Former Olympian and Boxing Contender Vanes Martirosyan Passes Away at 39

Vanes Martirosyan, a well-known boxer and 2004 Olympian, died earlier today in Los Angeles after fighting skin cancer for two years. His death was confirmed in a message that said, "Vanes Martirosyan, 39, passed away earlier today in Los Angeles after his two-year battle with skin cancer."

Martirosyan was one of the most recognized Armenian-American boxers of his generation. He finished his professional career with a record of 36 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, including 21 knockouts. He retired in 2018 after stepping into the ring for the last time against Gennadiy Golovkin.

Vanes Norik Martirosyan was born on May 1, 1986, in Abovyan, Armenia. When he was a young child, his family moved to the United States and settled in Glendale, California. Surrounded by a strong Armenian community and a supportive family, he began boxing at an early age and quickly showed natural talent.

During his amateur rise, he trained under Freddie Roach before joining the U.S. Olympic boxing program. At only 18 years old, he earned a place on the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team and competed in Athens as one of the youngest fighters on the squad.

After the Olympics, Martirosyan turned professional and built a strong career in the super welterweight division. Known for his power, pressure, and discipline, he faced many of the top names in the sport, including Erislandy Lara, Demetrius Andrade, and Gennadiy Golovkin.

Outside the ring, Martirosyan was deeply tied to the Armenian community and proudly carried both his Armenian identity and his U.S. Olympic status. 

Another important part of his life was his admiration for Kobe Bryant. The Lakers star was his idol, and Martirosyan often spoke about how Bryant’s mentality and work ethic influenced him throughout his boxing career.

In 2018, he retired from the sport after his final fight. He continued to stay connected with fans and the Armenian community in the years that followed, even as he privately battled cancer.

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