Dan Rafael chat wrap 11/25:
Kovalev vs. Ward:
- UK PPV's are a bargain. US PPV's are massively overpriced. Believes that price is a major reason why US #'s are disappointing, as well as pirate streams.
- Kovalev vs. Ward is a debatable decision, not a robbery. He strongly believes Kovalev won, but respects people who think Ward won.
- Hearing that Ward vs. Kovalev likely didn't break 200k PPV's.
- Kovalev does have an immediate rematch clause. They certainly could negotiate to have interim bouts. If they do an immediate rematch, expect next spring around April.
- Doesn't disagree that Ward doesn't seem too fond of a rematch.
- Body language after a fight says a lot. Ward seemed surprised to be announced the winner.
- Ward is under contract with HBO (in regards to fighting Stevenson).
- No vibe in the arena for the undercard, picked up for the main event.
- Hooker got a gift draw and Hoyle's card was one of the worst he has ever seen.
- Based on the purses it would be most likely a rematch would be on PPV as well.
- Thought Byrd allowed too much holding (initiated by Ward) and felt he should have broken them up more often and more quickly.
- Most on the panel who vote for ESPN's PFP ranking felt Kovalev won.
- How Dan voted in PFP: 1. Chocolatito, 2. GGG, 3. Ward, 4. Kovalev, 5. Pacquiao
- The person who voted in ESPN's ranking with Ward at #10 and GGG unranked is completely uncredible.
- Was Roc Nation intentionally being rude to him at the press conference (rumored)? No comment.
- It was disgrace that Shields wasn't on the PPV. HBO is not showing much interest in women's boxing. Espinoza at Showtime has shown interest.
- Thinks Kellerman has a soft spot for Ward and was trying hard to give him rounds.
- Prime RJJ vs. Ward? RJJ.
The rest of boxing:
- Arum says that if Lomachenko fought Pacquiao, it would not be the next fight for either of them. No reason why Pacquiao couldn't fight Crawford, then Lomachenko next year if he wanted to.
- Haye vs. Bellow should be a short and explosive fight. Favors Haye.
- Picking Lomachenko.
- Hearing that Lomachenko is a possibly vs. Pacquiao if he wins, doubtful Walters would get a Pacquiao fight if he won.
- Doubts we see Lomachenko vs. Linares, but that would be a good fight.
- Wilder was at Ward vs. Kovalev and says he is on track for a return in first quarter 2017.
- Wilder vs. Joshua? Maybe one day, but nothing immediate.
- Browne gets what he deserves. One failed test can be a fluke...two is on him.
- Industry sources agree with the PPV numbers Arum announced for Pacquiao's fight.
- Expects Flanagan to beat Cruz.
- Garcia vs. Thurman venue? Could be Barclay's or Vegas.
- Loeffler says GGG vs. Jacobs talks are still ongoing. These negotiations are taking far too long for a fight that shouldn't be that hard to make.
- Hearn told him he hopes he can make Broner vs. Burns in Vegas for 2017. Still thinks Broner could possibly fight Crawford or Pacquiao.
- Always has felt a boxing match should have an odd number of rounds.
- Valdez vs. GRJ? Who knows. Valdez wants more belts, but GRJ has fought such weak opposition.
- Will we see Canelo vs. GGG in 2017? If ODH and Canelo are men of their word.
- Is writing an article on GGG vs. Froch next week. Slim chance that fight ever happens.
- Worst decisions he has seen in person? Pacquiao-Bradley 1, Casamayor-Santa Cruz, and Williams-Lara.
- They believe that the insurance issues will be worked out for Jack-DeGale.
- Pacquiao is his #1 ranked WW.
- BJS says he only wants the hardest fights. He is obviously lying.
- Greatest comeback in a fight? Corrales stopping Castillo.
- Mares might be in big trouble in the Cuellar fight.
- Hearn is saying Brook will not give up his title and will fight Spence.
- Why wasn't Danny Garcia in the PFP top 10? Why would he be?
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and he should have lost.
'
LHW division gonna be on fire these next 2 years.