Dan Rafael
@danrafael1.bsky.social
The Boxing Guy, per Conor McGregor, and 2013 BWAA Nat Fleischer Award winner for career excellence in boxing journalism. Subscribe to my boxing newsletter: http://danrafael.substack.com
Legendary Larry Merchant, my dear friend, on HBO's towering run in #boxing as it came to an end 7 yrs ago today: "Once upon a time we were a promising kid. Then a challenger. Then a champion. A great champion. A long-time champion. And then a has-been who finally retired. So long, champ."
December 8, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Legendary Larry Merchant, my dear friend, on HBO's towering run in #boxing as it came to an end 7 yrs ago today: "Once upon a time we were a promising kid. Then a challenger. Then a champion. A great champion. A long-time champion. And then a has-been who finally retired. So long, champ."
One of the saddest days in #boxing history as HBO signed off for good with this remarkable look back on its epic 45-history in the sport, which ended 7 years ago today. The sport has not recovered. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLZi...
HBO Boxing's final farewell (4K & Extended)
YouTube video by Oxidized Souline
www.youtube.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:30 PM
One of the saddest days in #boxing history as HBO signed off for good with this remarkable look back on its epic 45-history in the sport, which ended 7 years ago today. The sport has not recovered. www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLZi...
Limited HBO poster in my collection from the network's final #boxing event after 45 years of covering the sport at the highest level -- 7 years ago today. It's still like a death in the family. The sport has been much worse for its absence.
December 8, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Limited HBO poster in my collection from the network's final #boxing event after 45 years of covering the sport at the highest level -- 7 years ago today. It's still like a death in the family. The sport has been much worse for its absence.
Rare site duratran poster that hung in MGM Grand light box from when the great Floyd Mayweather KO'd late fellow HOFer Ricky Hatton to retain the WBC 147 title in one of the most enormous promotions I've ever covered. Absolutely unforgettable -- 18 years ago today.
December 8, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Rare site duratran poster that hung in MGM Grand light box from when the great Floyd Mayweather KO'd late fellow HOFer Ricky Hatton to retain the WBC 147 title in one of the most enormous promotions I've ever covered. Absolutely unforgettable -- 18 years ago today.
Extremely limited edition site poster with LeRoy Neiman art in my #boxing collection from when the great Floyd Mayweather KO'd late fellow HOFer Ricky Hatton to retain the WBC 147 title in a true mega fight, which O I covered at ringside -- 18 years ago today.
December 8, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Extremely limited edition site poster with LeRoy Neiman art in my #boxing collection from when the great Floyd Mayweather KO'd late fellow HOFer Ricky Hatton to retain the WBC 147 title in a true mega fight, which O I covered at ringside -- 18 years ago today.
Supremely rare thin cardboard poster that hung at MGM Grand in my #boxing collection from when JM Marquez & fellow legend Manny Pacquiao scored titanic KO of year by planting Manny face 1st at end of rd 6 in their 4th fight, fight of year & decade, which I covered at ringside - 13 years ago today.
December 8, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Supremely rare thin cardboard poster that hung at MGM Grand in my #boxing collection from when JM Marquez & fellow legend Manny Pacquiao scored titanic KO of year by planting Manny face 1st at end of rd 6 in their 4th fight, fight of year & decade, which I covered at ringside - 13 years ago today.
Card stock bout lineup given out on fight night in my #boxing collection from when legends Wladimir Klitschko & Floyd Mayweather were on same HBO card & Klitschko TKO10 Jameel McCline to retain WBO heavyweight title & Mayweather W12 JC Castillo to retain WBC 135 in their rematch -- 23 yrs ago today.
December 8, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Card stock bout lineup given out on fight night in my #boxing collection from when legends Wladimir Klitschko & Floyd Mayweather were on same HBO card & Klitschko TKO10 Jameel McCline to retain WBO heavyweight title & Mayweather W12 JC Castillo to retain WBC 135 in their rematch -- 23 yrs ago today.
Site poster in my #boxing collection from when Sugar Ray Leonard W12 fellow all-time legend Roberto Duran to retain the WBC 168 title in their rubber match that was final bout of 9-fight 'Four Kings' round robin with Hearns & Hagler that carried the 1980s -- 36 years ago today.
December 8, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Site poster in my #boxing collection from when Sugar Ray Leonard W12 fellow all-time legend Roberto Duran to retain the WBC 168 title in their rubber match that was final bout of 9-fight 'Four Kings' round robin with Hearns & Hagler that carried the 1980s -- 36 years ago today.
