Dan Rafael chat wrap 4/21:
- WW has been the best division for a long time. Now if only Haymon and Arum would make fights, instead of Arum of just talking about it.
- Believes that if Canelo beat JCC we will Canelo vs. GGG in September. Optimistic from his conversations with both sides.
- JCC has a chance, but predicting Canelo to win.
- No real talks of importance between Cotto and Bradley or JMM.
- Not sure who Thurman fights next, but hopes he doesn't sit out all year. Doubts he fights the Spence-Brook winner. Would like to see him fight Peterson.
- Can Langford keep Khurtsidze off him? Doubtful.
- Murray vs. Rosado? Murray and it won't be that difficult.
- Zero chance of Linares vs. Garcia this summer.
- If Mayweather vs. McGregor happens it likely won't be in September. GB already has Sept. 16 reserved at T-Mobile with the Nevada commission.
- Doesn't blame Mayweather if he fights McGregor. He will make over $100 million and have an easy fight.
- Indongo is good, but nothing special. He has had an easy road to get two titles and hasn't beaten anyone of real consequence.
- If Crawford beats Diaz and wants to stay at 140 we may see him fight Indongo as there really isn't anyone else at 140.
- Neither HBO or Showtime are really interested in Pacquiao vs. Horn, but HBO may put it on.
- At this point it seems unlikely PBC returns to ESPN.
- Arum knows he will lose money this weekend. He tried to sell Valdez-Marriaga and Zurdo-Hart to HBO for $650-750k, but HBO declined.
- Broner vs. Bradley would be a good fight, but doesn't see it happening. It would be expensive, wouldn't sell a lot if put on PPV, and Broner has a lot of issues going on.
- Pacquiao has never been afraid to fight anyone and he isn't now. He is fighting Horn because it currently is the best financial offer.
- Charlo vs. Hatley? Charlo.
- Rate GB's cards on ESPN? So far through 3 cards a B.
- Porter vs. Berto? Porter by decision.
- If Porter wins it could lead to a rematch vs. Thurman. He will become one of Thurman's mandatories.
- PBC's lack of fighter activity is a huge issue. It hurts the sports and the fighters.
- Saw Pavlik recently and he looked good and seems like he is mentally in a better place.
- Gamboa vs. Lomachenko? It could happen, but doubtful. Gamboa hasn't looked good lately and is very inactive. Believe Arum gets Lomachenko vs. Salido done this summer.
- Doubtful Inoue makes US TV this year unless he decides to fight in the US.
- Hopes Broner gets it together and it probably is in his best interest to get out of Cincinnati.
- Kovalev is really acting poorly, there is no need for it in any promotion.
- Love/hate relationship with Chris Byrd fights. Some were good, some weren't. He always was a pleasure to deal with.
- Maidana vs. Provodnikov? Great fight and would pick Maidana.
- Not sure what Matthysse has left. If he beats Taylor that is a win vs. a second tier guy. Thinks he has problems with the top guys at 147.
- Thurman vs. Cotto would be a good fight.
- Wouldn't mind seeing Khan vs. Bradley.
- Not sure Klitschko will retire if he loses to Joshua. Maybe depends on how he lost.
- GGG would stand a good chance vs. Hopkins at 160.
- Bigger PPV: Canelo vs. JCC or Canelo vs. GGG? Canelo vs. GGG.
- Pryor vs. Pacquiao at 140? Great fight, Pacquiao.
- Appreciates that the IBF follows its rules, but wishes they would allow more leeway for a fighter to keep their title and be allowed to unify.
- The WBA just won't order Lara vs. Andrade.
- Smith vs. Monaghan would be a good fight, but no TV network has shown interest in buying it.
- The peak of Manny's career was his fight vs. Cotto.
- The fact that JCC is taking the fight vs. Canelo seriously has definitely made it more interesting the the general public.
- Thoughts on Rahman Jr.? He beat a bad opponent, so we don't know his potential yet, but you have to start somewhere.
- Rashidi Ellis got hit a little too much by an average opponent, but still one. He is a work in progress, had a good amateur career, needs some more pro seasoning, and has good chance to excel.
- No chance we see Rigo vs. Loma.
- Not sure who Sadam Ali will fight next, likely he gets a GB spot on ESPN.