Boxing chat with Dan Rafael

Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, ESPN.com's boxing writer, Dan Rafael, will log on to take your questions on all the latest news and notes from inside and outside the ring.
Rafael began writing for ESPN.com in March 2005 after working for five years as the boxing writer for USA Today.
Send your questions now and join Rafael Friday at noon ET!
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Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:25 PM)
Greetings from Las Vegas, Fight Freaks! It's the biggest fight weekend of the year!!!! Canelo-GGG is here!!!!! Check out our massive coverage, check the schedule and don't ask dopey queston. Let's get right to it!!!
Yo [via mobile]
Danny boy, why so late?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:25 PM)
Got tied up finishing a story.
JOE (NYC)
D Train!! Cotto cant really think that either one of these guys will turn around and fight him in less than 3 months.....
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:26 PM)
Both the Canelo and GGG camp say it is entirely possible. Of course, it will also depend on how Saturday's fight goes.
Jerry ( queens,ny) [via mobile]
What's going on dan !!! This fight has me going back and forth. When was the last time where we had a mega fight this evenly matched the only one I could think of in recent memory is de la Hoya vs Tito ......
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:27 PM)
I remember going back and forth like crazy on Trinidad-Vargas. But it is rare that a mega fight is so evenly matched. Even for a huge fight there is usually less uncertainty.
Charles (DFW)
Loved Oscar's comment on First Take yesterday "If he loses, so what?" couldn't imagine Floyd every saying that. Oscar seems to understand that losses aren't the end of a guy's career.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:28 PM)
Oscar lost some fights and it never hurt his popularity because fans respected him for daring to be great and fighting everyone. Same will go for Canelo if he loses. As long as you give a great effort and fight the best fans will respect you and buy your fights.
Omaha Joe (Lincoln, NE)
Is this really GGG's first fight in Vegas? Seems impossible
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:29 PM)
Yes it is. He has sold out arenas in NYC, LA, London but this is his first fight in Las Vegas.
Ryan (Cranford NJ)
I hope GGG fights like he did against Lemieux... if so, easy work for GGG . Canelo may be faster than Lemieux, but I don't think he hits as hard. Prediction: GGG controls the fight, can handle Canelo's power, and gets the late round stoppage!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:29 PM)
Not an unreasonable possibility. If he gets the jab going GGG is hard to handle.
Dave Bali [via mobile]
Most of the boxing writers and reporters must be secretly rooting for GGG surely? He's been avoided all his career and this is pretty much his last chance for a big cross over event and recognition
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:30 PM)
I don't agree with that. One thing from the perspective of a media person is that both fighters are well liked because they are generally good to deal with as are their teams.
Omaha Joe (Lincoln, NE )
Crawford talking about goign straight for Thurman when moves up to 147. That's not happening, but who in the top 10 is a legit contender for his first fight at 147? Would love to see him and Matthysse in the land of BIG RED
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:31 PM)
Crawford-Matthysse would be a helluva intro to 147 for Crawford. But I'd like to see Crawford fight any top guy at 147, be it for a belt or not.
BobbyBoyFresh (Denver)
If GGG wins in GGG fashion, do you truly believe Cotto will fight him at 160?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:32 PM)
Yes. Cotto told me that last night. Of course, Canelo has a rematch clause but it might permit them each to take interim bouts. We'll see what happens.
Peter (NYC)
Teddy Atlas puts a lot of stock in weigh-in stare downs and who looks away first...do you think it reveals that much about how the fight will play out? I think of guys like Pacquiao who are always laughing and don't seemt o make a big deal of it
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:33 PM)
As usual, I couldn't disagree more with Teddy.
Alex (Hollywood) [via mobile]
Hey Dan, was it intimidating to sit by "Sunglasses" Max Kellerman on First Take? And will you consider wearing sunglasses the next time you do the show in Vegas?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:33 PM)
LOL, no. Max is my boy. Had fun on the show with them yesterday.
Curt (Los Angeles)
What does Canelo need to do to win this fight? I think if he can survive GGG's power early and get on the inside, he can outbox him in the later rounds.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:34 PM)
Jab and hit that body. Not complicated.
Ruben (Houston,TX.) [via mobile]
When fights are this evenly matched, all I hope for is "no excuses" from either side!
