2TEN SPORTS Magazine March 2024

2TEN SPORTS Magazine

DesiMartinez Bringing Quality Boxing

Back to San Antonio

Fernando

“2TheMaxx” Mora

giovanni cabrera ”ELCABRON”

TableofContents

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P.4 Giovannicabrera Elcabron” FightersFirst

P.8 Valerotexasopen playercommitments vtopressrelease

P.12 2024NFlcoachingchanges Nflpressrelease

P.18 Sanantoniomissions newmanager/adrianbeltre missionspressrelease

P.24 dmp desimartinezpromotions by fernando maxx”mora

P.33 Utsa2024footballschedule pressrelease

P.38 2tensportsfightsscenebio’s fernando 2themaxx”mora MMa-is-lifeJohnnoriega

P.39 iscaneloalvarez afraidofmonsters byfernand 2themaxx Mora

P.40 Maxx’spoundforpound bestboxers.....top10 fernand 2themaxx Mora

P.42 maxandalexmontiel ataleofperseverance Familysubmitted

P.46 lilanimaljacobsilva mma-is-lifeseries byjohnnoriega

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EL CABRON” ”

Giovanni“ElCabron”Cabrera Bio

Stylish southpaw Giovanni Cabrera plans to put his elevated skills to the test against the best the 135 division has to offer.

Cabrera, age 28, is a Seale nave now living and training in Hollywood at the famed Wild Card Gym with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. Since relocang on his birthday on July 19, 2021, Cabrera stepped up his game on the first day, being pressed into service as a sparring partner for eight division champion Manny Pacquiao, who was looking for new talent to test himself for an ancipated fight against Errol Spence Jr.

The fight never took place, but Cabrera seized his opportunity to make an impression in front of an inmidang crowd of onlookers including the Pacquiao family, NBA stars, and members of the Black-Eyed Peas, along with the ever-present cameras in the famed gym’s pressure cooker.

“I had changed my team, my managers, my trainers, and my first test was trial by fire with Manny Pacquiao,” recalls Cabrera.

"It was one of the first mes I truly prayed to God. I thought, 'You know what, man? It's crazy! How is this possible? All right, man, you asked for it and here's your chance.'

"I fought my bu off and managed to just hang in there. Freddie said I could stay. He said, 'I knew one of two things are going to happen – you're going to be what they say you are, or you're going to get knocked out.' I was like, 'Really? That's sweet,” said Cabrera.

Cabrera and Roach Partnership Paying Off

Since then, Cabrera has five fights working with Roach, amassing a 21-1 record with seven knockouts. Recent victories include decisions over René Téllez Girón, who recently scored an upset win over George Acosta on February 8; and dealt highly regarded prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. a loss in July 2022 dominant scorecards of 98-89. He’s been a sparring partner for champions Gary Russell Jr. and Jose Zepeda.

Cabrera stepped up to a big stage on July 29, 2023, when he fought Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to a narrow split decision loss in the co-main event supporng Spence vs. Crawford, baling from the B-side and coping with mulple headbus. Scores were 114-113 for Cabrera and 115-112, 114-113 for Cruz.

Cabrera Combines The Best of Two Boxing Cultures

Cabrera began boxing at age 16, inspired by watching Manny Pacquiao fight Miguel Coo in 2019. He found success as an amateur, winning the Chicago Golden Glove in 2013 before moving to Mexico, his father’s nave country. He earned a bronze medal at the Mexican Naonal Amateur Championships in 2015, and narrowly missed qualifying for the 2016 Mexican Olympic Boxing Team for the Rio Olympics.

Cabrera returned to the U.S. to begin his professional career in April 2016. Cabrera notes since then, he’s defeated more undefeated fighters than most but remains hungry and eager to take on the big names in the compeve lightweight division.

Student of the Old School Style

Cabrera describes himself as a pressure fighter who can box and bang when needed. He can switch stances from southpaw to orthodox. His strengths including fluid movement in the ring, coming at his opponents from awkward angles which he makes work to his advantage.

Cabrera considers himself a student of the fight game. I've been studying guys like Willie Pep, Sugar Ray Robinson, Jake LaMoa, Roberto Duran – all the great old fighters,” praising the “old school” style as a good fit.

“I know that more than anything, people want genuine, real boxing. They like to see real fights. I have no illusions about what I do and who I am, and I want to prove it by beang good fighters.,” said Cabrera.

As for his nickname, Cabrera says it embodies the Mexican boxing culture he proudly represents. “Outside the ring, I’m a gentleman. Inside the ring, I’m ‘El Cabron.’ Somemes I let the beast become a lile too dormant, and I need to bring him out.”

Giovanni “El Cabron” Cabrera

Age: 28 (DOB July 19, 1994)

Residence: Hollywood, California

Birthplace: Seale, Washington

Record: 21-0, 7 KOs

Height: 5’9” / Reach: 71”

Stance: Le-handed – will switch stances

Manager: Jolene Mizzone, Fighters First

Trainer: Freddie Roach

McIlroy, Homa and Morikawa Headline

Early Valero Texas Open Player Commitments

Two-timeChampionCoreyConnersSettoDefendTitle

SAN ANTONIO, TX — The 102nd edition of the Valero Texas Open returns to San Antonio this spring and today tournament officials announced an attractive collection of early player commitments for the 144-man field scheduled to compete. The historical PGA TOUR stop returns to TPC San Antonio’s The Oaks course for the 14th year, April 17, a week preceding the Masters Tournament.

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy is scheduled to make his third start in the TPC San Antonio era of the tournament with his best finish coming in 2013 when he finished runner-up. Since his last Valero Texas Open start in 2022, the 24-time PGA TOUR winner has won six times worldwide, including the 2022 TOUR Championship and his third FedExCup title. His most-recent win came this past Sunday at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour.

