Bulk of the Dan Rafeal ESPN Chat - good read.

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Lots of good info, but you can't read it now on espn because it is always declared "insider only"(ie, pay for it) the moment it is over. Provided below is about 90 percent of the chat (didn't refresh the page fast enough to get it all)


SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:01 PM ET ) Greetings Fight Freaks! Oh boy do we have a lot of ground to cover today even without a big fight this weekend. Plenty of news going on and next week is Cotto-Margarito. And let's keep Oscar Diaz in our prayers. Let's get to it.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:01 PM ET ) And remember -- today's notebook is posted already, so check it out.

Matt (Philly): What does Hopkins do next if he upsets Pavlik? And is there any chance that he can get a decision win over a guy who punches that much and that hard?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:03 PM ET ) I think it's pretty obvious that IF Hopkins beat Pavlik and IF Jones beat Calzaghe, there would talk of a Jones-Hopkins rematch.

Dave, San Jose: Have to ask, what are your thoughts after the Toney-Rahman debacle. Where do both guys go from here after a 3 round fight that didn't prove anything?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:04 PM ET ) I was disgusted by the ruling. It should have been a no contest. I thought Rock won the first round and Toney won the second and third. It was just starting to get a little interesting when it ended. I think both guys are where they were before the fight. It did nothing for either of them.

Adriel: Anaheim, CA: Hey Dan, no notebook, no chat last week. I actually had to work all day. Whats going on Dan?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:05 PM ET ) I actually took a couple of days off. Isn't that normal for folks to do in the summer?

Sal (Chicago): Will Kelly be the first fighter to actually look impressive against Hopkins?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:05 PM ET ) I doubt it.

Kyle (Indianapolis): DTM, were you disapointed with Tony Thomspson performance or did he perform as you expected?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:07 PM ET ) Pretty much went how I expected it to go. Tony did OK and was competitive in many rounds even though he didn't win the rounds. But he didn't work the body or let his hands go and I think as the fight wore on he lost his zeal for the fight. But I think he proved he deserved the shot and I think despite the loss, it made him a reasonable opponent for any notable heavyweight to fight.

Doug (A-Town): Which fighter are you looking forward to seeing more on ESPN...Gamboa or Lacy?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:08 PM ET ) I'm looking forward to both, although I think the Lacy-Mendoza fight is a better action fight. I don't think Seeger will be able to stand up to Gamboa's punching power for very long.

Fred (Philly, PA): Dan, Your boy Greg Leon had some pretty harsh remarks about your blog. Curious if you've seen it, and what's your response?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:08 PM ET ) I saw it. It was sent to me by a few people yesterday. He can write whatever he wants. I couldn't care less. I stand by my story. God bless him.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:09 PM ET ) Bottom line, however, is that Allan Green isn't fighting Pavlik and doesn't have a $450,000 payday fight for even close to that much in his near future.

Charles (Philly): Should Berto be getting matched tougher than Forbes at this point?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:10 PM ET ) I think Forbes is a reasonable first defense based on the opponents who are available. Do I love the fight? No. Can I accept it? Sure.

Loulee (Los Angeles): Hey Dan, Now that MAB has left Golden Boy what are his plans? Is he gonna keep fighting ? Or is this a precursor to retirement ?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:11 PM ET ) He plans to fight.

Karl (Salt Lake): What is next for Paul Williams?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:12 PM ET ) There had been a deal for Winky-Paul Williams for Sept. 27, but that is on hold now that Mosley-Mayorga is moving. Wright-Williams could happen on another date at this point. Other than that possibility, nothing doing with Mr. Milk Carton.

Sal (Chicago): After reading your notebook (and being SHOCKED by Freddie's comments), who would you rather see Oscar fight: Pac-Man or Cotto?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:12 PM ET ) They're both big fights but I think Cotto would have to be the pick between the two. But I like both fights.

Mark: I know Pavlik-Hopkins was always a matchup people said was possible, but it seems to me this fight materialized rather quickly. Had they been discussing for a while in the event other fights fell through? Glad it might move Moseley-Mayorga of PPV though.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:13 PM ET ) They discussed it seriously a few weeks ago and it didn't get done. When Pavlik and Arum ran out of other options they went back to it and since Hopkins had no real options either, it came together.

Tomas (MD): Dan, any news on Haye's first opponent at HW?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:13 PM ET ) Nothing.

Kyle (Indianapolis): Margarito's quote about Pretty Boy on the notebook was classic! Great stuff!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:14 PM ET ) I agree. Antonio said it on a confefence call with some reporters yesterday and everyone seemed to get a chuckle out of it.

BDT (Ottawa): You state: "For months, Golden Boy and ... Barrera ... have not seen eye-to-eye". On what were they disagreeing?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:14 PM ET ) The direction of his career and his next fight.

Joseph, San Antonio: D$$, if you were Lou DiBella who would you look for in a 1st title defense for Berto. Throw out a couple of names please.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:15 PM ET ) The name that stands out to me is Luis Collazo, who looms as Berto's mandatory at some point.

Pete Detroit: Wright vs. Williams??What weight if it happens?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:15 PM ET ) Middleweight.

Paul B (NY, NY): Last week reinforced my frekdome when I was depressed all friday without a notebook or chat. The only thing that cheered me up was a stiff martini. Good to have you back Dan-O!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:15 PM ET ) Good to be back.

Scott (Ithaca,NY): What are your thoughts on Roy Jones Jr. calling out Samuel Peter. Is there anything to it, or just pie in the sky?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:15 PM ET ) Anything is possible.

Johann (Bristol, CT): Danimal, What's the latest on Oscar Diaz? truly a sad and tragic time for him and his family.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:16 PM ET ) There is nothing as far as I know. He is in a medically induced coma as the doctors try to reduce the swelling of his brain. It's a lot of wait and see. Just have to hope for the best.

Big M (Atlanta): Allan Green is a bonehead! Plain and simple.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:17 PM ET ) There are many Freaks who feel the same way.

Mike (Chicago): Any word the Casa-JMM undercard?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:17 PM ET ) Nothing definite yet, but one fight could be Jesus Chavez vs. Edner Cherry.