New podcast! My interview with Badou Jack ahead of his cruiserweight title rematch vs Mikaelian; recaps of the #PitbullRoach card, #OpetaiaCinkara; Tyson Fury unretiring?? (SHOCKING!), more news of the week. Listen, rate, subcribe, enjoy! open.spotify.com/episode/0ZM9... #boxing
Pitbull Cruz-Lamont Roach Fight To Draw, O'Shaquie Foster Dominates + Badou Jack With Dan and Fight News | Fight Freaks Unite Recap
open.spotify.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:41 AM
New podcast! My interview with Badou Jack ahead of his cruiserweight title rematch vs Mikaelian; recaps of the #PitbullRoach card, #OpetaiaCinkara; Tyson Fury unretiring?? (SHOCKING!), more news of the week. Listen, rate, subcribe, enjoy! open.spotify.com/episode/0ZM9... #boxing
In exciting fight, Pitbull Cruz, Lamont Roach Jr. battle to draw & call for rematch of interim 140 title bout. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/in-excitin... #PitbullRoach
In exciting fight, Pitbull Cruz, Lamont Roach battle to draw
Junior welterweights call for rematch of interim title bout
danrafael.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 11:17 PM
In exciting fight, Pitbull Cruz, Lamont Roach Jr. battle to draw & call for rematch of interim 140 title bout. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/in-excitin... #PitbullRoach
Foster shines, routs Fulton for interim 135 title; Lara cruises in snoozer, retains 160 crown; Ramos outslugs Mosley for interim 160 belt; Martin spectacularly KOs Barthelemy; more. Read my #PitbullRoach undercard story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/foster-shi...
Foster shines, easily routs Fulton, claims WBC interim lightweight title
Lara cruises to forgettable decision, retains middleweight crown; Ramos outslugs Mosley Jr. for interim middleweight belt; Martin spectacularly KOs Barthelemy; more
danrafael.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Foster shines, routs Fulton for interim 135 title; Lara cruises in snoozer, retains 160 crown; Ramos outslugs Mosley for interim 160 belt; Martin spectacularly KOs Barthelemy; more. Read my #PitbullRoach undercard story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/foster-shi...
Ticket in my #boxing collection from when HOFer Vitali Klitschko drilled Kirk Johnson in rd 2 of a WBC heavyweight title eliminator that I was ringside to cover -- 22 years ago today.
December 6, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Ticket in my #boxing collection from when HOFer Vitali Klitschko drilled Kirk Johnson in rd 2 of a WBC heavyweight title eliminator that I was ringside to cover -- 22 years ago today.
Lamont Roach puts Tank behind him as he moves up to tangle with Pitbull Cruz for WBC interim 140 title atop the Premier Boxing Champions on Prime Video PPV. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/roach-puts... #PitbullRoach
Roach puts Tank behind him as he moves up to tangle with Pitbull
Challenges for WBC interim 140 title atop PBC on Prime Video PPV
danrafael.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Lamont Roach puts Tank behind him as he moves up to tangle with Pitbull Cruz for WBC interim 140 title atop the Premier Boxing Champions on Prime Video PPV. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/roach-puts... #PitbullRoach
Reposted by Dan Rafael
HUGE #Boxing Notebook. Check it out & sign up for my newsletter! danrafael.substack.com/p/notebook-n... #PitbullRoach
December 6, 2025 at 4:05 AM
HUGE #Boxing Notebook. Check it out & sign up for my newsletter! danrafael.substack.com/p/notebook-n... #PitbullRoach
Reposted by Dan Rafael
Jesus Ramos Jr. & Shane Mosley Jr. look to become players at middleweight as they clash for the WBC interim title in Premier Boxing Champions on Prime Video PPV opener. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/jesus-ramo... #RamosMosley #PitbullRoach
Jesus Ramos, Shane Mosley Jr. look to become players at middleweight
They clash for WBC interim belt in PBC on Prime Video PPV opener
danrafael.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Jesus Ramos Jr. & Shane Mosley Jr. look to become players at middleweight as they clash for the WBC interim title in Premier Boxing Champions on Prime Video PPV opener. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/jesus-ramo... #RamosMosley #PitbullRoach
Program, much of which I wrote, my credential & nice stock scorecard given out in arena on fight night in my #boxing collection from when Manny Pacquiao moved up 2 divisions & in major upset pummeled fellow HOFer Oscar De La Hoya into retirement after rd 8 in his final fight - 17 yrs ago today.
December 6, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Program, much of which I wrote, my credential & nice stock scorecard given out in arena on fight night in my #boxing collection from when Manny Pacquiao moved up 2 divisions & in major upset pummeled fellow HOFer Oscar De La Hoya into retirement after rd 8 in his final fight - 17 yrs ago today.