AD. [via mobile]
Dan do you think that the muscle canelo added will hurt his stamina in the late rounds. I was expecting canelo to pack on much muscle
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:35 PM)
I dont think so. I think it was a calculated move. He wants the extra bulk to deal with GGG's power and also to have more of his own rather than going lean for speed since this is not a fight that will be determined by speed and movement. It will be determined by hard punching and who can grind it out if necessary when it gets rough in there.
Max (San Diego)
I've been going back and forth like everyone else. I love both these guys. I'm going with GGG because I think he wants it more. This is his moment.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:37 PM)
One thing I often think about is how big is this fight for each guy? This is BY FAR GGG's biggest fight. He is desperate for it. Canelo has had bigger fights arguably so while he wants to win it is not his biggest fight.
Tom (CT)
This time last year was a dark time to be a New York area boxing fan. Now in a span of 2 months we have the 154 doubleheader, a cruiserweight tournament fight, Wilder/Ortiz, Kovalev/Shabranskyy, Loma/Rigo, and now possibly Cotto vs. GGG/Canelo. What a difference a year makes.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:37 PM)
I will add a lot of points to my AMTRAK account.
mikeymike (nyc)
Im surprised at all the talk about the Jacobs fight downgrading GGG.. In Jacobs I see a big athletic talented prime MW who would give anyone a tough fight and can literally beat anyone on any given night.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:38 PM)
Totally agree and let's remember -- GGG not only dropped him but got the close win he desered against an opponent who had the advantage of skipping the IBF morning of the fight weight check and probably had 15-18 pounds on GGG.
Joe ( Knoxville) [via mobile]
Danny Jacobs bulk worked well against GGG.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:39 PM)
Canelo's team could be looking at that as a blue print.
Paco [via mobile]
Canelo will win an easy fight. Will circle around GGG and outpoint him easily. The general feeling before the fight is that it is an even fight, after the fight people will just say it is because GGG grew old in his last fight and that the fight happened too late and that everybody knew he had fought nobody and he was nobody and discredit Canelos victory. Mark my words. People don't understand Canelo is that good.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:40 PM)
Easy? Please, son.
Big O (Juno Beach, FL)
Saw you yesterday at First Take, great Job. Thoughts on the atmosphere in vegas compared too the big events? Like may-pac etc
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:42 PM)
Thanks. Great atmosphere here for this fight. Genuine excitement in the air.
Craig Midland, MI [via mobile]
Do you think Kovalev will get back to old form? and who will be his new trainer ?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:43 PM)
Not sure about the trainer. I think Kovalev can still be a top light heavyweight but he will never be the same after the second loss to Ward, who broke him mentally IMO.
Mr. PPV (Venice Beach, CA)
Seems like last weekend was inevitable for Lil'Chocolate. Since moving up in weight he has been in back to back to back wars. It was only a matter of time before the tires popped, they were starting to bald a year ago. He made the division prominent again.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:44 PM)
Agreed. He will be in the HOF but he's probably all done now. Never looked good in three fights at 115. Too small. Add in his age and all the wars and that's how it goes.
Jeff (New Jersey)
DTM, with the PPV starting an hour early than normal, what time (EST) will the main event go off? Before 11?! Don't mean to start a timezone chat here.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:45 PM)
The promoters and HBO say main event in ring at 11 pm ET. You've been warned.
Marc (Boston, MA)
I watched the GGG-Jacobs fight again a couple of weeks ago and found myself constantly yelling at GGG to work the body, which he usually does but didn't then. Please tell me he's going back to it tomorrow night.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:45 PM)
He should if he wants to win.
Greg (Los Angeles)
Is Wilder-Ortiz a done deal?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:45 PM)
All but done, yes. I would expect it to be announced next week once Canelo-GGG fight is out of the way.
JesseT [via mobile]
Had a horrible nightmare last night - the fight is a boring jab fest that ends in a draw. No way right
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:46 PM)
I should ban you for bad karma.
Ken (Delaware County, OK)
If it's possible, I hope that Duran gets an award for "Best Appearance in a Boxing Commercial". That look on his face for the Canelo-GGG "Gangster" spot was priceless.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:46 PM)
lol that commercial was great.