Nate (NY, NY): Dan, why wouldn't Pavlik go right for Abraham as his next opponent?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:18 PM ET ) Because Abraham has a mandatory against Raul Marquez he intends to do in the fall and the money to do that fight on HBO is not available for the rest of the year anyway.

Joe (Boston, MA): Easy way to distinguish a freak from a casual fan. When a freak sees a blog titled "Good Going, Allen Green" he doesn't even have to open it to know that green probably screwed something up.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:18 PM ET ) LOL! You're right!

Jorge (East Los Angeles): Dan, Any word if Greg Leon is advising the shower door that roughed up Judah?

Garth (CT): What the hell is wrong with Allen Green? He has to be the most misguided boxer currently. He seems like an intelligent guy in his interviews but seems to keep following dumb advice.

Henry, Washington D.C.: I'm a big fan of Kelly Pavlik's. Why couldn't he get a fight with Calzaghe? Seems like it would be the perfect matchup.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:20 PM ET ) Calzaghe wanted to fight Jones. Simple as that. And I can't blame Joe. More money, bigger event.

Jorge (East Los Angeles): Dan, I'm guessing Edgar Santana will be of the ESPN show in a few weeks after getting busted on possible drug trafficing charges in NY this morning.

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SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:20 PM ET ) You would probably be right.

Chris (Kalamazoo, MI): Dan, any word on Joel Julio's opponent for August 13?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:20 PM ET ) Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child. Still TBA.

Matt (portland, OR): Dan do you think some of Allen Green problems are because he is dizzy from looking at his feet every 10 seconds?

Allan Green: Anybody know the winning lotto numbers for yesterday?

Jose M La Habra Ca: Dan, soooo excited for next weekend!!!!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:21 PM ET ) Same here brother Freak. I'm headed for Vegas on Tuesday for what I hope will be a memorable fight.

Marco (NYC): Dan, I have to out for lunch, will you still be chatting 1/2 hr from now?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:21 PM ET ) Yes.

Rich (Stamford, CT): Hey Dan. Scary scene Wednesday with Oscar Diaz, I think the WNF broadcast and production team handled the situation very well. Did Diaz have any history of serious injury before Wednesday?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:23 PM ET ) I agree that Joe and Teddy did a great job talking about what happened. Diaz didn't a history of injury, but I vividly recall his fight from November 2006 when he got the living dog crap beat out of him by Golden Johnson in a very scary way. His corner should have stopped that fight way before it was over. I thought that night, watching the fight at my boy Steve Farhood's place in NYC, that Diaz was never going to be the same after that beating.

Paul (Las Vegas, Nevada): Dan, I was reading that the Cotto\Margarito tickets aren't moving like Arum expected? Do you think that has a lot to do with Cotto mostly fighting of late in NY? Thoughts?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:24 PM ET ) I think it has to do with the fight being in the dead of July in Las Vegas, where it will be 116 degrees and the fact that the economy isn't doing very well and many of the fans simply can't afford the trip.

Mike (NYC): Heard a rumor from a friend of mine that is a promoter that Don King refused to move the Mosley/Mayorga fight and it will stay at Oct. 11th on HBO PPV. If that is the case, then what happens with the Pavlik/Hopkins fight? Are we seriously going to have to have PPV after PPV after PPV or is there a chance Pavlik/Hopkins moves to HBO?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:25 PM ET ) Mosley-Mayorga is going to move. Don will sign off on it or Mayorga will be tossed from the fight I suspect. There will not be an HBO PPV on both nights.

Garth (CT): It's actually shaping up to be a nice Fall. Looking forward to Tarver/Dawson finally. Who do you like Dan?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:25 PM ET ) It's an excellent matchup and I like Dawson over the old guy.

Gerardo (Tempe, AZ): "His corner should have stopped that fight way before it was over" Are you talking about his 11/06 fight, or Wednesday's? or both?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:25 PM ET ) I was talking about the Johnson fight. The fight the other night could have been stopped too, but the beating he took against Johnson was way worse.

Habs (Phoenix, AZ): Allen Green vs Winky Wright for the World Milk Carton Title!

Mike (NYC): Why the change in Gamboa's opponent? Would have much rather seen him against Rojas then Seeger.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:26 PM ET ) Rojas had a problem with his passport.

Pat (Peoria, IL): Was Abraham given serious consideration as Pavlik's next opponent? It's not like people are dying to see Abraham-Marquez.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:27 PM ET ) No, he was NEVER going to be the fall opponent for Pavlik.

Dominic (San Francisco): Without a chat last week, I wandered the halls of my office mumbling to random colleagues about the Cotto v. Margarito fight and banning them from the office when they said they weren't going to watch it. Not a good day. I know you need vacations, but please don?t leave without a chat.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:27 PM ET ) Sorry. I might as well warn you now then that I will also be taking some time off during a slow August. So now you can prepare for it.

Big M (Atlanta): Ken over at Showtime called the Tarver-Dawson fight one top p4p'er against another.. Well, last I looked -neither were in anyone's top 10 list! Have I missed something here?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:28 PM ET ) Ken was proud that he made a fight he's been trying to get done for awhile, so I will cut him some slack and simply say that it was a job well done.

John (OH): Dan any chance Andre Dirrell gets matched against someone with a pulse for his Showtime WCB debut?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:28 PM ET ) No.

rob (jersey): Danimal - welcome back - - ****** question maybe - but any idea for a ticket date for RJJ/ JoeCal ??

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:29 PM ET ) There is supposed to be a press conference to announce the fight July 29 in NYC. I suspect tickets would go on sale then or right afterward.

Chris (Penn): What's up with Jermain Taylor?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:30 PM ET ) He'll fight on HBO in November, probably against Jeff Lacy is Lacy wins his fight on ESPN2 next week.

Joe (Boston, MA): Dan, I need some advice so help a brother out. I'm gonna be in Saratoga (your old stomping grounds) next weekend to visit the track. Anything on that FNF card to get real excited about? Will McGirt vs. Joval be any good?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:30 PM ET ) That could be a decent fight. It's a big step up for McGirt, who's coming off a loss. I wish I could go to the show because it is in the same place where I covered my very first fight in 1996. I have a lot of good memories of Saratoga.

mikebobdog: greg Leon is now my advisor. he says i deserve $1.25 million to chat with Dan.