HUGE #Boxing Notebook. Check it out & sign up for my newsletter! danrafael.substack.com/p/notebook-n... #PitbullRoach
December 6, 2025 at 4:05 AM
HUGE #Boxing Notebook. Check it out & sign up for my newsletter! danrafael.substack.com/p/notebook-n... #PitbullRoach
Jesus Ramos Jr. & Shane Mosley Jr. look to become players at middleweight as they clash for the WBC interim title in Premier Boxing Champions on Prime Video PPV opener. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/jesus-ramo... #RamosMosley #PitbullRoach
Jesus Ramos, Shane Mosley Jr. look to become players at middleweight
They clash for WBC interim belt in PBC on Prime Video PPV opener
danrafael.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Jesus Ramos Jr. & Shane Mosley Jr. look to become players at middleweight as they clash for the WBC interim title in Premier Boxing Champions on Prime Video PPV opener. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/jesus-ramo... #RamosMosley #PitbullRoach
Site poster in my #boxing collection from when Errol Spence Jr. outpointed Danny Garcia to retain his unified welterweight title in an entertaining fight -- 5 years ago today.
December 6, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Site poster in my #boxing collection from when Errol Spence Jr. outpointed Danny Garcia to retain his unified welterweight title in an entertaining fight -- 5 years ago today.
HBO poster in my #boxing collection from when Paul Williams edged Sergio Martinez by majority decision in their epic first fight in which they both were dropped in the nontitle middleweight bout I covered at ringside -- 16 years ago today.
December 5, 2025 at 9:09 PM
HBO poster in my #boxing collection from when Paul Williams edged Sergio Martinez by majority decision in their epic first fight in which they both were dropped in the nontitle middleweight bout I covered at ringside -- 16 years ago today.
Gennadiy Golovkin, Nigel Benn, Antonio Tarver, Anber, Homansky, Cappuccino, Glenn, Iole, Wallau, Clabby, Fujioka, Nava. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/gennadiy-g... #boxing
Gennadiy Golovkin, Nigel Benn, Antonio Tarver elected to HOF
Also to be enshrined with Class of 2026: Anber, Homansky, Cappuccino, Glenn, Iole, Wallau, Clabby, Fujioka, Nava
danrafael.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:16 AM
Gennadiy Golovkin, Nigel Benn, Antonio Tarver, Anber, Homansky, Cappuccino, Glenn, Iole, Wallau, Clabby, Fujioka, Nava. Read my story & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/gennadiy-g... #boxing
New podcast! #PitbullRoach PPV, #OpetaiaCinkara previews; Crawford stripped by WBC & more stuff from the convention; Hall of Fame election thoughts; more news of the week! Listen, rate, subscribe, enjoy! open.spotify.com/episode/02T9... #boxing
Pitbull Cruz Battles Lamont Roach In Prime PPV + Crawford Stripped Of WBC Title And More! | BFW Preview Podcast
open.spotify.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:01 AM
New podcast! #PitbullRoach PPV, #OpetaiaCinkara previews; Crawford stripped by WBC & more stuff from the convention; Hall of Fame election thoughts; more news of the week! Listen, rate, subscribe, enjoy! open.spotify.com/episode/02T9... #boxing
At annual convention, the WBC sets mandatories and elimination bouts. A division-by-division guide to what was ruled on in Bangkok, Thailand. Read & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/at-annual-...
At annual convention, WBC sets mandatories and elimination bouts
A division-by-division guide to what was ruled on in Bangkok, Thailand
danrafael.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:42 PM
At annual convention, the WBC sets mandatories and elimination bouts. A division-by-division guide to what was ruled on in Bangkok, Thailand. Read & sign up for my #boxing newsletter: danrafael.substack.com/p/at-annual-...
27 yrs ago today the great Manny Pacquiao KO'd
Chatchai Sasakul in rd 8 on road in Thailand to win lineal/WBC flyweight title, 1st of his many titles in record 8 divisions. Here's Manny's 1998 rookie card from 4-card panel in Feb 1999 issue Japan's World Boxing magazine in my #boxing collection.
Chatchai Sasakul in rd 8 on road in Thailand to win lineal/WBC flyweight title, 1st of his many titles in record 8 divisions. Here's Manny's 1998 rookie card from 4-card panel in Feb 1999 issue Japan's World Boxing magazine in my #boxing collection.
December 4, 2025 at 5:21 PM
27 yrs ago today the great Manny Pacquiao KO'd
Chatchai Sasakul in rd 8 on road in Thailand to win lineal/WBC flyweight title, 1st of his many titles in record 8 divisions. Here's Manny's 1998 rookie card from 4-card panel in Feb 1999 issue Japan's World Boxing magazine in my #boxing collection.
Chatchai Sasakul in rd 8 on road in Thailand to win lineal/WBC flyweight title, 1st of his many titles in record 8 divisions. Here's Manny's 1998 rookie card from 4-card panel in Feb 1999 issue Japan's World Boxing magazine in my #boxing collection.