Arreola fight.

Dan Rafael

  (1:55 PM)

Not at all. That's the business. It's his problem if he negotiates a fight after a fight in front of him and loses.

William (Richmond)

Super-stoked about the big EPIX HW cards coming up. Now if just DIrecTV would carry the channel.

Dan Rafael

  (1:56 PM)

If you want it you gotta call and complain. Heavyweight fights the next three weeks plus Cleverly's fight as well.

Mike (Emmett, ID)

Dan, wouldn't it make good business sense for TR and GB to do fights together. Am I missing something here?

Dan Rafael

  (1:56 PM)

Duh.

clay (chattanooga)

Dan-o, just got a chance to catch up on the chat & this cracked me up "WWSOBB" haha u should try trending that! #WWSOBB

Peter (NYC)

DanLinn.. Met Junior Posion Jones last week at our local boxing gym.. You think he ever makes the HOF?

Dan Rafael

  (1:58 PM)

Junior was really good, made good fights, won multiple titles and is a cool dude (I once sat with him on a flight to Indianapolis, had a great boxing talk with him). But I dont view him as a HOFer.

Michael (Cincinnati)

Who actually gets EPIX?

Dan Rafael

  (1:58 PM)

I do on Cox Communications. It's on Dish Network and some other systems. But if you dont get it it is available via EpixHD.com.

clay (chattanooga)

Hey Dan, when did they decide this on Cleverly's fight? I've loved the EPIX HW broadcasts & getting a chance to see Cleverly LIVE in the states is a pretty sweet deal too!

Dan Rafael

  (1:59 PM)

Cleverly deal was done yesterday and I have some stuff in today's notebook about it.

Rick (Marina, Ca)

I am getting massive hell yeah replies, I did a mass text about the Gamboa vs Rios to all my fight freak friends and know im getting bombarded with excitment, more then my texts bout floyd -Cotto and def less then the Paq-Bradley except the Who is fighting Paq again, reply.

Dan Rafael

  (1:59 PM)

Nice.

Michael (Long Beach, CA)

I have Fios and get Epix.

Dan Rafael

  (2:00 PM)

Yup, Fios also carries it.

chuzen (st. louis)

STL fans get EPIX, and the fights are the only reason i subscribe to the channel. THE ONLY REASON!

Brian (RI)

Steve Smoger is the greatest ref to ever step in a ring...why is he not in the HOF?

Dan Rafael

  (2:00 PM)

He will be someday in my opinion.

Danny (London)

Will HBO have a Japanese translator on hand this time, just in case...

Dan Rafael

  (2:00 PM)

I doubt it since Williams-Ishida is on Showtime.

Benjamin (Little Rock, Ark.)

Dan, in the notebook you write that Abraham lost all three of his Super Six bouts. Should be he lost his last three: he clobbered Taylor.

Dan Rafael

  (2:01 PM)

That has been corrected.

Hayden (Sacramento)

Will the riot down Argentina way limit future significant bouts there? Can't see anyone wanting to take their titlist, challenger or even top prospect down there.

Dan Rafael

  (2:02 PM)

I think it probably will blow over. Boxing in Argentina has generally been fine. That was not the usual sort of thing just the same way the Bowe-Golota riot was not the norm for a fight in the US.

Matt (Lincoln, NE)

Dan, it sure feels like a RAD kind of weekend

Dan Rafael

  (2:02 PM)

It isn't as I will not be home Saturday night.

Isai (OKC)

Kudos to Main Events on making a solid card for March 24th.

Dan Rafael

  (2:05 PM)

Agreed. Very solid card on NBC Sports Net. Judah-Paris is interesting. Liakhovich-Jennings should bea fun opening fight plus Adamek really spices it up even if he is in with a stiff to be determined.

Steve (NYC)

What were the ratings like for the first NBC Sports card?

Dan Rafael

  (2:06 PM)

I dont know the number but I am told they were very happy with it.

Dan Rafael

  (2:07 PM)

For those asking, I am told that Chuck Giampa will not be taking us inside the mind of a boxing judge on tonight's ShoBox.

Brian (RI)

Seth Mitchell/Witherspoon seems like a perfect matchup at this time in their careers...do u think it will happen?

Dan Rafael

  (2:07 PM)

Well they are talking and trying to make the fight from what Golden Boy says and I know HBO would accept that fight. It seems like the logical fight for both guys. It makes sense.

Tickets of Boston (Boston, MA)

"He will get his beating." - V. Klitschko

Chuck Giampa (Showtime)

[extended pause].................................... s**t.

Steve (Unadilla, NY)

Dan, I like the possibility of Pavlik-Chavez this year. Do you think Chavez would fight Margarito first, another fight I've heard is being discussed?

Dan Rafael

  (2:09 PM)

Also a possibility. I think Top Rank would make the Margarito fight in a heartbeat and put it on PPV.

Dan Rafael

  (2:10 PM)

OK Freaks, thanks for chatting today. Gotta pack for the trip to NY. Hope you read all the stuff on the site today. We have a ton. Great boxing weekend. Enjoy all the fights -- ESPN2, Showtime, Epix, Telefutura, Azteca!! WOOOOO!! Talk to you next week. Peace.