Mike (NYC): Did you see FSN calling the Toney/Rahman fight for the Heavyweight Championship? What in the world were they thinking???

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:31 PM ET ) That made me sick and I have ripped them in a blog I am writing.

Frank(Phx): Dan, do you think Calzaghe is serious about fighting after the Roy Jones Bout? Even if he loses which looking at the ESPN Poll, a lot of fans seem to think he'll lose.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:32 PM ET ) I think if he beats Roy he'll surely fight again, especially if Pavlik is there waiting for him.

Greg P (Staten Island,NY): Funny how Berto is a "champ" at 147 but they still have to match him right to protect him. I like Berto but just another reason the alphabets are a joke.How do you think he would fare against an older Mosley?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:33 PM ET ) I think Mosley would be a nightmare for Berto and that Mosley would beat him.

Fernando(Grafenwohr, Germany): Dan, Cotto or Margarito?? I am from PR so for me is Cotto 100%, If Manny goes up vs Oscar, do you see him going agaist Cotto in the future?? Cotto in 7!!!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:34 PM ET ) I love the fight but I have been picking Cotto from day 1.

Andrew (Bloomfield, NJ): Dou you feel that the Kelly Pavlick - Bernard Hopkins fight is going to be a mirror image of the Calzaghe-Hopkins fight or is Pavlick a big enough threat to knockout a fighter the caliber of Hopkins.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:35 PM ET ) I am trying not to think too much about Pavlik-Hopkins because I don't like the fight at all.

Zo (AZ): Hey, cut FSN some slack. They are at least giving boxing some coverage, and hey, if you are going to advertise the fight during the All Star game, why not try to overly market it. All of us die hards know it was some little alphabelt belt that meant nothing. Their trying to sell boxing so I tip my hat to them for that.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:35 PM ET ) I won't cut anyone slack who lies.

Luis: (Philly): Dan will you attend the Judah vs. Clottey fight? And what's next for the winner of that fight?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:36 PM ET ) No, I won't be at that one, just watching on TV, so you may get an RAD chat that night. The winner will certainly be in position for a notable fight in a hot division.

Michael (Toronto): Dan, while FSN was ridiculous to call that a championship fight, I gotta point out that the ESPN boxing page earlier this week had a headline talking about Beltran-Ndlovu for an IBO "world championship fight." IBO?!? Pretty weak. I noticed that the "IBO" and "championship" have been removed from the headline -- did you have anything to do with that?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:37 PM ET ) Yes , I did. It should never have been posted the way it was and was later changed.

Habs (Phoenix, AZ): When you dont take James Toney seriously he is hysterical... "Kiltscko and his sister"...LOL Who would you like to see him fight next... David Haye?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:38 PM ET ) I really don't care. But it would seem logical to have a third fight with Rahman, who has to feel screwed. He's officially 0-1-1 against Toney when he should be 1-0 with a no contest.

Greg Leon: 5 yers ago I couldn't evn spell "advisor" and now I are one. And a journalist. Word to the mutha

Dennis (Miami, Fl): hey dan, am i the only one that wished the Cotto/Margarito fight had a 24-7 series?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:39 PM ET ) Probably not, but there is a countdown show on Saturday night (which I am featured in).

todd (sf, calif): what's the split on calzaghe-jones? rjj always seemed so finicky with the splits and i'm curious if they got him to settle for less than 50 this time.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:39 PM ET ) 50-50.

Greg P (Staten Island,NY): Would YOU rather see Manny/Hatton or Manny/Oscar?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:39 PM ET ) Manny-Oscar.

Erik (Atlanta, Ga.): I never thought I'd say this but props for the WBC ordering a rematch for Soto-Lorenzo.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:39 PM ET ) Agreed.

Tom (NY): Is it true that Hector Camacho is fighting tonight in Tex?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:40 PM ET ) Yes, unfortunately.

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Anthony (Youngstown, OH): Dantastic, What are your thoughts on Edwin Valero and Pacquiao on PPV? Seems dumb in my book since the casual fan probably has no idea who Valero is!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:40 PM ET ) Does no business and Manny drills him. Next.

Chris (Los Angeles CA): D$ - Buy or sell. Pavlik will not make another Middleweight title defense.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:41 PM ET ) Getting close to buying.

Herman, Ocala, FL: Can you imagine a prime Duran against Pacquiao at 135????

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:41 PM ET ) Yes, and I can also imagine Pacquiao waking up after a 20 count.

Chuck, Philly: Dan, James Toney says he's the best heavyweight in the world, have you adjusted your divisional rankings accordingly?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:41 PM ET ) Let me get right on that.

mitchel-houston: Any word on Malinaggi-Hatton? Date/site possibilities etc..

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:42 PM ET ) Nov. 22, MGM.

Rich (Stamford, CT): All jokes aside, is there anybody else in recent memory who has done such an good job of ruining his own career at a young age as Allan Green? I keep thinking of 'A Bronx Tale'...nothing sadder than wasted talent.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:42 PM ET ) Green needs to take the advice of George Costanza and simply do the opposite of what he has been doing.

Tom (Danbury,CT): Any news on either Victor Ortiz or Joe Greene? I'm hoping they can get on one of the undercards coming up.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:43 PM ET ) Greene is on ESPN2 next month. Ortiz could be on the Sept. 13 Casamayor-Marquez PPV undercard.

chick walker (san ramon, ca): "Yes, and I can also imagine Pacquiao waking up after a 20 count." Response of the day!!!!! I almost spit out my water when I read that!

john nyc: is the Jones/Calzaghe press conference July 29 open to the public?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:43 PM ET ) I doubt it.

josh (danbury): I heard Calzaghe v. Jones is getting a 24/7; any truth to that?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:44 PM ET ) Yes, there will be a 24/7.

Matt (portland, OR): Dan if your buying on Palvik not making another middleweight defense, are you thinking Abraham isn't going to happen?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:44 PM ET ) Not necessarily. I think if it happens, it might be over the weight. Or maybe Kelly will fight one more time at 160. I said I was close to buying but had not yet made the purchase.

Matt, LA: Shouldn't Wlad get more respect? He hasn't been beaten in 4 yrs. Beat Peter & Brock when they were considered the next generation. He avenged Brewster. Beat up Byrd, McCline, Thompson and others. Even unified at least 2 of those terrible belts...