David (Santa Cruz)
With the length of your last few chats only going a couple hours, what do you say to the freaks who feel previous long chats "exposed" you? And, sad to say, there have been allegations of you using chat enhancing drugs...
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:47 PM)
I AM BOXING!
J from BK (There's Only One) [via mobile]
Danimal, Usyk is a beast!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:48 PM)
We are aware. I think he'll probably win the Super Series tournament.
Newman. RI [via mobile]
Any more talk on rigo vs Loma. Seemed a hot topic for a while but cooled now ??
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:48 PM)
Yes, the fight is basically made.
Max (San Diego)
I watched the Chocolatito fight with a friend of mine who is Nicaraguan. He shed a few tears when what happened happened. Chocolatito is a hero to his people.
James (NYC)
September 16, the anniversary of Leonard-Hearns I. Let's hope for another classic.
Aldo (Portland) [via mobile]
Billy Joe Saunders dissing Monroes mother an all time low in pre fight trash talking?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:50 PM)
Didn't hear it or read but doesn't surprise me. Saunders is a low-class guy.
GGG [via mobile]
Max, look, this is box. I respect box. I don't like dance. I respect everybody. Canelo great champion. This is my dream. This is serious business. Thank you to Vegas. Thank you to my home. Thank you guys!
Joe ( Knoxville) [via mobile]
Has an opponent for Jacobs next fight being discussed?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:51 PM)
Haven't heard specific names but good chance Danny fights Nov. 4 on the Wilder-Ortiz card.
Dash (Washington D.C. )
I've seen a bit of talk about Inoue unifying with Jerwin Ancajas. Do you think this is a possibility? Would be nice to see Inoue go for another signature win.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:53 PM)
I think it's possible. Ancajas is an exciting and talented guy and that fight is doable.
J.D. (PA)
DTM, love the main event and love the adjusted start time, but this undercard is mediocre at best wouldn't you say? Diaz has some appeal, but that's about it.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:54 PM)
There's not much sizzle on the undercard but the fights are solid to me. Diaz-Lara was better on paper than Diaz-Rivera but it's not Diaz's fault or Golden Boy's that Lara pulled out on Tuesday of fight week. Rivera is a very solid save.
Adriano (AZ )
"Dadda..can I get released on my own recognizance from your basement to come to the Canelo-GGG fight? Pleeeease..." says Joel Julio
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:54 PM)
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the Love Child.
Patrick (Florida)
Whoa...just read Saunders' comments. Usually don't cheer fighters (I just want good fights), but I will make an exception and hope that Monroe blasts this guy.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:55 PM)
You and most others. Saunders is a waste of time.
J from BK (There's Only One) [via mobile]
DTM, I heard someone refer to Canelo as the lineal middleweight champ. Didn't he lose that when he went back to 154?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:56 PM)
I think so as well as the fact that he has had his last 2 fights out of the division. But some still view him as lineal. Whatever you think the winner Saturday will be lineal.
Mr. PPV (Venice Beach, CA)
I'm still upset about there being no TV deal or adequate streaming for the Cruiserweight tourney. This would have put the division on the map in the states.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:56 PM)
I agree but that said there's a chance a TV deal will be made by the time the next cruiser fight takes place.
Joe ( Knoxville) [via mobile]
Who would it take for Joshua to fight for you to travel back to England?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:57 PM)
A bigger name than Pulev. I'd love to go back.
Robert (Ashton) [via mobile]
Did you feel a touch of sadness yourself as a writer seeing a once great fighter get knocked out like Chocolatito?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:58 PM)
No because I've done this long enough to know that's how it goes. I have very little emotion when I watch a fight beyond the excitement of the actual combat. It is how I am able to do my job.
Max (San Diego)
We get Loma-Rigo AND Wilder-Ortiz!? 2017 is going for a the boxing year hall of fame!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:58 PM)
Correct.
Newman [via mobile]
You know this fight is a 50/50 when the expert picks are right down the middle.
Markus (Terre Haute IN) [via mobile]
Love the 8 o clock start time for this PPV. Why an hour early?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (12:59 PM)
They have heard the complaints from East Coast fans about main event PPV fights starting well after midnight and made the change. They have assured us the fight will be in the ring around 11 pm.