Max Homa will be making his first start in San Antonio since 2019. He’s gone on to win six times since then en route to becoming the 7th ranked player in the world. Homa is defending his most recent PGA TOUR title this week at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California.

Collin Morikawa, ranked 12th in the world, will be playing here for the first time in his career. The two-time major champion has won six PGA TOUR titles since turning pro in 2019.

2019 and 2023 champion, Corey Conners is the 10th multiple winner of the Valero Texas Open and the first since Zach Johnson (2008 & 2009). The Canadian also became the fourteenth player in history to record his first two TOUR victories at the same event. After opening with an 8-under 64 last year, the 32-year-old became the first player to carry the first-round lead/co-lead on to victory since the Valero Texas Open moved to TPC San Antonio in 2010.

Joining Conners on the past champions list include J.J. Spaun (2022), Charley Hoffman (2016), Jimmy Walker (2015) and Martin Laird (2013).

Lucas Glover, two-time TOUR winner in 2023 and world number 31, will be making his fifth consecutive Valero Texas Open start and is among the Masters Invitees that will be competing in this year’s tournament. In addition to Glover, recent winners including New Zealand’s Ryan Fox, who won the BMW PGA Championship on the DP World Tour in September and is currently ranked 32nd in the world, Sony Open in Hawaii winner and world number 50 Grayson Murray and, World Wide Technology Championship winner Erik Van Rooyen, have all committed to compete in the Valero Texas Open prior to playing in the year’s first major championship.

PGA TOUR players have until Friday, March 29 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time to commit and can withdraw at any time.

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2024CoachingChanges

Commanders set to hire Cowboys DC

Dan Quinn as newhead coach

The 2021 Assistant Coach of the Year is climbing the ladder back to a familiar place and he doesn't even need to leave the NFC East to do so.

The Washington Commanders are set to hire Dan Quinn as their next head coach, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported, per sources. Quinn, 53, makes the move from Dallas, where he'd spent the last three seasons as a lauded defensive expert overseeing the Cowboys to two top-12 finishes in total defense (including a fifth-place finish in 2023) and attracted plenty of head-coaching interest. A year ago, he decided to withdraw from all searches, choosing to return to Dallas to spend a third season working under Mike McCarthy. This time around, the former NFC Championship-winning head coach of the Falcons is taking the opportunity while it still exists.

Quinn will oversee a Commanders team in need of a firm answer at quarterback. Second-year passer Sam Howell finished 2023 on a low note, leading many to wonder whether he has a future with the team. They own the No. 2 overall pick and will have a prime opportunity to select one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 class, if they so desire. Plenty of work is left to be done in Washington, where new owner Josh Harris has completed his first head coach hiring process. If all goes according to plan, he won't have to do so again for some time.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Thursday marked the official beginning of the Jim Harbaugh era in Los Angeles, and speaking to the media for the first time since his hiring was announced last week, Harbaugh wasted no time in making it clear why he came back to the NFL, and what he came to the Chargers to do.

"I said this the other day, but I've only got so many sands left in the hourglass, and I want another shot," Harbaugh said in his introductory news conference at the YouTube Theater next to SoFi Stadium. "I want another shot to be simply known as world champions. The Lombardi Trophy. That's my mission."

Harbaugh spent the last nine seasons in the college football sphere coaching for his Alma mater, Michigan. He found great success in this role, and was on top of the college football world after leading the Wolverines to a College Football Playoff National Championship last month.

He had dipped his toes in the NFL coaching carousel the last few offseasons before returning to Ann Arbor, but this time around when the big leagues came knocking, Harbaugh decided the Chargers' HC gig was the right opportunity to go for another chance at winning his first Super Bowl.

"The opportunity presented. I felt that the Spanos family, the Chargers organization, they made it clear they liked what I did and how I did it. That's all you could ever want from somebody that's employing you," he told reporters. "Got love of Michigan. Love of the NFL. This opportunity, my dad would say 'Who's got it better than us?'"

Harbaugh comes into town with the task of turning things around for an organization that has struggled to find consistent success in recent years, culminating in a dismal 5-12 finish in 2023. And while his mission to win multiple championships and his level of enthusiasm ("unknown to mankind," per his own words) will be inspiring for Chargers fans, the reality of the situation is that he'll have significant work to do to right the ship.

The squad is filled with talent on both sides of the ball, though, starting with franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, who has filled up the stat sheet in his first four years but has just one playoff appearance and no wins to show for it.

With all this in mind, when asked what kind of expectations he has for his first season in L.A, Harbaugh didn't mince words, reiterating his high expectations for his first year at the helm in Los Angeles, and his belief that the Chargers have what it takes to be at the top.

"It's going to start with humble and hungry. Right there. That's where we are right now. Humble and hungry," Harbaugh said. "And we're gonna respect all our opponents and we're gonna earn their respect. We're gonna earn our winning. Tough team, resilient team, relentless team, physical team is what we're going to aspire to be "Don't let the powder blues fool you That's what we're going to aspire to do."

Mike Macdonald's ascension to head coach of the Seattle Seahawks might have seemed to come out of nowhere, but make no mistake, he's well-prepared to take over.

Just don't expect him to be a mirror image of the man he's replacing, Pete Carroll.

"Always admired him from afar," Macdonald said of Carroll during Macdonald's introductory press conference on Thursday. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for him, his track record He's probably a Hall of Fame coach Pete has a great personality but it's his and it's authentic to who he is as a person. I think that's why the players resonate with him and why he has a great reputation, and his track record is what it is.

"I have a different personality. You'll get to know me, but my plan is to be myself every day. You're just going to get me – It's not a facade, there's no alternate agendas or anything like that. It's all about what's the best interest for the team, what's the best interest for the players, and how we can be successful There's a sense of humor in there, I promise. Some people like it more than others, but it will come out. If you're trying to be somebody you're not, one, it's exhausting, and two, people see right through it."

