ESPN SportsNation Boxing with Dan Rafael

Dan Rafael

Greetings Fight Freaks and welcome to the chat. It's a slow time in the dog days of summer for boxing but we have the ongoing Olympics in London to discuss, some big fights coming next month and Floyd Mayweather got out of jail early this morning. So let's get to it.

marco (hollywood)

Any news on Cotto's next opponent.

Dan Rafael

No, although Arum said he has been taling to Cotto's reps about a possible rematch with Pacquiao. Arum named Cotto as one of three November possibilities, along with Bradley and Marquez. They'd have to figure out a weight for the fight but Arum said Pacquiao was willing to go a little above 147.

Gabe Saginaw Mi [via mobile]

Who wins a prime Hagler vs a prime Hopkins?

Dan Rafael

Love the fight. It's a very competitive fight. I think they could fight 10 times and split them.

Chris (Boston)

At what point is an overhaul or disolve boxing from the Olympic games? the point scoring is a joke, corruption is rampant, and the judging and officials are putrid. Hurts more than helps the fight game.

Dan Rafael

We need an overhaul, obviously. There is some obvious corruption, such as the fight with the Japanese boxer where the referee was CLEARLY helping the other boxer.

Rick (Marina, ca)

What up Dan, Floyd is out and finally gets to have his bottle water.

Dan Rafael

Yes, sir. I am sure he is very hydrated today and looking forward to getting back to his family, friends and the ring.

Anthony (NY)

You've said that you wish Guerrero had moved up in weight sooner. Why did people want to see him fighting 20 pounds above where he won his first title not too long ago? Is it his body frame?

Dan Rafael

Robert is 29 and fought as featherweight from the time he was a teen. I just felt he spent a little too long at 126 and could easily been a lightweight sooner because he does have the frame to handle it.

Ron (Baltimore)

I know you don't gamble, but you are in the know. Can a 'normal' guy get comped fight tickets or are those only for high rollers? For a fight with a lot of open seats, how does one get comped tickets?

Dan Rafael

Normal people. There aren't 3200 high rollers for a Guerrero fight in San Jose.

Gabe Saginaw Mi [via mobile]

Dan is it official that Garcia is rematching Morales?

Dan Rafael

I dont think it is "official" from the standpoint of being signed but that is the plan.

will (Detroit, MI)

When he decides to fight again who do you think FMJ should that can bring some excitement plus revenue that he enjoys other than MP.

Dan Rafael

That's the big question. Will he even fight again this year? I thought Khan was possible before he lost to Garcia. I do happen to think it is possible that Guerrero could get the fight. We'll have to wait and see.

Gabe Saginaw Mi [via mobile]

So is Gamboa and Top Rank officially split? Since he's gonna sign with TMT.

Dan Rafael

Yes, they made a financial settlement a couple of months ago. Top Rank was paid seven figures to let him go.

Martin R (NYC)

USA boxing women athletes will bring home the hardware.

Dan Rafael

That would be nice.

Martin R (NYC)

USA olympic boxing team is quite the horror. Wonder if Warren and Spence will do it today?

Dan Rafael

We shall see. I believe they fight at about 3ish this afternoon.

stu (york eng)

how far do u think david price can go in the heavyweight division

Dan Rafael

He has the power, size and smarts to win a world title.

Jim (Cleveland)

I don't like the Pacquiao list for November. Getting awfully redundant. Who would you like to see him fight?

Dan Rafael

Ummm, Mayweather.

JOHN TRUE BOXING FAN (DETROIT)

ANY WORD ON PAVLIK'S NEXT FIGHT?

Dan Rafael

NO.

Chris (Detroit, MI)

Dan, on a scale of 1-10 how big of a deal do you think the DLH/50 cent twitter fight was? 1 being no impact, and 10 signifying a Top Rank/Golden boy feud? I know its all speculation, but you have alot of experience and I'd like to hear your opinion.

Dan Rafael

Dont know but it sure was amusing.