Dan Rafael chat wrap 7/14:
Mayweather vs. McGregor:
- Had his doubts that this PPV would break the Mayweather-Pacquiao record, but after seeing the fan turnout at the press events believes it will.
- Ellerbe said he is going to make a good undercard. Gervonta Davis will be on it. Badou Jack may be on it.
- The press conference at Barclay's was horrible, but the sit down interviews with the fighters afterword was excellent.
- His relationship with Ellerbe is fine. They never agree on everything, but he has thick skin and they are big boys.
- The press conference events were staged, but not scripted. Yes at times it did feel like they could get out of control.
- Espinoza is a good sport and media members were joking with him calling him a weasel. He was laughing about it.
- Is he nervous that McGregor could win? No. Doesn't care who wins.
- The Mayweather tax issue is a story because Mayweather is the world's highest paid athlete and has $30 million outstanding in taxes.
- Doesn't know anything about Floyd's tax issue, so can't comment. Has heard the theory that Floyd has held on to the $30 million so he can earn interest until the IRS forces him to pay. He is not in that tax bracket, so can't comment on how to manage that type of money.
- A reader commented on intentionally deferring taxes: To respond to Will about deferring tax obligation. Over past few years interest rates have been low and IRS bases penalty on those rates. So the past few years have been the best time for people like him to do this.
- Another reader on Floyd's tax situation: What Floyd is doing with IRS is VERY common in that tax bracket. It is pretty common for returns that large to be in review for 10 years and arguments going back and forth on the amount. Floyd PAID his taxes, the IRS just said he didn't pay enough. Floyds team says he paid in full...the idea is to reach a settlement and the number to be lower than it would have been originally. The IRS won't be garnishing anything from him anytime soon.
- Thoughts on Mayweather saying he feels rusty? Hype to make McGregor fans feel he has a chance.