PanthershireBuccaneersoffensive coordinatorDaveCanalesasnexthead coach

The new leader of the Carolina Panthers won't even have to leave the division to start his new job.

Carolina is expected to hire Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as its new head coach, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday. The team made the hiring official on Thursday evening.

"Dave's background is rooted in success," Panthers owner David Tepper said in a statement issued through the team. "He has an innovative mindset and positive energy that connects well with players and staff. We are impressed with his ability to bring out the best in players."

With Canales' hiring, the Panthers' revamp is underway as the new head coach reunites with recently hired Carolina general manager/president of football operations Dan Morgan. Morgan was with the Seattle Seahawks from 2010 through 2017, working in pro personnel, while Canales spent 2010 through 2022 in the Emerald City as an offensive assistant.

"I'm excited to work alongside Dave again," Morgan said. "His background coaching multiple position groups has given him a great understanding of what it takes to build a successful team. His infectious personality resonates with players and everyone who comes in contact with him. I'm confident that will translate to the field " It is expected Canales will be the team's play-caller and that he and Morgan will report directly to Tepper, according to the team's announcement.

FalconshireRamsdefensivecoordinator

RaheemMorrisasnewheadcoach

Raheem Morris is returning to a familiar sideline Morris, the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator over the past three seasons, is the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced on Thursday night

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero earlier reported Morris' hiring.

Prior to joining Sean McVay's Rams staff in 2021, Morris spent the 2020 season with the Falcons as their defensive coordinator and then their interim head coach following the dismissal of Dan Quinn.

Now, Morris will get a second chance in Atlanta and a second chance as a full-time head coach following a three-year run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-2011.

In doing so, Morris will become the first Black full-time head coach in the organization's history (Morris was an interim head coach, as was Emmitt Thomas).

"I am overjoyed for the opportunity for my family and I to return to Atlanta as the Falcons head coach," Morris said in a statement issued through the team. "We know from firsthand experience what a firstclass organization Atlanta is and what this team means to its city and its fans. I am incredibly appreciative of Arthur Blank for his leadership and for this entire organization for putting its trust in me to help lead this team. I can't thank the Rams organization enough for the experience and opportunity with the team. From the Kroenke family, Kevin Demoff, Les Snead, Sean McVay and the entire staff, the Rams are a first-class organization all around We loved our time in L.A., loved the fans and know the Rams continue to have a very bright future."

LukeMontzReturnsasMissionsManager

2024 Field Staff Includes Jeff Andrews, Yunir Garcia and Miguel Del Castillo

SANANTONIO – The SanAntonio Missions, in accordance with the San Diego Padres, have announced their field staff for the 2024 season. Luke Montz (manager), JeffAndrews (pitching coach), David Bryan (trainer), and Garrett Kelly (strength and conditioning coach) will return from last season’s staff.Yunir Garcia will serve as the club’s hitting coach in 2024. Former Missions catcher Miguel Del Castillo has been named the bench coach.

Montz, 40, enters his fifth season as a minor league manager and second with the Padres organization As manager of the Missions last season, he helped the club reach the playoffs by clinching the first half division title The Missions finished the regular season with a 70-68 record giving Montz his third season with a winning record as manager.

“2023 was a solid season for the Missions,” said Montz. “We saw lots of turnover throughout the season but we found a way to win the first half and get in the playoffs. It was awesome to be backed by a great fanbase in SanAntonio throughout the entire season. It’s not unfinished business that we are chasing after losing in the first round of the playoffs in 2023. It’s a new season and we will get back after it with the guys on our roster and go win ball games. I’m looking forward to seeing all our fans out at the ballpark this season cheering on the Missions.”

MontzjoinedthePadresorganizationin2023afterspendingthepreviousfouryearsinthe BostonRedSoxorganization.MontzpreviouslymanagedSingle-ASalemfrom2021-2022and servedasthemanagerforShort-SeasonLowellin2019.TheLouisiananativeledSalemtoa7149recordduringthe2021campaign.MontzalsoservedasacoachingassistantwithDouble-A Portlandduringthe2018season.

"WearedelightedtohaveLukereturnastheMissionsmanagerforthe2024season,”said MissionspresidentBurlYarbrough.“Withhisexperienceandleadershipskills,itisexcitingto seewhathecandoinyeartwo.”

Priortohiscoachingcareer,Montzspent13seasonsasacatcherwithinfivedifferent organizations(Montreal/Washington,NewYork(NL),Florida/Miami,OaklandandBoston).He wasselectedbyMontrealinthe17throundofthe2003draftoutofHillCollegeandappearedin overonethousandgamesduringhisprofessionalcareer.Hemadehismajorleaguedebutin2008 withtheWashingtonNationalsandappearedin10gamesthatseason.Montzalsoplayed13 gamesfortheOaklandAthleticsduringthe2013season.

Andrews,65,returnsfor his 39th seasonas aprofessionalcoachand 30th intheroleofpitching coach.Andrewsis enteringhisfourthseasoninthePadresorganizationandsecondwiththe Missions. TheSouthDakotanativenotablyservedas thepitchingcoachofthePittsburghPirates duringthe2008season.Mostrecently,hewas thepitchingcoachforDouble-A Friscoduringthe 2021and2022seasons andfrom2009-2015.Hebeganhiscoachingcareerin1986andhassince workedwithfivedifferentorganizations includingthePadresin1998and1999.A 26th-round pickoftheChicagoCubs in the1981draft,Andrewsplayedtwoseasons ofminor league baseball afterattendingEast TennesseeStateUniversity

Garcia,41,enters his sixthseasonin thePadres organization andfirstwiththeMissions.He spentthelastfiveseasonsasahittingcoachwiththe Padres’DominicanSummerLeagueTeam. GarciacoachedthroughouttheMets farmsystemfrom2008-2017andservedas managerofthe DSLMets 2duringthe2010season.As aplayer,he spentfiveseasons intheMetssystemfrom 2002-2006.