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:45 PM ET ) I couldn't agree more.

Michael (Toronto): DTM, fill in the blank -- in 2010, Kelly Pavlik will be fighting in the ____ division.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:45 PM ET ) Light heavyweight.

Tom (Danbury,CT): Who the heck is Karoly Balzsay and why is he fighting for a title?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:46 PM ET ) I wish I had an answer that made sense.

mikebobdog: HBO? HUH? A 24/7 for Jones/Calzaghe but just a Countdown for Margarito/Cotto in what will surely be an exciting fight? Great job marketing...NOT!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:48 PM ET ) You're wrong. Cotto-Margarito is a wonderful fight, maybe the best in the game right now. But it is NOT a mainstream caliber fight to do a 24/7 on. First off, it's in the summer, when TV viewership is way down. 24/7 is an expensive proposition. It's hard to do a four-part show for HBO when one guy does not speak English and the other guy speaks it sparringly. In the case of Calzaghe-Jones, it's a much bigger mainstream fight because Jones is such a huge name. It's also in the fall, when TV viewership is much higher. Also keep in mind that HBO is an entertainment TV network. Its programs need to reach a wide audience, not a niche audience. That is the reason and as much as I love Cotto-Margarito I completely understand and support the decision to do 24/7 on Calzaghe-Jones and only a countdown show on Cotto-Margarito.

manuel dallas tx: hi from panama .a fight caballero vs molitor unification in november who you pick?.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:50 PM ET ) Very interesting fight and one I look forward to. I think Caballero's height could give Molitor a lot of problems and I think he might win that one.

Jose M La Habra CA: Dan, think Floyd will be at the MGM come next saturday night?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:51 PM ET ) No.

Fragile Chagaev Syndrome: Dan-O, can you explain why you are so down on Hopkins-Pavlik. I think it's an interesting matchup but you're the expert....what am I missing?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:52 PM ET ) If you like it, fine. I hate it because I don't understand the point of it. I'm tired of Hopkins' agony fights to watch. Pavlik is a young, dynamic champion and there were better opponents out there for him to fight in more entertaining matches instead of having to have him move up 10 pounds to fight a guy who lost twice to the guy Pavlik beat twice. I just don't think it's a good fight.

Habs (Phoenix, AZ): Great resonse on the 24/7. You are BAT man!!! (Boxing's Arbiter of Truth) Will you be watching Dark Knight this weekend?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:53 PM ET ) I've read good reviews of Dark Knight. May have to take it in at some point.

mikebobdog: Dandonna(madonna throw out) when you put it that way it does make sense. Sorry, I havent had a drink yet.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:54 PM ET ) Dont apoligize. It was a reasonable question that I tried to give a complete answer to.

Mark: Totally share your sentiments on the 24/7 show. While I, and everyone else here would love to see a four episode series on Cotto-Margarito, it would likely be an incredible waste of money for HBO.

Phil (Rhode Island): What's your pick: CM Punk vs. Batista?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:54 PM ET ) I think Punk keeps the title. I will be watching.

Carlos (Funky Town, TX): Dan you forgot to mention that agony will cost $49.99.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:54 PM ET ) Also true.

Tom (Danbury,CT): I agree on the pointlessness of Pavlik vs. Hopkins. But can you agree this will give the Pavlik the main stream exposure he deserves?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:55 PM ET ) What good does it do if the fight sucks?

Randy (Milwaukee): Dan, it seems to me that the more time goes on, the more I think Bob Arum (I can't believe I'm saying this) is possibly the most sensible guy in boxing. He seems to actually have his head in the real world and knows when fights should and shouldn't be on PPV (JMM and Casa PPV - are you kidding me Golden Boy/HBO?), and actually speaks his mind. Agreed?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:55 PM ET ) To a large degree I agree, but Bob has put many garbage fights on PPV in the past too.

Kyle : Your synopsis of the 24/7 and why HBO will do it for Jones/Calzaghe and not Cotto Margarito is why ESPN pays you to be DTM. Spot on, great post!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:57 PM ET ) Thanks.

Chad (Orlando, Florida): Why is Kelly scared to fight Abraham?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:57 PM ET ) Why are you scared of your mommy?

Juan (Edison, NJ): Danaconda, What changed from a year ago when you told me in a chat that you would love to see Pacquiao vs Valero and the thought of it got you pumped?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:58 PM ET ) I've watched Valero's fights since and have seen him regress and Manny continue to be terrific.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:58 PM ET ) I also didn't contemplate Pac-Valero as a ppv.

Rafael (NY, NY): Do you think Manny would have a legitimate chance to beat Oscar. The size/height difference is huge. AS much as I love Manny, I don't think he'll be able to handle Oscar.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (12:59 PM ET ) I may be in the minority, but I think Manny would have a real chance to win.

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K-Money, New York City: Dan, I love your chats and your undeniable boxing knowledge. However, you often seem to take a negative tone when it comes to BHOP jus like HBO does. I bet HBO will refer to JoeC/RJJ as a championship fight which will certainly be a smack in the face to Bernard.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:01 PM ET ) I just say what I think. As far how the fight will be positioned, it very well may be called a light heavyweight championship fight because the dirty little secret is that when a fight is on PPV, the promoter dictates the language used in promotional materials. If it was a live HBO show, it would not be called a light heavyweight championship fight, which would be wrong.

Rich (Stamford, CT): Some financial advice needed for the fall - if I can only buy a ticket to one, should I go to Roy vs Joe, Dawson vs Tarver or Kelly vs B-Hop?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:02 PM ET ) I would give the edge to Calzaghe-Jones. Could be a good fight, certainly a historical fight, it's in a hallowed place like MSG and it's going to be a great atmosphere. I like Tarver-Dawson also, but if I could only do one, I'd do Calzaghe-Jones.

Joe (NYC): The change in opponent is a bad break but I'm still fired up for Gamboa tonight. I know he changed trainers after the Jimenez fight. Do you think we will continue to see him constantly drop his hands?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:02 PM ET ) Yes.