Chris (Los Angeles)
Buy or Sell? GGG needs a KO to win the fight. No way he wins a close decision.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:02 PM)
It would behoove GGG to get a KO. Put it that way.
Kevin (Kansas City) [via mobile]
Dan would you be shocked if It's a one sided fight?? Either Canelo or GGG dominates
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:03 PM)
Nothing really shocks me but that would be a bit surprising.
chico (pa)
dan dont u get a kick of boxers that say unless you fight you should not allowed to talk about boxing? how about the same theory goes for then since they are not journalists they should be allowed to comment on boxing or do play by play
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:03 PM)
Yup
Corona (Mexico) [via mobile]
Dan, what do you think about Estrada vs Cuadras fight? What do this guys need to do to get at least 6 figures pay check? Great fight IMO
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:04 PM)
It was a terrific fight. I thought Cuadras won 114-113.
Chef ODLH (Iron Chef Stadium)
HOW DO YOU LIKE MY MARINADE NOW!!!!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:06 PM)
lol
David Dallas [via mobile]
I didn't know it was possible to have more respect for Cotto, but his willingness to take on GGG (assuming he wins) is awesome. I'm going to miss that guy
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:10 PM)
Cotto has been a credit to boxing. Dan Rafael has always been a fan.
Newman RI [via mobile]
See any nervousness from GGG ?? First time in big spotlight
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:11 PM)
None whatsoever.
The Sqwacking Birdman [via mobile]
It's finally finally here everyone! It's the BOXING CHAT BIRDMAN SSSSSQQQQQQWWWWWAAAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:12 PM)
Did you crap on my hotel window?
Ken (NY) [via mobile]
Any idea when Keith Thurman will be back in the ring?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:12 PM)
Not until at least early next year.
Attoe, Dubai [via mobile]
What's going on with Beterbiev?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:13 PM)
He is fighting the eliminator vs. Koelling on Nov. 11 on ESPN. Read this: http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/20709343/jessie-magdaleno-cesar-juarez-bout-headline-top-rank-espn-tripleheader
Rude(LA) [via mobile]
Hey Dan, Been so pumped all week, is weigh in earlier than usual today
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:14 PM)
Yes. The reason is because the weigh-in is in the arena but there is also a concert in the arena tonight so they need to clear it out to get it set for the concert.
Joe ( Knoxville) [via mobile]
Has Canelo ever been down?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:15 PM)
Not to my knowledge. Neither has GGG.
Steve (Hartford) [via mobile]
If Canelo wins does that mean Jacobs v Charlo for the vacant WBC title?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:16 PM)
Charlo for sure as he is mandatory. Would have to look at the WBC rankings to see who is next available.
Michael (Maryland)
If Chocalatito does retire, then either him, Wlad, Floyd, and Cotto, would be left of the HOF ballot their first year eligible if no change is made to the process.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:16 PM)
Correct.
Mr. PPV (Venice Beach, CA)
I'm addicted to the anxiety a good fight produces during the opening minutes of the first round.
Joe (philly) [via mobile]
Unreal. GGG not nervous but I'm over here shaking, sweating and my heart starts beating fast everytime I watch all these lead up shows and articles from the great Dan Rafael. I don't know if it's healthy for me to watch this tomorrow night.
J from BK (There's Only One) [via mobile]
DTM, have you heard from Ellerbe, since he called you out, but was proven to be lying?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:17 PM)
No.
Gary (PA)
Is it fair to assume the delay in Showtime announcing PPV numbers is because it didn't in fact break the record? Surely this weekend would be the best time to bury bad news...
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:19 PM)
My sources tell me they did not break the record. When they will announce the number I am not sure.
DT III (ATL) [via mobile]
Is the IBF fight night weight clause in effect for tomorrow night? If not, how much do you think Canelo will bulk up to?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:20 PM)
No, the IBF is no longer doing a day of weight check for unified title fights or unification fights. Canelo probably will be close to 175-178 on fight night.
Jmoney Corrales [via mobile]
I am so damn pumped up for this fight tomorrow I am Shadow Boxing at work. I'm literally on the toilet actually still Shadow Boxing :)
Jimmy (Poughkeepsie)
In a pick 'em fight like this I generally go with the younger man. Ultimately, Canelo's youth could be the difference here.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:22 PM)
COULD be.