DelCastillo,32,enters hissixthseasoninthePadres organizationandfirstseasonas acoach withtheMissions. Heplayed inninegamesforthe Missions duringthe2013and2016seasons. DelCastillowas ahittingcoachwith theACLPadres thepasttwoseasons andmanagedthe club duringthe2021season.Healsomanaged the DSLPadresin2018and2019.As aplayer,he spentnineseasonsinthePadres organizationfrom2009-2017.

Bryan,32,returnsfor his eighthseasoninthePadresorganizationand second withtheMissions. Hepreviouslyservedas theathletictrainerforHigh-A FortWaynein2022.Healsoheldthat roleforSingle-A LakeElsinorein2021,Short-SeasonTri-Cityfrom2017-2018andatthe ArizonaComplexLeague in2016 and2019.BryanattendedAldersonBroaddusUniversityin WestVirginiawhereheplayedbaseball andreceived hisbachelor’s degreeinathletic training. HewenttograduateschoolatConcordUniversityandwas hiredbySanDiego aftercompleting graduateschool.

Kelly,32,returnsforhissecondseason inthePadres organization.Hewasthestrengthand conditioningcoachfortheMissions in2023.TheCorpusChristinative previouslyservedas the DirectorofAthleticPerformanceatArizonaChristianUniversityandDynamicSportsTraining.

PatO’Sullivan,whoservedastheMissions hitting coachin2023,isnow anassistanthitting coachwith theSanDiegoPadres. FelipeBlanco,the Missions benchcoachlastseason,is also stayingintheorganizationandwillbe aroving coordinator.

TheMissions 2024seasongets underwayon Friday, April5th ontheroadagainsttheAmarillo SodPoodles.Thehomeopeneris scheduledforTuesday,April 9th against theNorthwest ArkansasNaturals.

Adrian Beltre to be Inducted into the Hall of Fame

SANANTONIO – Adrian Beltre will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 induction class. This was announced Tuesday night on MLB Network. Beltre played for the SanAntonio Missions during the 1998 season prior to making his Major League debut with the LosAngeles Dodgers that same year.

The Dominican Republic native played in 64 games for the Missions and batted .321 with 13 homers at the age of 19. He joined the Dodgers that summer and made his MLB debut on June 24th .

Beltre will be the 10th former Missions player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame joining Mike Piazza, Pedro Martinez, Ron Santo, Willard Brown, Dennis Eckersley, Joe Morgan, Brooks Robinson, Billy Williams and Ross Youngs.

He played 21 seasons from 1998 – 2018 with the Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers.Along the way, he was named to fourAll-Star Teams and won five Gold Glove Awards. Beltre finished his career with 477 total home runs, 3,166 hits (18th most all-time) and a career batting average of .286.

The 2024 Hall of Fame Class, which also includes Jim Leyland, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton, will officially be inducted July 21st in Cooperstown.

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Okay,firstofall,whoisDesiMartinez?So,DesiMartinez,Igrewupallovertheworld.AndIalways say,andit'sarunningjoke,eitherIgrewupinpovertyorIgrewupinEurope.Mystepdadcame alongandsavedus.Hewasasoldier.MyrealdadwasaVietnamvet.ThefamilysplitupwhenIwas young,soIwasraisedbymymom.So,mymom,stepdadretiredhere.Imovedbackaftermoving aroundforalongtime,openedupalawfirm.AndsowhatdoIdo?I'matrialattorney,principalto Martinez&Associates.Itwasimportantformetostartalawfirmonthesouthsideandbringagood producttowheretheunderservedare.Andforthelastthreeyears,we'vebeen,youknow,thebest lawfirminthecity.I'vethankfullybeenabletogetrecognizedverdictsforthepast10,15years. We'reveryproudoftheproductweputon,butwe'reacommunity-basedtriallawfirmthat specializesinpersonalinjury.Andwe'rehereonthesouthside.Okay.So,whatisadayinthelifeof DesiMartinezfromwhenyougetupinthemorning?So,it,ofcourse,startsoffwithgettingupearly becausetheboys,Ihavetwoboysthatgotoschool.Andforsomereason,everybodystartsschool beforethesuncomesup.So,Igetupwiththem,Igoworkout,Isaymyrosary,Idomymeditations onprayer,andthenIgettowork.Andlet'ssay,forinstance,todayIhaveatrialonMonday.So,Iget totheofficeandmakesureeverything'srunningthewayitshouldbe.Everybody'sreadyforwhat they'vegottodofortheday.Ihaveseveralconversationsthroughouttheday.Igettowork individuallyonthethingsthatIhavetodo,thetrialsIhavetogoto.Icommunicatewithallofthe supervisors.AndthenIalsonowhavethisaswellasafewotherbusinessinterestsandcommunity activities.Forinstance,rosarytonight.Ihavetobethere.Ihadagoodfriend,adeacon,whose motherdied.So,Iwillbetheretonight.AndthenIwillstartupagainwithmeetingsinthemorning.So, adayinmylifeofisverystructured,veryunstructured,verybusy,butyoumaketimeforthethings thatareimportanttoyou.So,what'simportanttome,myfaith,myfamily,andthenthiscomesnext.