Habs (Phoenix, AZ): Manny kills him. Oscar is going to have a real struggle to get down to 147, which will show big time in rounds 9-12. Manny is considerable faster and more powerful than forbes, and looked what happened! Plus Freddie will have Manny ready for Oscar's Left hook!

Aaron (Hartford): Is Duddy- Phillips signed and is it going to be in the Jones-Calz undercard ?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:03 PM ET ) No, it's not signed and no, it's not going to be on that undercard.

Dave, NJ: Dan I always considered a fight as an HBO PPV fight if Lampley, Steward, etc. are calling the fight and it will be replayed on HBO the following week. Does the Casamayor-Marquez fight fit that description, and if not should it be counted as an HBO PPV card? Vargas and Mayorga fought on Showtime PPV but it was not a Showtime fight.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:04 PM ET ) HBO will distribute Casamayor-Marquez, but not produce it (meaning no HBO graphics, no HBO announcers, etc...). But it is still technically an HBO PPV.

Allen Boston: Dan: Do you see Clottey knocking out Judah??

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:05 PM ET ) I think it's certainly possible.

John (ATL GA): From reading the quotes in the notebook, it looks like Roach has no respect for DLH. Was there any grudges after the Mayweather fight?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:06 PM ET ) No, Freddie respects Oscar, but he believes in his guy and he knows it's a huge money fight him and his guy.

Allen Boston: Dan: Kellerman or Merchant for the Cotto/Margarito fight

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:06 PM ET ) Larry.

Tim (Denver): DTM, as of right now, who's the front runner for prospect of the year?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:07 PM ET ) Good question. Could be Gamboa.

Dan (Tampa, Fl): Danno, I just want to say I am happy to see you doing more TV and internet video's lately... The more ESPN can get you on the tube the better for the sport of boxing.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:08 PM ET ) Glad you like it. There will be more next week from Vegas.

Keith H (Seattle, WA): Have you had any input picking the fighters for the 50 fighters/50 states on the boxing page?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:10 PM ET ) No.

K-Money(NYC): Thanks for clearing up the HBO PPV vs HBO thing with regards to how the fight is positioned. My two cents on DLH vs Manny: I think Oscar gets hit way too much and Oscar's career will end with a TKO loss to a smaller man.

Tim (Denver): With the RJJ vs Cal coming up I pulled out the RJJ vs Toney tape the other night. Wow! Roy Jones at that time was probably to most talented fighter I have ever seen. Your take?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:12 PM ET ) Roy was, for a time, unbeatable and an amazing fighter.

Marc (Blue Horizon): The IBF Cruiserweight champion, Steve "USS" Cunningham just wants to give a shout out to the freaks and hopefully there will be an announcement real soon on the next fight

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:12 PM ET ) Yawn.

Jack (New York): Do you think it's a coflict of interest for a person to write for their own boxing news site and advise fighters?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:13 PM ET ) Do you think?

Tom (Danbury,CT): What are you going to attend September 13, Casamayor/Marquez, Campbell/Guzman, or none of the above?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:13 PM ET ) I have not decided.

Tim (Denver): Is ESPN listening? We need Boxing Now. 30 min show every Monday with Brian Kenny and Dan Rafael hosting.

Ron (California): Dan, did Freddie sound mad when you spoke with him on the phone?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:14 PM ET ) Not at all.

Armando (nj): Dan - big Ivan Calderon fan here - glad to see him crack your top 10 pfp - do you think he is a surefire HOF regardless of what happens the remainder of his career?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:14 PM ET ) yes.

Alan (San Diego, CA): Dan, any chance ESPN will have you on PTI in the future? As much as I like Mike and Tony they give boxing no respect.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:14 PM ET ) They're a joke when it comes to boxing.

Jack (New York): How often do you watch boxing on youtube? It seems like new good boxing material is popping up there all the time.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:15 PM ET ) I watch stuff on there often.

Pat (Buffalo): Dan - is talk of Tito & Oscar officially off?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:15 PM ET ) I wouldn't say "officially" but at the end of the day the weight is such a big issue, I just don't see it being overcome.

Berndawg: Sorry I'm late, is there a site for Campbell vs. Guzman on 9/13?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:17 PM ET ) Not yet. DK still searching high and low for a site. Jacksonville is one possibility.

Rick, Marina, CA: I know the undercard for Marg-Cotto is not that good, but out of the undercards which could be the sleeper fight ?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:17 PM ET ) Absolutely the Segura-Conchilla fight.

Mike (Malta NY): Do your memories of Saratoga include getting drunk at Gaffneys and passing out on Broadway?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:18 PM ET ) Close but not quite.

Aaron (Hartford): Your guess on who Mora is gonna fight next

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:18 PM ET ) Rematch with Vernon.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:19 PM ET ) Rematch with Vernon.

Jon (New Jersey): Why did the Paul Williams - Kelly Pavlik fight fall through?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:20 PM ET ) They were apart on the money, probably by about $250,000.

James (Queens): Dan, you don't seem like yourself today...no one's been banned

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:20 PM ET ) Chat ain't over dude.

Jason (Florida): Dan, can we expect to see any type of build up next week on ESPN (Sportscenter, The Hot List, etc) for Cotto-Margarito? It seems like this fight isn't being promoted nearly as much as it should be.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:21 PM ET ) I don't exactly what the schedule is, but ESPN will have a production truck and producer in Vegas. And I am already booked to be on First Take next Friday to preview the fight.

Ricardo (LA): Is the move of Mosley-Mayorga to Home Depot's tennis stadium a sure thing? That's a great fight venue.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:22 PM ET ) I agree. I covered the very first fight that ever took place there. Really nice place.

jeff s (winnipeg, canada): Hey Dan, this might be a dumb question, but why would Oscar take the manny fight, other than money? If he wins, does it really help his legacy to beat a guy who started at 106 lbs? If he loses, he looks like kind of a joke, even though Manny is amazing.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:23 PM ET ) Oscar is about two things -- making big events and making big money. Fighting Manny does both. Pretty simple.

Dexter Brooklyn, New York: what happened to the taylor-froch fight plans?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:25 PM ET ) Lacy was always Taylor's No. 1 target. And when the Froch fight was discussed between DiBella and Froch's promoter, Mick Hennessy, the Froch folks asked for ****** money.