J from BK (There's Only One) [via mobile]
For the record: IF YOU DON'T WATCH GGG V CANELO, YOU ARE NOT A FREAK
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:22 PM)
Correct.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:22 PM)
Correct.
M (SD) [via mobile]
Everyone in my office has Canelo winning. (All casuals). I listed some of GGG stats, from him being a silver medalist to his amateur record etc and i told them not to spend a whole lot of money on betting on Canelo without knowing who the other opponent is. Am I a good co- worker?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:24 PM)
Yes.
JB (Parts Unknown)
Sounds like the Pac/Horn rematch isn't going to happen immediately. Do you think Manny will fight again in 2017?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:25 PM)
No he won't.
DT III (ATL) [via mobile]
Did you see Teddy Atlas' comment on how GGG is a one dimensional fighter? It's just starting to seem like he has something against the guy now...
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:25 PM)
If he said that he is simply wrong. Factually incorrect.
Tomas(Tx) [via mobile]
Picks for tomorrow night?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:26 PM)
My official pick is GGG by last KO.
Max (San Diego)
Jcabos vs Charlo would be an INSANE fight. Sign me up!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:26 PM)
Would be outstanding.
Dan (ohio) [via mobile]
Wilder vs Ortiz on PPV? Also is Showtime showing Joshua vs Pulev?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:27 PM)
Wilder-Ortiz will on Showtime. As for the US broadcaster of Joshua-Pulev not determined but likely Showtime.
Flav (Idaho) [via mobile]
Will GGG be forced to vacate a title if he fights Cotto next? If he wins tomorrow.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:27 PM)
No.
Tyler (MN) [via mobile]
GGG is 1 dimensional! That dimension is Winning
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:27 PM)
Pay the man, Shirley!
Listo (S. Central)
Danimal, is the THAI who knocked out Chocolatito going to fight Estrada? That's a great figt
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:28 PM)
Probably yes as it is the mandatory fight. Estrada got the title shot beating Cuadras in the eliminator.
Wizard Mentor (Hogwarts) [via mobile]
Scheduled to work tomorrow night and I'm planning to call in "sick" to watch ggg vs canelo! Dumb-Dumb or just a Real FREAK!?
Max (San Diego)
Congrats to GGG on the birth of his baby girl. That's gonna be rough when a boy comes to take her out and GGG answers the door.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:30 PM)
LOL
David Smith (LA)
Have you checked out the 30 for 30 on Tommy Morrison? Thought it was very well done. Sad story, but well done.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:30 PM)
I have been so busy on this 10-day road trip I literally have not had time. But I will watch it.
Walter (LA) [via mobile]
so how much did golden boy pay the ibf to conveniently get rid of the second day weigh in before this fight?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:31 PM)
Nothing. They decided to eliminate it several months ago.
J from BK (There's Only One) [via mobile]
DTM, watching HBO's Superfly got me to thinking: whenever they give the over the shoulder corner angle, does anyone else have a flashback to RJJ v Tarver II?
Paul (SF) [via mobile]
What do you have to say to all those clowns that claim Wilder is a cherry picker??? he's facing the baddest man in the heavyweight division.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:33 PM)
He's never been a cherry picker. The division has been weak and the best guys were not available. He has always wanted to fight top guys. And remember, he signed to fight Povetkin and was going to Russia. Not his fault PEDvetkin is dirty druggie.
Sal (Chicago) [via mobile]
The biggest question in this fight for me is whether Canelo will have a plan B. He cannot counter GGG all night, too good at cutting off the ring, longer reach and solid jab. He'll have to make the choice to fight like Kell Brook did. But there is a price and risk that comes with it. Agree?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:34 PM)
Somewhat.
Joe ( Knoxville) [via mobile]
I skipped the light fandango turned cartwheels across the floor when GGG-Canelo was made!!
Tom (NY) [via mobile]
Dan, i can't wait for the bell to ring! I haven't been this much excited since my wife went into labor!
Max (San Diego)
Do you think that is it for Marko Huck? If so, thanks for everything champ!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:36 PM)
I've been a Huck forever. Love him and a cool guy. But it's over now. He was in some great fights and was a terrific fighter. One of top 3 cruiserweights in history.
