The boxing world is mourning the loss of Vanes Martirosyan, the former U.S. Olympian who passed away at age 39 following a courageous two-year battle with skin cancer.
Born in Armenia, Martirosyan’s journey to becoming an American boxing representative began when his family relocated to Glendale, California, when he was just four years old. Following in his father’s footsteps, the young Martirosyan discovered his passion for the sport at the tender age of seven, launching what would become a distinguished career in the ring.
His athletic prowess led him to represent the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, competing at welterweight division at only 18 years old. The achievement marked the beginning of a professional career that would see him trained by the legendary Freddie Roach after turning professional at age 20.
Perhaps his most memorable professional bout came in 2018 when he stepped in as a late replacement to face the formidable Gennady Golovkin, accepting the challenge with only three weeks of preparation after Canelo Alvarez withdrew. Though the match ended with a second-round knockout, Martirosyan later described his opponent’s power as being like ‘being hit by a train.’
The boxer’s family announced his passing through a heartfelt statement on social media Sunday. ‘Today our hearts are shattered. We are losing an incredible man – a loving husband, a devoted father, a kind soul, and someone who left a mark on everyone who ever met him,’ the statement read.
The family continued: ‘Those who knew Vanes know how special he was, how big his heart was, and how deeply he loved. The emptiness he leaves behind is something we will feel forever.’
In a candid interview with Boxing Scene in October 2024, Martirosyan opened up about the stark reality of his diagnosis. ‘You know, in fighting, we have protection – the ringside doctor, an ambulance on standby, the referee,’ he explained. ‘With cancer, we don’t have any protection. What if it gets worse? I have no control over this.’
He shared his approach to the illness with characteristic honesty: ‘I just pray to God to cure me. I pray for a miracle. The doctors tell me this is so rare, that it afflicts only one per cent of people.’
The tragedy was compounded by earlier family loss, as Martirosyan revealed he had lost his older brother at age 40 to a heart attack. ‘My mom and dad have already reserved their (burial) places to be next to him. I told them I don’t want to be the next one in there,’ he said at the time.
Martirosyan is survived by his wife and two children, a son named Andrew and a daughter, Arianna.
His family’s statement concluded with a message of hope: ‘We love him so much, and we are going to miss him in ways words can’t explain. It won’t be easy… but we hold on to the thought that he is going to a better place, where there is no more pain or suffering. A place of peace.’