Dean - Cleveland, OH: After the Taylor rematch, didn't Bob Arum make a point of saying that Pavlik would not fight on any PPV shows for the rest 2008? Did you happen to remind Bob of that?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:28 PM ET ) Yes.

[Live Dog]

Berto and Forbes?

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osh (saint john, canada): mijares vs kirilov who do you think wins?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:28 PM ET ) If it happens, Mijares.

Alan (San Diego, CA): Dan, now that I have seen the ESPN boxing schedule I may put off moving to Vegas until November 23rd, so I don't have to put up with all of the annoying Hatton fans being drunk?

Frank(Phx): Dan, you were right about the Hatton fight possibly landing on my wedding day. It's Nov. 22nd! Guess i'm gonna have to DVR it.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:29 PM ET ) A real Freak would get married on another day dude.

Anthony (Youngstown, OH): Dan, I 1,000,000% agree with you on the PTI guys!! Smoke comes out of my ears when Wilbon says boxing is dead. Sounds like a bunch of elitist sportswriters to me!! Plus, my fiance is starting to become an MMA fan!!!!! I will absolutely call off the wedding if it continues!! I always knew she was not on my level!!

Tom (Danbury,CT): Is Edge going to cheat his way to another title Sunday against Triple H?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:30 PM ET ) HHH will retain!

cody tucson: so hbo isnt going to replay jmm-casa the following week? they didn't replay the diaz-morales fight on a hbo ppv

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:30 PM ET ) Correct.

Sam (Houston): I heard reports that Roy vs Calzaghe is not confirmed for MSG and that it's still open to Wales. Any truth to that?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:31 PM ET ) The fight is in New York.

Israel: Dan, what did you think about Solis' fight vs Donaire i thought he was impressive. Didn't realize he had great hand speed.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:32 PM ET ) Solis looked very good in a good fight. I think Solis is a very underrated guy. I love him. He's active, his fights are good and he's got solid power.

Marc (Blue Horizon): Can you tell me more about this Ramon Gonzalez fellow from Nicaragua and have you seen any tapes on him?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:33 PM ET ) You know I have seen him because you sent me a damn DVD of his fights. I love him. Great power for a little guy and exciting.

Cory (Fargo, ND): Dan - You say that Cotto/Margarito is the type of fight to show your friends to get them into boxing.....Well can you tell me what to tell them about this lackluster undercard Arum is putting on?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:36 PM ET ) Segura is an exciting young contender getting a title shot, Mike Alvarado is a top prospect that Top Rank has been grooming for bigger things and Bernabe Concepcion is top Filipino prospect who makes good fights and could land a title shot against JM Lopez with a victory.

Alex(Bristol,CT): why would anyone watch hatton-malignaggi? Rickys a 140 pound john ruiz and Malignaggi's a boring stick and mover with no power

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:36 PM ET ) So don't watch. It's a good matchup despite what you think.

Jack (New York): When will your blog about FSN's coverage of Rahman - Toney be up?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:37 PM ET ) When I get done writing the blog.

Banishment: I am starving.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:37 PM ET ) Good. I heard you need to make weight for a fight.

Aaron (Hartford): Love or hate Jeff Wald and the Contender brand....he gets his fighters title shots ...

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:38 PM ET ) Couldn't agree more. And Jeff is a legitimate boxing fan also. He wants to see good fights.

Joe (NYC): 12,129 minutes to Cotto-Margarito.

Matt, LA: Do you like the idea of cruisers for the contender? Will they get a good group of fighters?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:39 PM ET ) Yes, I like it and the group of guys that were mentioned to me is a good one.

Joe (Montana): Who is Valuev fighting next?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:40 PM ET ) A rematch with John Ruiz.

Matt, Charlotte: I dont understand why you are so sarcastic to people who ask basic questions. you should be endorsing those of us who take time out of our regular work schedule to ask you questions about a dying sport without getting a sarcastic snobby response.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:41 PM ET ) If you don't like my sarcasm beat it.

doink (jersey): prime cotto vs prime whitaker at 147

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:41 PM ET ) Whitaker.

Steve(philly): Over/Under 3 rounds tonight for Gamboa?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:41 PM ET ) Under.

Derek ( Edmonton, alberta): Dan that's why I respect you. Telling it like it is on the cotto/margo 24/7 issue. If only you could straighten out a few of the clowns on the message board.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:42 PM ET ) Why would I waste my time?

Banishment: Ding Ding Ding! we have our first of the day! Dan! tell Matt what he's won!

Cobra: When is your fight with Yoel Judah scheduled for? Father's Day 2009?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:42 PM ET ) LOL. No fight with Yoel. I actually spoke to Zab briefly this week and all was well.

Big M (Atlanta): Do you have Torres- Holt II as the round and KO of the year so far?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:43 PM ET ) Round for sure. Not necessarily KO.

Doug (Tampa, Fl): Man, I am so pumped for Cotto-Margarito. Im even excited for the 24/7. Are you going to be on the show? Go Cotto!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:44 PM ET ) Yes, I will be. I also can't wait for the fight.

George (St. Paul, MN): Dan, are you surprised that Chavez's team isn't talking rematch with Vanda? The fans were irate and typically the prideful Mexican fan wants to see a questionable decision avenged.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:45 PM ET ) Guess what: Chavez probably will fight Vanda in a rematch this fall. REMEMBER WHERE YOU HEARD IT FIRST!!!!!!!!!!

Matt (portland, OR): KO of the year has gotta be Miranda right?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:45 PM ET ) That's what I'm thinking. That KO of Banks was ill.

Rick, Marina, Ca: Allan Green is so dumb for not taking the fight. Its your golden opportunity. Its baffeling.

James Toney : I want Joey Chestnut next!!!

Joe (NY): Update the bachelor party / fight night story. Contacted the guy who runs one of the restaurants we are eating at up at Mohegan Sun...Cotto - Margarito will likely be on in the casino, and it will certainly be on at MJ sports bar as well as the bar on the other side of the waterfall at Tuscany restaurant. So I am golden...what about the guy who had is fiances bosses cousins wedding to go to that night?

Joe (Boston, MA): So what's your first impression about Hopkins-Pavlik when you heard it was made?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:48 PM ET ) I threw up.

