NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Vanes Martirosyan, a former Olympic boxer who competed professionally in the light middleweight and middleweight divisions, has died, officials said Sunday. He was 39 years old.
The World Boxing Council announced Martirosyan’s death in a social media post.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Vanes Martirosyan poses as he trains for his middleweight fight against Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhstan during a media workout at Glendale Fighting Club on April 23, 2018 in Glendale, California. (Harry Comment/Getty Images)
“Vanes Martirosyan is now resting in peace,” the organization wrote on Facebook. “He leaves us a profound legacy of resilience, an inspiring warrior spirit and an unwavering love for life. Farewell CHAMP!”
Martirosyan battled skin cancer for two years before his death, according to Ring Magazine.
He was born in Armenia but moved to Glendale, California when he was young. He started boxing at the age of seven and became an eight-time national champion and Golden Gloves winner.
Martirosyan was able to represent Team USA at the 2004 Olympics in the welterweight division by defeating Haitian Andre Berto in the first ever International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA), now known as the International Boxing Association, American Olympic boxing qualifying tournament. He was only 18 years old.
Vanes Martirosyan of the United States celebrates his 45-20 points victory over Benamar Meskine of Algeria following their Olympic welterweight 69kg preliminary match at Peristeri Boxing Hall August 15, 2004 in Athens. (JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images)
JAKE PAUL LANDS HEAVY FIGHT WITH TWO-STROKE CHAMPION AFTER TANK DAVIS BOUT
He did not have the same success at the 2004 Olympics. He defeated Algerian Benamar Meskine in the first round but lost to Cuban Lorenzo Aragón in the second. Aragon ultimately won the silver medal in the division.
Martirosyan turned professional two years later. He had marquee fights against Jermell Charlo and Gennady Golovkin. He won the first 32 professional fights of his career before drawing with Erislandy Lara. He didn’t suffer his first defeat until fight #35 against Demetrius Andrade.
In his last fight, Golovkin knocked him out in the second round.
Vanes Martirosyan (white trunks) and Ishe Smith (black trunks) box during their middleweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on September 12, 2015. (Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Vanes Martirosyan, who lost his battle with cancer,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “Vanes was a proud WBC silver champion and a dear friend. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