DMP,DesiMartinezPromotions,turningathoughtintoarealityl I'veknownitcanbearealityfora decade.Ijust,I'mthemosthesitantpromoteryou'veevermet.Thetimingwasn'tright.Icouldsee whatwasgoingonwiththesport.Showboxsteppingout,HBOafternighttimeorwhateveritwas called,steppingout.Iseewhat'sgoingon.IactuallypredicteditwhenIfirststartedtalkingwith people.Nottopatmyselfontheback,it'sjustitwasanunsustainablebusinessmodelforhowmuch theywerepayingforthoseshows.So,Iknewtherewouldcomeatimewhentherewouldbechaos. Andthere'salwaysopportunityinchaos,right?So,thatdidn'tmeanitwastimetostepin.Whatit meantwasIopenedmyeyesandsaw,man,there'saspace,rightnow.Alotoffightersthey needathome.Andultimately,myrelationshipwithAdrian,myrelationshipwithJolene,I'veknown themforyears,Itrustedthem.Andthen,honestly,it's,youknowhowGodworks.He'snevergoing tocomeoutandtellyou,hey,writethisdown,Ineedyoutodothis,right?He'snevergoingtosay that.Itwouldmakethingsaloteasier.Butthere'salwayssignalgraces.Andbelieveitor not,theteamthatstartedcomingtogetheronceIsaidIwasinterestediswhatIwaswaitingfor.And thatwasconfirmation,okay,thislookslikesomethingthatI'msupposedtobedoing.Itfeelsright.It looksright.So,again,DesiMartinezPromotionsisnotjustmyself,it'sagroupofgentlemenwhoIhavea lotofadmirationfor,DarrylGoodlow,BobbyMendez,partnershipswithAdrianClark,JoleneMizzone, overthereatFightersFirst.And,again,Iseewho'sinthespace,andtherearelocalsthatarehelping aswell.They'relike,look,youknow,thesejustcan'tbeoutsiderscomingin,man.Weneedtoput somefightsupforalotofourlocalfolks.AndIsaid,hey,man,I'mlookingtomakethisaseriesof fights,notjustonefight.Absolutely,Ineedthoserelationships.Andwhenallthosethingslookedlike theywereright,thenIjumped.It'stimetojumpnow,withFightersFirst.

I'veknownAdrianforyears,andforme,it'salwaysabouttrustfirst.It'snot lookatbusinessopportunitiesandgo,I'mgoingtojumponthat.Ilookatwho'sinvolved.

IchoseAdrianandFightersFirstbecauseofthetrustIhaveinthem.KnowingAdrianforyearsand understandingtheimportanceofrelationshipsinthisventure,itfeltrighttocollaboratewithateamI couldrelyon.Businessopportunitiescomesecond;it'saboutthepeopleinvolved. IfIcantrustyou,thenIcantrustwhatyou'retellingme.IcantrustAdrian. IcantrustJolene.I'veknownthemlongenough.Andthatmeansthatwhenthey'retellingme something,Icantrustit,Icanstartputtingit intoplace.Sothat'swhythenI'veknownthem forlongenoughtoadmirewhatthey'redoing,toseewhatthey'redoingfromafar,andthengo, okay,thenthislooksliketherightorganizationthatIwanttobeteamedupwith.

WhatisgoingtodifferentiateDMPfromother tobeabletoattendalotoffights.Youknow,Icanseefromaspectator'sperspective,which iswhatItrytodoinmylawpractice

Asaspectator,I'msittingtherewatching

inwithmyticketuptothesuite.It

feelslikewhenIgetthere,nobodyknowsthatI'mthere,thatmyguests spending30minutesinbetweeneveryfight.There'snoentertainmentor to.

localpromoters?I'vebeengiventheopportunity aswell.Ialwayshavetoputmyselfinmyclient'sposition. thebigfightsintown.I'llgetasuiteanditfeelslike I'mabothertotheparkingattendantwhenIdrivein.ItfeelslikeI'mabothertoeverybodyasI'mwalking wantsomethingtoeat.I'm orthey'retryingtogivemeentertainment,andit'snotanythingIidentifywithorlisten Thentheydon'tdoanythingwiththe pay-per-viewvisual.SoI'mjustan amIherefor?SoI'mlookingatwhatsgoingon,asas watchafightlikethis.And

WhenChavezusedtofight,everybody whenJohnnyTapiawouldfight,he'd hisstomach.Andeverybodywas yourelate.And,again,notthatI'm Iknewwhohewas.Anditmademe fromthegoldenera,right?Theolddays,thefourkings,allthatstuff.Youhadonethatyoupickedout. you’vegottoaskyourself ishalfMexican.

lightsinthebigfights.Why?Becauseit'sgoingtomessupthe afterthought.Mymoneydoesn'tmeananything.Sowhatthehell pectator.Oh,man,Ididn'tdropthiskindofmoneyto thenithitme.Idon'tidentifywiththesefighterseither,man. waswarmingupliketheyweregoingtofight,right?Oh,yeah.

rideinwithasombreroandhe'dhavethetattoooftheVirginon like,man,thatlookslikemyprimo.Iknewwhathisstorywas, anythinglikeMikeTyson,butIidentifiedwithhisstrugglesonce wanttowatchhimmore,right?Soyouthinkaboutallthosefighters

why.Becauseyouidentifiedwithhim.There'ssomethingabouthim. thingswhereIwas Iwasn'thavingagoodtime.

inthespaceandIdidn'tlikewhatIwasseeing.

Irealizedit'sbecauseIalsodon'tidentifywithalotofthese

RobertoDuran That'smyguy,right?Soattheendoftheday,it'sjustoneofthose Ididn'tenjoywhatIwasseeing. fightersnowadays.

Wewanttobringbackthepersonalconnectionandidentificationwithfighters,andhopeyouappreciate DMP'sapproachtonotonlypromotingfightsbutalsoeducatingandsupportingthefightersin variousaspectsoftheirlives.ThisfocusonfairnessandopportunitiesiswhatwehopewillsetDMP apartfromotherpromoters

Thatleftspaceopen.Thatmeansifthere'sawaytobuildthatidentification,ifthere'sawayto bringtheentertainmentbacktoit,I'mgoingtogiveitatry,becauseIthinktherightteamisthere.

