So ESPN fired Fatty Dan???

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Good riddance to the fat pr***...

[GhostofDempsey]

There are definitely worse "experts" being employed by ESPN and other outlets. Mark Kreigel is the worst in my opinion. Doesn't know shyt about boxing, just using the sport as a stepping stone like so many others such as Stephen Smith and that other ****** Skip Bayless. Chris Mannix was ok as a writer, but cringe-worthy as a commentator.

[KTFOKING]

As some have mentioned, the writing was on the wall once they signed Steve Kim. That was a guy handpicked by Arum himself. Like why would ESPN pick up Kim from all people when he has a solid name, but was really no different than the rest? It was because of his relationship with Arum. Rafael's chat got taken away and then later his show got canceled within a year's time so at that point, what is the point of keeping him? You have Kim already to write fight articles and what not, and not like Rafael is a big news breaker or anything. I'm curious to see Coppinger's contract with The Athletic as that is someone ESPN can target to replace Rafael with....If they want another boxing writer. Coppinger is close with Nick Khan who works with Top Rank.

[Pigeons]

As some have mentioned, the writing was on the wall once they signed Steve Kim. That was a guy handpicked by Arum himself. Like why would ESPN pick up Kim from all people when he has a solid name, but was really no different than the rest? It was because of his relationship with Arum. Rafael's chat got taken away and then later his show got canceled within a year's time so at that point, what is the point of keeping him? You have Kim already to write fight articles and what not, and not like Rafael is a big news breaker or anything. I'm curious to see Coppinger's contract with The Athletic as that is someone ESPN can target to replace Rafael with....If they want another boxing writer. Coppinger is close with Nick Khan who works with Top Rank.

Fat Dan was light on sources and integrity. The end came for him when he started attacking Top Rank on Twitter and through his ESPN articles about a year or so ago. Arum got wind and it was downhill ever since for Fat Dan. My guess is he winds up with the Athletic where Coppinger and the LA Times guy went.

[MulaKO]

Fat Dan was light on sources and integrity. The end came for him when he started attacking Top Rank on Twitter and through his ESPN articles about a year or so ago. Arum got wind and it was downhill ever since for Fat Dan. My guess is he winds up with the Athletic where Coppinger and the LA Times guy went.

The writing was on the wall the minute he attacked Top Rank
The Bobfather made Espn an offer they couldn’t refuse

[Motorcity Cobra]

Stephen A. Smith literally doesn't know shit about boxing. No substance, just superficial analysis given with his loud and arrogant personality.

He should stick to the NBA.

Kellerman at least has a deep knowledge of boxing history.



Yeah, Steve Kim sucks for sure. For all his faults Dan Rafael was better.

Max has no knowledge of any sport. Has never worked the beat for any sport. SAS put in his work. Got it out the mud the old fashioned way. Max got connections from his family.

But I understand why you'd think Max earned his spot while SAS didn't.

[ShoulderRoll]

Max has no knowledge of any sport. Has never worked the beat for any sport. SAS put in his work. Got it out the mud the old fashioned way. Max got connections from his family.

But I understand why you'd think Max earned his spot while SAS didn't.

Just listen to Max talk boxing history. He has a passion for the sport that can't be faked.

SAS put in work in basketball. He needs to stay in that lane.

[mrpain81]

Heard 20% of the boxing budget was spent on just feeding him.

[JJRod]

It’s a loss for espn imo.
Rafael was among the best of the boxing writers. In boxing there are so many rumors and nonsense stories written on dozens of websites, Rafael was always the most accurate.

Replacing him with Steve Kim is a damn shame.

[KTFOKING]

Fat Dan was light on sources and integrity. The end came for him when he started attacking Top Rank on Twitter and through his ESPN articles about a year or so ago. Arum got wind and it was downhill ever since for Fat Dan. My guess is he winds up with the Athletic where Coppinger and the LA Times guy went.

I don't think The Athletic needs a third boxing guy unless they plan on moving Pugmire more to other fields where he can cover hockey, bball etc.

Will be interesting to see where Rafael lands though. He has a big enough name while doing decent work for a few decades that he should be able to find a place.