Amateur boxing returns for Battle at the Corn Palace 2

May 13—MITCHELL — For the second consecutive year, amateur boxing will return to the Corn Palace as 15th Round Boxing hosts Battle at the Corn Palace 2 on Saturday, May 16. The event, organized by brothers Evangelos and George Giovanis, will feature 20 scheduled amateur bouts sanctioned by USA Boxing. Doors at the Corn Palace open at 4 p.m., with the first fight slated to begin at 5 p.m. The card will showcase fighters ranging from 12 years old into their 20s, giving young boxers from across the region an opportunity to gain experience in front of a live crowd. "We did the show last year in Mitchell and people loved it. They asked us to come back again this year, and we said we would love to," Evangelos Giovanis said. "We find that it's great for the community, and especially for the young boxers that want to come out and compete. For these kids, it's a platform for them to fight and stay busy and gives them a goal to strive for." The Giovanis brothers founded 15th Round Boxing in Los Angeles and moved to Sioux Falls in March 2021 with the mission of helping develop amateur fighters and creating opportunities for area athletes to reach the professional ranks. Through their promotion company, the brothers organize both amateur and professional boxing events throughout the region. "We're trying to get people interested in amateur boxing in general. That is our mission," George Giovanis said. "We believe that youth and adults benefit tremendously through boxing, so we noticed that when you put on shows in towns it can grow. And in general, people said that they really enjoyed it, so we figured we would give it another go this year." The unique setting of the Corn Palace also continues to make Mitchell an attractive destination for amateur fighters and teams traveling from neighboring states. "What I learned last year is that we love the town of Mitchell, and people from all the other surrounding states really enjoyed the Corn Palace and the different venue," George Giovanis said. "The Palace helps create a little buzz around the show itself, and it helps draw some teams that might not come out to South Dakota to fight and they get a new appreciation for it." Although the event remains focused on amateur competition, fans will also have a chance to meet two former amateur standouts from the 15th Round Boxing gym who have successfully transitioned into the professional ranks. Deontay Walker and Preston Montera are both expected to attend Saturday's event, though neither boxer will compete because of their professional status. According to Evangelos Giovanis, fans will have opportunities to meet the fighters and take photos during the evening. Walker currently holds both the Universal Boxing Organisation International and UBO Continental titles and is scheduled to fight Fredrick Lawson on June 27 in Minneapolis for the North American Boxing Association Silver title. Montera made South Dakota amateur boxing history after turning professional at just 16 years old, becoming the youngest fighter from the state to do so. Evangelos Giovanis also credited several local organizations and leaders for helping bring the event back to Mitchell for a second year, including Mitchell Mayor Jordan Hanson for helping make the event possible again. General admission tickets start at $20. Tickets can be purchased in advance at or at the Corn Palace doors on the day of the event. "I tell everybody that you can buy the tickets at the door if there are seats available, and there are plenty of seats available at this moment," Evangelos Giovanis said. "Last year we had a really good showing, but bringing a show back takes time and we know that. So, the fact that we are giving something to the community of Mitchell, and giving an opportunity for the kids makes all of our work very worthwhile."