1st Annual Manny Memorial Show honors young boxer

Posted: Sep 26, 2026 / 06:52 PM CDT

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Dozens of young athletes stepped into the ring Saturday at the YMCA in downtown Sioux Falls, but for the Vargas family, these boxing matches meant more than just a competition. It was a chance to be a part of something their son loved.

“To honor his memory, we box. He was a great boxer. He boxed for years, I think 3 or 4 years. And then we were trained individually outside of the gym where we’re going to. And then once he passed, he wanted to carry on his legacy, open Vargas boxing here and then just keep his name alive,” Manny’s sister Angelica Vargas said.

That legacy took center stage at the First Annual Manny Memorial Show.

The gym brought together athletes and supporters from all across the region to celebrate Manny’s love for boxing.

“It’s really awesome. I was just telling someone that walked in, I just can’t believe we have so many supporters. Manny knew so many people. I don’t think I realized until after he passed that like hundreds of people. So it’s really awesome to see the love and support,” Vargas said.

While some weren’t close with Manny, the few interactions with him were always filled with positivity.

“The times I was with him where he was always just messing around or having fun, just always, a pretty happy guy and just pretty joyful. Always, you know, spreading joy wherever he was going,” Vargas Boxing boxer Aaron Olieares said.

The Vargas family hopes to continue the memorial show in years to come to honor Manny’s memory.