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Vanes Martirosyan, a former Olympic boxer who competed professionally in the light middleweight and middleweight divisions, has died, officials said Sunday. He was 39.
The World Boxing Council announced Martirosyan’s death in a post on social media.
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Vanes Martirosyan poses while training for his middleweight fight against Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhstan during a media workout at the Glendale Fighting Club on April 23, 2018 in Glendale, California. (Harry How/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 went on to become an eight-time national champion and Golden Gloves winner.
Martirosyan was able to represent Team USA in the 2004 Olympics in the welterweight division as he defeated Haiti’s Andre Berto in the first-ever Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (AIBA), now known as the International Boxing Association, American Olympic Boxing Qualifying Tournament. He was just 18.
Vanes Martirosyan, of USA, celebrates his 45-20 points victory over Benamar Meskine of Algeria following their preliminary 69 kg Welterweight Olympic Games match at the Peristeri Boxing Hall 15 August 2004 in Athens. (JOE KLAMAR/AFP via Getty Images)
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He didn’t have the same success in the 2004 Olympics. He defeated Algeria’s Benamar Meskine in the first round but lost to Cuba’s Lorenzo Aragón in the second. Aragón eventually 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 pro bouts of his career before he drew with Erislandy Lara. He didn’t suffer his first defeat until bout No. 35 against Demetrius Andrade.
In his final bout, Golovkin knocked him out in the second round.
Vanes Martirosyan (white trunks) and Ishe Smith (black trunks) box during their middleweight bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sept. 12, 2015. (Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports)
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“I’m deeply saddened by the news of Vanes Martirosyan, who lost his battle to 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.”
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