Dan Rafael chat wrap 6/16:
Ward vs. Kovalev:
- Expects a good close fight. Not sure what major adjustments either fighter could make.
- Picking Ward by decision.
- RN will lose a lot of money on this fight.
- If Ward loses, fully expects him to stay at 175. He is not moving down to 168.
- The rematch clause was the for the first fight, there is none for this fight.
- Over/under 250k PPV buys? Under.
- RN is the lead promoter, so the lack of buzz is on them.
Mayweather vs. McGregor:
- ESPN's traffic numbers for Mayweather vs. McGregor is absolutely crazy.
- Believes there could be a round where McGregor doesn't land a single punch.
- Thinks it tops 3 million PPV buys. Doesn't think it breaks the Mayweather-Pacquiao record.
- If Conor wins it will be the biggest upset in sports history.
- Could Floyd beat Errol? Sure, but at this point Errol could win as well. Interesting fight.
- Cotto's fight will be crushed by this fight. GB has said they are not moving the date.
- This fight will gather a lot of pub and could hurt GGG vs. Canelo a little, but fans have been wanting that fight, it will do well.
- Jack might fight Cleverly on the undercard.
- Fight will be 12 rounds.
- No rematch clause.
- Believes White was correct in saying Floyd has had trouble with southpaws.
- Zero chance Joshua will fight on the undercard.
The rest of boxing:
- Surprised Canelo vs. GGG press tour is only hitting two cities. Thought they would go to Texas for the Mexican fan base.
- Jacobs vs. Lemieux will not be on the Canelo vs. GGG card.
- Agnew is a step up for Bivol, but thinks he handles Agnew easily.
- Thought Rios looked pretty good for a guy who was off for 19 months.
- Believes Lomachenko vs. Salido gets done for August. Not sure Loma gets the KO, but thinks he wins the fight.
- Arias is a very good prospect and is looking forward to seeing him fight.
- Crawford vs. Indongo will likely be in Omaha in August.
- Does not blame RN in any way for Daniel Franco's situation.