Get ready, fight fans—amateur boxing is making a thunderous return to the iconic Corn Palace in Mitchell for the second year running. On Saturday, May 16, 15th Round Boxing presents Battle at the Corn Palace 2, an action-packed night of 20 sanctioned amateur bouts that promises to deliver raw energy, heart, and hometown pride.
The event is the brainchild of brothers Evangelos and George Giovanis, who founded 15th Round Boxing in Los Angeles before relocating to Sioux Falls in March 2021. Their mission? To build a platform for young fighters to develop, compete, and chase their dreams in the ring. And Mitchell has quickly become a key stop on that journey.
"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 shared. "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 card will feature fighters ranging from 12 years old to their early 20s, offering a rare chance for regional talent to step into the spotlight and gain invaluable experience in front of a live crowd. Doors open at 4 p.m., with the first bell sounding at 5 p.m.—so arrive early to soak in the electric atmosphere.
"We're trying to get people interested in amateur boxing in general. That is our mission," George Giovanis added. "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 Corn Palace itself adds a unique flavor to the event, drawing teams from neighboring states who are eager to compete in such an iconic venue. "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 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."
While the night is all about amateur competition, fans will also have a chance to meet two rising professional stars who got their start at 15th Round Boxing. Deontay Walker and Preston Montera—both former amateur standouts now making waves in the pro ranks—are expected to attend, offering meet-and-greet opportunities and photo ops. Though they won't be stepping into the ring, their presence is a powerful reminder of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Whether you're a die-hard boxing enthusiast or just looking for a thrilling night out, Battle at the Corn Palace 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable showcase of grit, talent, and community spirit. Grab your gear, lace up your gloves, and be part of the action.