Anthony (Youngstown, OH): Dan, Will you be doing a live update on FNF for the Cotto-Margarito fight? By the way, Brian Kenny rules. He isn't afraid to mix it up with the in studio guests.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:49 PM ET ) It's possible. I have not been notified of the schedule yet.

Carlos (Tucson, Arizona): Man does ******** pay off sometimes. I got a free room and 4 free tickets to the cotto-margarito fight. Can wait to see the fight.

dave (detroit): i read an interview with allan green and he stated that he never turned down the pavlik offer and that he had already started training for pavlik. is there any truth to this, or is green just trying to save face?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:50 PM ET ) All I know is he can stop training now because he doesn't have the fight (or any fight) and he doesn't have a $450,000 payday, which I think he needs to help pay his rent.

Devmann (Columbia, MD): Dan, any news on when Chris John is coming to the US?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:51 PM ET ) Dude you're banned for sending in the same weak question 100 times. No, there's nothing new.

[pfcwintergreen]

Mike (Bridgeport, CT): I have $100 stored away in my underwear drawer for 2 PPv's for the remainder of the year...Which 2 do I buy???

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:52 PM ET ) I'd start with buying some new underwear.

Rick (Columbus): Allan Green sounds like one of those idiot college bball players that listens to the one agent that tells him he's a lottery pick and leaves college, only to not even get drafted at all.

bill (pgh): DTM- Serious question. Do your ever question your love of the sport when you see an injury like Diaz suffered?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:54 PM ET ) Sometimes, but not really because long ago I came to understand that this is a rare part of the sport, one that the athletes understand is possible when they put gloves on.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:55 PM ET ) Same thing like in auto racing or horse racing or even football. The potential for serious injury goes with the territory. I don't like when it happens, but it is a part of many sports.

allen green fan: you ought to die

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:55 PM ET ) Thank you.

Anthony (Youngstown, OH): Joe (NY), I laid down the law to my fiance. She now understands the magnitude of the Cotto-Margarito fight. I will not be attending the wedding. I even invited her to the all-day tailgate and the fight with me and the boys....I wasn't going to the wedding anyway! I wouldn't risk banishment!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:56 PM ET ) Nice job!


Ricardo (LA): Is the rematch with Vanda Chavez's next fight? Or does he fight another opponent first?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:56 PM ET ) Probably the next fight.

Erik (Atlanta, Ga.): D$$$ please tell me there will be no open scoring for the Cotto/Margarito fight.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:57 PM ET ) Don't worry. There is no open scoring in Nevada.

mitchel-houston: Danimal!!!!! I know I already asked, but I'm on my knees begging you to answer this! My friend and I are about to come to blows in disagreement. Who wins a fight between Ike Ibeabuchi and Mike Tyson if its the year 1999?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (1:58 PM ET ) Ike.

Frank(Phx): That would be a tough sell for my fiance to switch the wedding date. But my Freak status is on the line so I'll have to try my best

Matt (portland, OR): Dan saw you on ESPN last week. I really gotta buy the fight, pizza AND beer next week? You're killin the freaks here Dan. Can I at least make my friends bring a couple KISS cds?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:00 PM ET ) Yes.

Domenic (AZ): Have you ever had a chance to wear any of the 4 championship belts?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:01 PM ET ) I did have my picture taken once in Philly with one of Bernard Hopkins' middleweight belts at a boxing card I was at.

JP (Columbus, OH): Serious injuries like Diaz' are tragic, but they happen in every sport. Boxing injuries seem to get the most pub because so many still believe the sport to be "barbaric", but these things are a sad part of every sport. It seems one football player gets paralyzed every few years..even in baseball, you had the base coach who got hit by the line drive and died. All we can do is continue taking every reasonable safety precaution and plan ahead in case of emergencies, and pray that these things don't happen.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:02 PM ET ) Exactly. What bothers me is that nobody ever calls for the abolishment of other sports when bad things happen, but when it happens in boxing the idiots all call for the it be abolished.

Jorge (East Los Angeles): Dan, I frequent Leon's site, but won't anymore after that classless and unprofessional response to your blog. Keep up the good work!

andrew (fort lee, new jersey): what is greg leon better at, putting misinformation up on his site or giving fighters bad advice?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:04 PM ET ) Tough call.

marbleheadmaui: To be fair, the difference between combat sports like boxing and other sports in which injurues occur is that it is the intention of a boxer to damage his foe.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:04 PM ET ) But only for 10 seconds.

Alan (San Diego, CA): Dan, you criticize Hopkins style of fighting and how it relates to entertainment, but let it be known that Hopkins has never ducked anyone. He hasn't had an easy fight in a very long time.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:06 PM ET ) I agree with that.

Jeff (New York): Nobody calls for the banishment of other sports in the event of a tragedy, because those tragedies are accidents. Whereas in boxing, there is nothing accidental about punching a guy repeatedly in the face.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:06 PM ET ) Here we go. The morons are out.

Andy (Toronto): Thank you...I finally agree with your top 5 P4P list

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:08 PM ET ) Wonderful.

Banishment: Jeff from New York is going to give me gas.

Tony(Tampa): Come back from an extended lunch which I pound down a stacked pulled pork sandwich, smooze with some of the co workers about the upcoming weekend, tickle the keyboards to refresh the computer and Dan the Man is still going strong. That's a beautiful thing.

Matt (Santa Monica, Cali): Lord Dan, 8 Days and 9 Hours to go until Cotto v. Margo. See you in the LV at the weigh in.

Jorge (East Los Angeles): Dan, Have you heard any news regarding Edgar Santana's arrest?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:09 PM ET ) Only what I read in the Daily News article.

Dave, San Jose: How popular is W. Klitschko in Germany/Europe? He seems like a pretty big deal over there while he is an unknown over here.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:10 PM ET ) He's very popular, which is why the draw 20,000 to the arena for his fights and why they draw huge TV ratings. The money Wlad gets from HBO for a fight like last week's is only a minor part of the overall revenue for his fights.

Jose NY: Dan is there a rematch clause in Cotto MArgarito Fight

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:11 PM ET ) No.

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA): Dan, need some helps from The Freaks. I'm leaving for India tomorrow and won't be home for Cotto Margarito. Have any of the freaks managed to watch a big fight in Asia before? Any internet options to watch the fight? For the love of god anything????