Jmoney Corrales [via mobile]
Every time there's a giant fight like this my nerves get the better of me and I have to end up going to the bathroom again. I don't care though if I have to end up nervously taking a dump when the fight starts I will crap my pants if I have to. This fight is just too important to miss
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:36 PM)
Ummm, ok.
Tom (Yonkers, NY)
DTM True or False - Dave Moretti has Canelo up four rounds right now.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:38 PM)
Why so few????? Moretti is a longtime top judge but I looked at his scoring of Canelo fights. He had him beating Cotto 11-1. He gave him four rounds vs. Floyd, which is scandalous but just not as scandalous as CJ Ross crapola card. He also had Canelo 115-113 vs Lara (as did I). Point is, clearly Canelo has a style he prefers. So it's fair to say he would favor Canelo in a remotely comnpetitive fight. So GGG has two judges to work with it seems. He should just make sure he gets a KO.
John (Los Angeles)
Hey DTM Very cool to see that Banner Promotions Youtube page is streaming the Monroe - Saunders fight. Should be a great full day/night of Boxing
Rude(LA) [via mobile]
Let's make it a truly epic night, bring back old HBO music DAMMIT!!!!!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:42 PM)
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jordan Albuquerque [via mobile]
Hey big guy is there any VADA or USADA testing for this fight or is it all up to the Nevada State athletic Commission? #GolovkinCanelo
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:43 PM)
Both fighters are being VADA tested.
Slater (West by God Virginia)
DTM now you have me curious who else besides Huck is in your top 3 cruiserweights? I would hope it would include Holyfield, but after that? Dare I say it is the #Toe
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:43 PM)
Holyfield 1, Huck 2, Haye 3, Jirov 4.
Chris Schoon (DC)
Wow great analysis on Moretti
Rude(LA) [via mobile]
A while back it looked like Oscar as promoter was done and Haymon was going to take over,now Oscar promoting biggest fight, and Pbc fighters are highly inactive:
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:46 PM)
Read this on that topic: http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/20691061/oscar-de-la-hoya-canelo-alvarez-gennady-golovkin-my-gold-medal-promoter
Jmoney Corrales [via mobile]
For a fight like this I would probably just lose it if HBO decided to bring back Larry Merchant as special guest commentator. That would be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:46 PM)
Larry is here in Vegas and going to the fight.
Chubby Cheeks [via mobile]
If kovalev were to retire today do you consider him a HOFer?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:47 PM)
Borderline I would say. Havent ever thought about it.
bruv [via mobile]
got any excuses tonight, dan?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:51 PM)
Never.
Ray (oakland) [via mobile]
Dan, are fighter's amateur boxing accomplishments considered when discussing his HOF status?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:51 PM)
I give it some consideration when I vote.
Adrian (Arizona) [via mobile]
Bold prediction Canelo vs GGG Majority Draw i. a foty canidate
Jordan Albuquerque [via mobile]
Over or under. Canelo Golovkin sells at least 1.3 million buys. Also over or under. Golovkin stops canelo in round 10
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:52 PM)
Over on the PPV.
Poole (Charlotte, NC)
DTM, just wanna say props to the double gunslinger pointing move on First Take. Classic!
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:53 PM)
LOL. Glad you enjoyed.
Joe ( Knoxville) [via mobile]
Will you be at the Linares-Campbell fight?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:54 PM)
No. I have been in Vegas since Sunday. Go home this Sunday and then next Thursday I am going to Tucson to cover the TR world title doubleheader on ESPN on Sept. 22 and then heading home the 23rd. I will watch Linares on TV.
Han (southern california) [via mobile]
Who would you like to see Andre Ward fight next?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:55 PM)
Stevenson.
Con-Us McGregor (Ireland)
Being in wars hasn't slowed Dan down in the chatroom, he's just so composed in there.
Chris Schoon (DC)
With Loma fighting Rigo. Has you ever seen anyone with 10 tougher fights to start their career?
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:57 PM)
Not even close.
Dan Rafael, King Fight Freak (1:58 PM)
Thanks for chatting today Fight Freaks!!! Gotta get ready to go to the weigh-in. Hope you all enjoy the big fight! I am really excited for this one. Check out all the coverage and talk to you next week from Tucson! Have a great weekend. Peace.
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