Theexpectationsarethere'llbeashowwithinashow,andIguaranteeyouthere'sgoingtobe eventsleadinguptothefightandonfightnightyouwillfeelthatyoucanidentifywiththepeople thatareputtingtheirbodiesonthelineforus,right?Right.Andyoucanunderstandwhy. Becausethewhyisimportant.We'rejustnothearingthewhyanymore.

IsDMPintheprocessofnegotiatingtosigntheirownfighters?No,I'mtryingtostay outofthatspacerightnow.Onestepatatime,atleastforme,thewayIthinkaboutit,for r instance,whenIwasanattorney,Iliterallydidn'tfeelthatiftherewasacasethatwassobigthat itwasoutofmywheelhouse,IwouldhavetobemoreproficientatwhatIdobeforeIstepinto thatspacealone,right?Samethinghere.IwanttoknoweverythingaboutwhatI'mdoinginthe promotionalspacebeforeIdecidetobranchout.Masteronethingfirstbeforeyoumoveon. Crawlbeforeyouwalk.So,atthemoment,I'mnotlookingtopromote

anybodyindividuallyortostepintothatspace.Again,I'mjusttryingtoputonthebestshowswe canputon.WearesearchingforlocaltalentasSanAntonioisfertileground. LookatHouston.LookatCorpus. andthat'swhatIwastalkingaboutatthepressconference. Thisisfertilesoilforthefighters,man,forthetalent.Sowe'reabsolutely andagain,it'sjustamatterofbuildingthoserelationshipswiththepeoplethatareinthespace. Iknowthatfightershavebeenburnedbyotherpromoters.I'mnottryingtodothat. Lookatthisway,asIsaythisintrialalot.Peoplejustdon'twakeuponemorningandbecomeliars. Thereisapatternofbehaviorthatyoucanpointtotosay,oh,thatpersonisaliar.They'vedone ittheirwholelives.Samethingasanattorney.Samethingasapromoter.Asofrightnow,again, there'snothingyoucanpointtoandnothing,hopefully,thatyoucaneverpointtothatI'mnota manofmyword,right?Andhopefullythetrainers,theotherlocalpromoterswillseethatand theywillsay,youknowwhat,man,Icantrustmyfightersonthiscard.He'snotgoingtotrytodo somethingtous,orhe'snotgoingtotrytoburnus.

LookatLaredo.LookattheValley.There'ssomanyfighters, lookingtofillthecardswithlocals,

In5yearsDMPplanstostillbehereSotheplanisaseriesoffightsalready,right? Idon'twanttogetaheadofmyselfandstartthinkingaboutthefuture becausethenIwon'tbeabletofocusonthenow,we'replanning,by theendoftheyear,aseriesoffights.Techportwasverygoodtousandsaid,look,ifyou're planningaseries,thenwe'llworkwithyou.That'sawesomebecauseIdon'twantthistobea one-timeshow.Thisisdramaaswell,right?Dramaisastory.Thatstoryhastobebuiltover time.Soattheendoftheday,we'relookingatourgoalsasatleastthreeor fourshowsthisyear,right?Andthenwithinthenextfiveyears,aseriesofshowsbuiltaround fightersthatyoucanidentifywith,bringinginalotofthelocaltalent,nowwehaveastage. Noweverybodysees,hey,guesswhat?There'ssomewheretheycancompetewithVegas. Wedon'talwayshavetobeinVegas.Wedon'talwayshavetobeintheEastCoastorWestCost. There'sgoodshowsbeingthrowninSouthTexas.Let'sgocheckitout,right?Let'sgocheckout thatvenue.Theygotalotofstufftheretoo.So,again,it'shopefullyshowcasingthecityenough sothatsomeofthenationalpromoterslookandsay,well,youknowwhat,maybeit'stimeto haveoneofthemajorfightsdownhere.Again,notcountingonit,notsittingtherelookingat thatasthespecificgoal,butit'skindoflikeifyoubuildit,theywillcome,right?Youjustgotto builditright.Theringofdreams,Right.

TheglobalandhealingpoweroftheSanAntonioSpurs.

Whenever you get a phone call at 5am that’s never good. On April 25th 2023 it was from my wife, she saw a post on Facebook, my Uncle Jack had passed away and she wanted to tell me rather than having me see it on a post. She was right and I was floored, shocked, and worst of all knew I wouldn’t be able to be there for my family.

One of the hardest things about being an immigrant is these moments, someone is sick or passes away and you can’t be there. My Uncle Jack’s wake isn’t the first me I’ve missed one.

But this isn’t a sad story about my uncle, this is about something that we bonded over and the power of sports to heal, and the San Antonio Spurs.

My uncle is from Adelaide, South Australia. Like the Republic of Texas, South Australia was founded in 1836. That’s why the basketball team is the Adelaide 36ers and why it is a sister city of Ausn. That, along with the Spurs history of supporng Australians is why my uncle was a San Antonio Spurs fan.

Before there was Pay Mills there was Andrew Gaze who played for the Spurs in the 1999 season. That happened to be a peak moment for interest in basketball in Australia, the Olympic Games were coming and Luc Longley had just had a period of dominance for the Chicago Bulls.

When I got the opportunity to see all five of the Spurs Championship trophies my Uncle was the first person I showed. He was happy to see them and happy that I got the opportunity.