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:11 PM ET ) You've some serious problems ahead.

Brooks (Cleveland): Dan - I must say that the blog you did yesterday about A. Green was great. That is precisely the stuff I find entertaining and why I read your stuff. Informative and entertaining . . .Great job!

Frank (Brooklyn): What percent chance would you give DLH-Pac actually taking place?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:13 PM ET ) 50-50.

Sean Richmond VA: Let's say Cotto wins impressively next week and PPV buys exceed 400K, give us your gut feeling as to who fights Oscar Dec 6?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:13 PM ET ) That would be the perfect scenario for Cotto to get the fight.

Robert Frazier: Am I still the worst fighter to be a mandatory?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:15 PM ET ) Not even close.

Pedro, Hermosillo, Mexico: I think you actually didn't see the chavez jr's fight against Matt Vanda because you said chavez jr won the fight, the poor chavez kid ate leather all night it seemed he was enjoying it he is a fraud, and I thought you knew something about boxing.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:16 PM ET ) I did watch the fight live and I thought Chavez won 6-4.

sam, tampa, fl: will there be a notebook today? thanks

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:18 PM ET ) Is Banishment still in the house?

Frank(Phx): My fiance and I have settled on having the Hatton fight at the reception. The reception would start at 7 so it be perfect entertainment for all guests! Your more then welcome to attend Dan, hopefully I still maintained my Freak Status.

Banishment: Hi Pedro, Feliz Navidad!!!

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA): There are a billion people in India, at least one of them must be a Freak...My only other option is to buy and DVR the fight and then not check any boxing websites for two weeks...shoot me

John (Cranford, NJ): Dan Dan the story-breakin Man!, Nice job breakin the Pavlik-Hopkins story... Some of us still appreciate the reporter breaks a story (with accurate information, not just jumping the gun...).. so, Great Job!

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:19 PM ET ) Thanks.

Dave. NJ: Dan how much Olympic boxing will you watch? CNBC is showing 5 1/2 hours a day.

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:20 PM ET ) I will DVR all of it and watch most of it.

Gibbs (Dallas, TX): DTM, I hear Green says $450,000 was a "huge pay cut." Pay cut from what? ESPN2? My question is, is Green's claim more laughable than Floyd calling his HBO contract "slavery"?

Darren, England: Calzaghe said he didn't want to give up his WBO super-middle title because he might fight Pavlik after Roy Jones Jr. Now that Pavlik is moving up to 170 pounds is Pavlik-Calzaghe now inevitable?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:23 PM ET ) Seems that way as long as both guys win.

[pfcwintergreen]

Rich (Stamford, CT): What would be the most beneficial to boxing in the United States right now...regular broadcasts of top quality fights on free/basic cable TV, a unified and fully authoriative governing body, or a charismatic, talented, exciting American heavyweight phenom?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:25 PM ET ) A charismatic, talented, exciting American heavyweight phenom.

Vince at Lakenheath(Cambridge) UK: Why is Calzaghe looking to fight Roy Jones knowing he's not his best? Does he seem to be ducking Pavlick?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:27 PM ET ) That's hilarious. You can't be serious, right? if you're just dumb, that's cool because you can't help it.

Tony(Tampa): I know there are alot of great personalities in boxing but who is the most professional, easy going, friendly person(either promoter or boxer) you have had the chance to talk to in your years of covering boxing?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:29 PM ET ) There are so many but off the top of my head I would include people like Shane Mosley, Juan Diaz, Popo Freitas, Kostya Tszyu and others.

Tony(Tampa): "if you're just dumb, that's cool because you can't help it". That has to be the line of the week.

B (San Diego CA): Dan-o-mator, I'm a huge boxing freak. How can i get invloved in the fight game? The sweet science is my favorite sport and passion and i would die to be invloved in some way?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:30 PM ET ) Become an adviser. REMEMBER WHERE YOU HEARD IT FIRST!

Mike (Vancouver, WA): Dan, with the possibility of de la Hoya-Trinidad II, I got to thinking . . . what do you think of the current weigh-in process? Do you think it's okay, or should they go back to weighing in on the day of the fight?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:31 PM ET ) From a competitive standpoint, I'd like to see day of. But I understand that there are medical issues and also promotional considerations -- such as the weigh in getting media coverage the day before as one last big splash before a fight.

Jorge (East Los Angeles): Dan, The Remember where you heard it first was CLASSIC!!!!!!! Love when he puts that up after the story was broke 2 days earlier.

sk (Arlington, VA): I have a business of boxing question, and I hope it's not too ******. I see all these interesting fights with no US TV outlet at all. It would seem to me the market would then dictate that it would cost a TV channel here very little to get rights to a foreign feed a la Adamek-Bell and ESPN Classic. I just wonder why sports channels here don't take advantage. I mean, is it really prohobitive to pick up a fight that would otherwise get no US TV play at all, even on tape delay? Surely it couldn't cost THAT much more than World's Strongest Man (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:32 PM ET ) I have been making that argument for years. I agree.

Silvio (nic): who do you think will win between segura and canchilla for the wba light fly title?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:33 PM ET ) I really don't know. I have never seen Canchilla fight, but in talking to some people who have and looking at his record, he's a puncher as is Segura, which could make it explosive.

Aaron (Hartford): So does Pavlik have to pay sanctioning fees for the fight against Hopkins if there is no title on the line ?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:34 PM ET ) He'll probably have to pay something to the corrupt mobs for allowing him to take a fight over the weight.

Don (Las Vegas): Dan, if Manny is serious about fighting at 147lbs, does that open the door to other fights with Cotto, Margarito or could it tempt PBF to come out of retirement?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:36 PM ET ) I think if Manny fights Oscar it's a one-shot deal at 147. He would go back to 135 or to 140. That is what Freddie has told me many times.

David(Newark,Jersey): Am I the only one that's discouraged by the amount of ppvs in the fall?

SportsNation Dan Rafael : (2:36 PM ET ) Not at all.

Winky Wright: I taught Allan Green well didn't I?

[pfcwintergreen]

end Of Chat (at Least What I Have Of It)

Discuss.....

[BattlingNelson]

The smiley on the right is Rafael. The one on the left is Bat: