Rafael: Taylor/Kessler unlikely, Taylor/Bute being discussed

[dstew]

Ty (Detroit, MI): Dan, I agree the Kessler-Taylor is the fight I'd like to see, and it makes alot of sense in determining where that division goes in light of Calzaghe vacating and retiring.

Dan Rafael: Unfortunately, it is unlikely because it's not a big money fight.

Matt (Washington, DC): If Taylor-Kessler is not a big money fight, is there anything we can realistically hope will get Kessler back to fighting legitimate opponents on HBO rather than stiffs in Europe?

Dan Rafael: I really don't know what will be of him in the US.

Luke (Montreal): Can we eventually expect Lucian Bute to face Kessler or Pavlik?

Dan Rafael: I don't think so but you just reminded me of something else DiBella mentioned to me last night -- he's been in touch with Bute's people to see about maybe making Bute-Taylor, which is a tremendous fight.

from: http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=23736

Bute/Taylor would be a good match-up. Two quick boxers with good jabs who have a history of fatiguing down the stretch. Bute keeps his hands lower but I think his movement is a little better. If Andrade could get to Bute, then Taylor definitely will.

I see this as being a pretty exciting fight.

[ippo]

taylor will probably stop bute.Andrade deserved that win.

[Mugwump]

Kessler would be better served by moving to America for six months and doing a bum-of-the-month tour. Gets his profile up. Gets him the big fights. Gets him the green.

Worked for Nigel Benn (even if he wasn't fighting bums).

[Addition]

Kessler would be better served by moving to America for six months and doing a bum-of-the-month tour. Gets his profile up. Gets him the big fights. Gets him the green.

Worked for Nigel Benn (even if he wasn't fighting bums).

Kessler's team are only interested in making money.

[Kris Silver]

I'm struggling to have respect for Taylor. He's one of few whom lucky enough that can genuinely land numerous fights unlike others, yet seems to only be interested in the money and not the hardest fights to prove himself as the best in the division, of what is a sport.

Lacy first was a mega mis match and I was surprised so many people tolerated it. Bute is a lot better clearly, but it's far from the hardest fight out there for him. He's seriously avoiding Froch and Kessler it seems, but it will probably come off soon enough, at least one hopes.

[BattlingNelson]

I would definetely not bet my house on a Taylor-Bute fight next. Of course Rafael has never been the most reliable, but surely he must know that german promotor Sauerland has an option on Bute's next defense. Look for Bute to defend against Mads Larsen.

But of course this is boxing and everything can be bought with the right amount of cash.

[dstew]

I'm struggling to have respect for Taylor. He's one of few whom lucky enough that can genuinely land numerous fights unlike others, yet seems to only be interested in the money and not the hardest fights to prove himself as the best in the division, of what is a sport.

Lacy first was a mega mis match and I was surprised so many people tolerated it. Bute is a lot better clearly, but it's far from the hardest fight out there for him. He's seriously avoiding Froch and Kessler it seems, but it will probably come off soon enough, at least one hopes.

It's not like he's going out of his way to fight bums.

I know we as fans want to see the best matchups possible NOW, not next time, but NOW... but seriously, Taylor taking a shot at the second-best title holder at 168 in his second fight at the weight is hardly worthy of criticism.

Plus if you ask half the people who watched the Lacy fight, they will tell you they don't think Taylor is ready for Kessler. Hell, I'm a Taylor fan and I'd like to see a little more improvement from him before putting him in the ring against the #1 guy in the division.

I think making a Bute fight would be a good move by Taylor's camp. He's been brought along rather quickly his entire career, as HBO liked him and he was the only young contender who stood a chance at beating Hopkins. Watch footage as early as his 15th fight, and all the talk is about him fighting Hopkins.

Kessler is 29, Taylor is 30. There is plenty of time for these guys to fight each other. If over the next year Taylor gets himself a belt or two, shows he means business at SMW, and Kessler can find a way to make himself known to the American public, this could be the superfight of 2010.

[DiegoFuego]

Kessler is a typical Euro champ and will hide in Europe the rest of his lame ass career

[jangeorg]

Kessler is a typical Euro champ and will hide in Europe the rest of his lame ass career

Kessler is going to struggle to get any HBO backing because the US only has one 168lber worth watching and he doesnt want any part of Kessler

[MANGLER]

Taylor v Bute or Kessler are both good fights. I think he'd beat Bute, but Kessler could beat him.