But there was more to it for my uncle. Like me he had mental health struggles. We both found solace in each other, sharing our struggles and our successes. We also found that solace in sports, and in talking about it together. Whether that be the Spurs or soccer or cricket or my uncle’s beloved horse racing, sports was a phenomenal outlet for both of us. The beauty of sports is being able to forget your troubles for however long the game lasts, we found that together

It's fing that the last me I saw my uncle was when I was back in Australia for my sister’s wedding and sports was involved. My home town Central Coast Mariners was playing Adelaide United the day before the wedding so we went to the game, we talked about our struggles, our successes and how happy we were for each other. And yes, we talked about the Spurs.

2024UTSAFOOTBALLSCHEDULE

scheduleissubjecttochange • homegamesinblueandplayedatAlamodome • roadgamesinorange

*AmericanAthleticConferencegame

2TEN SPORTS Fight scene...........With “2TheMaxx”

Mora Fernando

“

Hellosportsfans,pleaseallowmetointroducemyself.MynameisFernando 2TheMaxx”Mora.Iwillbeoneofyoursportsinsiderswhenitcomestobringing breakingnewstoyou,thefan.Myfocusinthismagazinewillbeonbringingyou thelatestmoves,trades,signings onourveryownSanAntonioSpurs.Inaddition, Iwillbebringingyouthelatestinprofessionalboxing(localandglobal).Please beawarethatIwillbringtoyoumanyfactualstatementsalongwithmyveryown PERSONALOPINION.Youmaydisagreewith afewthingsIsay,butthatis perfectlyfine,itjustmakesforbetterconversation.

Alittleaboutmyself,Iama52yearoldmarriedLatinowithabeautifulwife,3 grownchildrenandaveryintelligentsoontobe2yearoldgrandbaby.Iearned mybachelor’sinbusiness Admin.(BBA) ’ 11and master’sinbusiness Admin (MBA)‘12bothfromUIW.Iown2smallbusinesses aswellasacharitable nonprofitorganization.I’vealwayshadaloveforboxing,igrewupwatching fightswithmylatefatherformanyyears.Ihavebeena10yearseasonticket membertoSanAntonioSpurs.Irecentlyfelt asif somethingwasmissinginmy life.Nowbybeingpartof2TenSportsMagazine,Ifeelasifthevoidhas beenfilled.IlookforwardtobringingyouSpursandboxingcontentthatwill keepyouinformed,educateyou,andmostimportantlyentertainyou.

MMA IS LIFE

John Noriega

HellomynameisJohnNoriegawriterforTwotenSportsfightersside.Ispecializeinthemixed martialartssideofthismagazine.For21yearsmmahasbeenmylife.Findinginspirationand beautyinasportthat'sknownforitsknockoutsandviolence B eyondthathowever Behind those4ozthinglovesandintentionsofbeatingyouropponentintosubmissionorseparating themfromconsciousness.Aremenandwomenfromvariousupbringing.Backgroundsand nationalities.Withdreamsofbeingthebestmovingontothebiggestpromotioninthesportof. UFC.Wheredreamscometrueandthebigbucksawait.Iconcentrateonthetierbeforethis. TheTexasmmaregionalscene.WhereTommarowsstarscompeteasalmostknowns.Each monthmymissionistobringyouthereaders.Theemostinspirational,sometimescontroversial alwaysin-depthninjatalesintheLoneStarState.SobuckleupandgetreadyasIpainta pictureoftheseninjas.Onewriteupfeaturingthegrownfolks.Theotherbeingthekiddosthat trainjustashardanddreamjustasbig.ThekiddosIaffectionatelydubbedtheminininjas.One storybasedonaAmmeturorprofessionalside

Is CaneloAlvarez afraid of Monsters?

So, what is going on with Canelo Alvarez? He wants to be considered one of thebest Mexican boxers of all me, which he was well on his way to do so. For the last couple of years seems to me like he's avoiding certain fighters in his weight class. Especially the one named David “The Mexican Monster” Benavidez. Canelo Alvarez even moved up to light heavyweight to face a 175 lbs Bivol and lost I believe he is ducking Benavides due to the fear of him possibly losing another fight. Benavides has been the #1 contender for the last two years, yet Canelo chooses to fight other people with a lesser threat to him. The reason I think Canelo will lose to Benavidez is prety much the size differen ce. Even though they have a fighng weight is 168 lbs. Benavidez is approximately 4 to 5 inches taller. I think canelo feels that with that reach advantage plus the power that Benavidez possess; he would be in trouble in this fight. Just last year Canelo told the world that he does not want to fight another Mexican fighter. He says that Mexican fighters should push each other to be the best there is and not beat each other and bring each other down. Yes, I think he has a point there that they should bring each other up but if you're going to say comment like that, don't turn around and schedule a fight with another Mexican fighter because you feel that you can beat them. Canelos is now scheduled to fight Jaime Mungia on this year’s Cinco Mayo weekend. A “Mexican” fighter canelo vowed that he would never fight. If you ask me, I think he just said that in order to stay away from David Benavidez. Again, for the last two years Benavidez has been the #1 contender AT 168lbs but now Canelo is talking about fighng big Charlo, Edward Berlanga, or even David Morrell. All which he feels he can beat Not once has he menoned fighng Benavidez Benavidez promoter even went as far as to offer him $60 million to fight and guess what? Canelo refused that as well. I used to be a huge fan of Canelo when he first started. He was very talented and prideful fighter back in his country of Mexico and while coming to the states. He never feared anyone, fighng whoever they put in front of him. But once he became very popular he became a drama queen, he would pick and choose the fights he wanted. whereas in the past he would fight whoever was mandatory. Is he one of the best Mexican fighters of all me? Yes! He is right now but, in my opinion, if keeps doing this stuff he loses credibility. Not once did you ever see Julio Cesar Chavez back down from a fight or much less turned down a fight from a #1 contender. He fought whoever black, white, Mexican, whoever they put in front of him. So, what's in the future for Canelo? I think he's going to fight Mungia this Cinco De Mayo weekend. To make things worse he wants to fight Crawford which is 3 weight classes below his. If and when he fights Crawford in my opinion, I think he's in a no win situaon. If he beats Crawford, he beat up a litle guy. If he loses to Crawford? He lost to a litle guy. No win at all for him. I just hope that before Canelo reres, he steps up and fights David Benavidez I am a big fan of David Benavidez as you can tell. I would love to see this fight just like any boxing fan out there. This is the fight they everybody wants to see. Give the fans what they want! Again, this is just my opinion.

1. Terrence Crawford 40-0 (31 KO’s)

2. Naoya Inoue 26-0 (23 KO’s)

3. Oleksander Usyk 21-0 (14 KO’s)

4. Dmitry Bivol 2 2-0 (11KO’s)

5. Canelo Alvarez 60-2-2 (39 KO’s)

6. Devin Haney 31-0 15 (KO’s)

7. Errol Spence 28-1 (22 KO’s)

8. Tyson Fury 34-0-1 (24 KO’s)

9. Artur Beterbiev 20-0 (20KO’s)

10. David Benavidez 28-0 (24 KO’s)

EarlyBeginningsinSanAntonio

MaxandAlexMontiel:

ATaleofPerseverance

FromNovicestoChampions

MaxandAlexMontiel,bornandraisedinSanAntonio,Texas,comefromaproud Mexicanfamily Raisedbytheirsinglemotherfromthetimeshewaspregnant, theyhavefacedtheirfairshareofchallengesandlimitations.However,throughit all,theirmotherhasprovidedunwaveringsupport,ensuringtheirgrowthand success.

AJourneyinSports

Attheyoungageof4,theMontieltwinsbegantheirforayintosportsbyplaying soccer.TheirloveforthegameledthemtojoinalocalsoccerclubinSanAntonio, wheretheyhonedtheirskills.Littledidtheyknowthatanewdestinyawaited them.

ATwistofFate

Sometimes,destinyhasitsownplans.Attheageof8,MaxandAlexstumbled upontheAlamoCityBoxingClub.Whatstartedasasearchforanothersporttofill theirfreedaysquicklymorphedintosomethingextraordinary.Itbecameevident thatthetwinspossessedanincredibletalentforboxing,atalentthatcouldn'tbe ignored.

Undertheguidanceoftheircoach,theMontieltwinsembarkedonajourney towardscompetition.TheyregisteredwithUSABoxing,andtheirpathtogreatness began Inthesummerof2021,theyparticipatedintheirfirstnationalcompetition inLubbock,Tex as.

Toeveryone'samazement,bothMaxandAlexadvancedtothesemifinals, solidifyingtheirplaceamongthenation'stop10pee -weeboxersinthe50lbs& 55lbscategories.Theirimpressiveperformancegarneredrecognitionandrespect fromtheirpeers.

A Brothers' Showdown

In March of 2023, in Detroit, Michigan, Max and Alex found themselves in an unexpected situation. Both boys competed in the same weight class, Bantam male 60lbs. What unfolded was a heartwarming yet intense battle for the championship. The brothers were set to fight each other.

Many wondered why they would face off against one another, but like any fierce competitors, Max and Alex yearned to earn their place in the ring. Ultimately, it was a close split-decision, with Alex emerging as the winner, securing the gold medal. Max proudly took home the silver medal. Despite the intense competition, their bond as brothers remained unbreakable, and both medals found a special place in their home.

A Memorable Chapter

This national competition became a cherished memory for the entire Montiel family. The journey of Max and Alex Montiel is a testament to their perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering support of their single mother. Their story serves as an inspiration to all, proving that through hardships and adversities, dreams can be realized, and greatness can be achieved.

FollowourJourney

Youcanfollowusthroughoursocialmediaaccountsandfollowalongaswe continuethisdream.-MontielTwins

Instagram:@thetwins maxalex

TikTok:@thetwins_maxalex

Facebook:AlexMaxMontiel

Financing&

MMA IS LIFE

LilAnimal Jacob Silva continues adding to his Legacy

For somebody who never had dreams of lacing up the 4 oz gloves. Nor hear that cage door lock behind him 35 year old Jacob Silva will forever be remembered as aTx MMAstaple.

Started with Silverback Fight Club where his coach at the time "CoachTony" approached a 22-23 year old Jacob about fighting. With Silva declining due to him not seeing himself as a fighter.

Once a second opportunity arose a young Silva was in.This wouldn't be jus any debut.This debut had a bit more at stake.

This scrap would be a main event and with a championship at stake.

Fight night came and saw Silva drop a razor close split decision.That however was 2011. Fast forward to 2023 and LilAnimal has been in animal like fights.

The next 12 years flew by with the ninja now fighting out of Metro MMA. He Has made his opponents shed tons of blood while he himself spilled over pints of his.

This back n forth slugfest with flying knees and ultimately a submission win for Silva

In the 3rd.Tough fight as both OG's were really in need of a win. Each planning on turning things around at each others expense.

Take it back some to March 6th 2021.Acard stacked filled with many FuryFC big names. Names that deserve to be inducted into a HOF of there own.(To bad FFC doesn't have one. Which they should)

Especially with fights like Jacob Silva vs C.J Vergara Fury 44.The fight started with an intense face off and no glove touch.

LilAnimal exploded from the first second with a flying knee and a good left hook that sits C.J.Tide would keep turning back n forth making a good fight into a fotn before our eyes.Then like every great scrap it transforms into a real classic fight.

Since then Silva has gone 3-4 and has found himself investing in outside ventures for when that day indeed comes. However it won't be today as that championship just sits there vacant with no owner. The lilAnimal knows what he has to do.

Credit to Hosanna Rull for the awesome pictures I used for the article.