Vanes Martirosyan, 39, passed away earlier today in Los Angeles after his two-year battle with skin cancer.
Martirosyan (36-4-1, 21 KOs) retired after his fight against Gennadiy Golovkin in 2018.
May the 2004 United States Olympian rest in peace.
Vanes Martirosyan has died
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Ruthless-RKO
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
This is sad news.
Wasn’t even that old. I expected him to be on his 40’s
Wasn’t even that old. I expected him to be on his 40’s
Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
This is fkin sad. RIP :( :( :(
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
VANES MARTIROSYAN, 39, DIES AFTER TWO-YEAR BATTLE WITH SKIN CANCER
Former title challenger Vanes Martirosyan passed away Sunday at the age of 39 after a two-year battle with skin cancer.
Martirosyan (36-4-1, 21 KOs) shared the ring with the likes of Erislandy Lara twice, Demetrius Andrade, and Jermell Charlo as a junior middleweight contender and retired after suffering a stoppage loss against middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin in 2018. Martirosyan’s notable wins came against the likes of Kassim Ouma, Willie Nelson, and Ishe Smith in a professional career that spanned more than 13 years.
Martirosyan was born on May 1, 1986, in Yerevan, Armenia, and grew up in Glendale, California, where he sported a sizable Armenian fan base. Martirosyan was a touted amateur prospect who represented the United States at the 2004 Olympics and turned professional in 2005 after signing a promotional deal with Top Rank Boxing.
Martirosyan lived up to his nickname of “The Nightmare” and was in highly competitive clashes with some of the best contemporaries of his era in fights that aired on HBO and Showtime. He was trained by the likes of Freddie Roach, Ronnie Shields, Joe Goossen, Edmond Tarverdyan, and Roma Kalantaryan.
Kalantaryan, a lifelong friend and confidant who now trains Bakhram Murtazaliev, was at Martirosyan’s bedside Thursday in Los Angeles when doctors said that Martirosyan had just a handful of days left to live.
“He was fighting for his life like the champion he was,” Kalantaryan told The Ring. “It’s incredibly tragic to say that he’s not here with us anymore. He tried everything and even went to Mexico to get treatment, but it was really hard for him over the last six months. Vanes understood that he was running out of time the last time that I saw him.
"He asked that I look out for his family, we thanked each other for everything, and said our goodbyes. Vanes was such an amazing person with a heart of gold. I wish that he rest in eternal peace.”
Martirosyan is survived by his wife Gaby Tsao, son Andrew, and daughter Arianna.
“Today our hearts are shattered," said Tsao. "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.
“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. 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. Please keep him in your prayers so his spirit can rest gently and peacefully.
“Baby, you were an amazing husband and father, and we will carry your love with us for the rest of our lives.”
Former title challenger Vanes Martirosyan passed away Sunday at the age of 39 after a two-year battle with skin cancer.
Martirosyan (36-4-1, 21 KOs) shared the ring with the likes of Erislandy Lara twice, Demetrius Andrade, and Jermell Charlo as a junior middleweight contender and retired after suffering a stoppage loss against middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin in 2018. Martirosyan’s notable wins came against the likes of Kassim Ouma, Willie Nelson, and Ishe Smith in a professional career that spanned more than 13 years.
Martirosyan was born on May 1, 1986, in Yerevan, Armenia, and grew up in Glendale, California, where he sported a sizable Armenian fan base. Martirosyan was a touted amateur prospect who represented the United States at the 2004 Olympics and turned professional in 2005 after signing a promotional deal with Top Rank Boxing.
Martirosyan lived up to his nickname of “The Nightmare” and was in highly competitive clashes with some of the best contemporaries of his era in fights that aired on HBO and Showtime. He was trained by the likes of Freddie Roach, Ronnie Shields, Joe Goossen, Edmond Tarverdyan, and Roma Kalantaryan.
Kalantaryan, a lifelong friend and confidant who now trains Bakhram Murtazaliev, was at Martirosyan’s bedside Thursday in Los Angeles when doctors said that Martirosyan had just a handful of days left to live.
“He was fighting for his life like the champion he was,” Kalantaryan told The Ring. “It’s incredibly tragic to say that he’s not here with us anymore. He tried everything and even went to Mexico to get treatment, but it was really hard for him over the last six months. Vanes understood that he was running out of time the last time that I saw him.
"He asked that I look out for his family, we thanked each other for everything, and said our goodbyes. Vanes was such an amazing person with a heart of gold. I wish that he rest in eternal peace.”
Martirosyan is survived by his wife Gaby Tsao, son Andrew, and daughter Arianna.
“Today our hearts are shattered," said Tsao. "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.
“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. 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. Please keep him in your prayers so his spirit can rest gently and peacefully.
“Baby, you were an amazing husband and father, and we will carry your love with us for the rest of our lives.”
Last edited by Ruthless-RKO on 24 Nov 2025, 05:53, edited 1 time in total.
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Perkin Warbeck
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Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
Terribly sad news. He was a true ring warrior who never avoided anybody.
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Jeff_lacy_ko
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Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
It is rare to die of skin cancer especially this young.
Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
R.I.P.
So young to die.
Looking back, he had a decent career.
He was competitive in both fights against Lara and I remember him having a strong case for a win against Jermell Charlo.
It's fascinating, that he wasn't able to grab at least one championship belt. Especially, in today's era (when lots of meh fighters were able to do so). And especially, given the fact that he had a good promoter in Top Rank.
Stars haven't aligned for him, apparently.
So young to die.
Looking back, he had a decent career.
He was competitive in both fights against Lara and I remember him having a strong case for a win against Jermell Charlo.
It's fascinating, that he wasn't able to grab at least one championship belt. Especially, in today's era (when lots of meh fighters were able to do so). And especially, given the fact that he had a good promoter in Top Rank.
Stars haven't aligned for him, apparently.
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handsofstone
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
Vanes Martirosyan, former world title challenger, dies at 39
Vanes Martirosyan, the 2004 US Olympian and former world title challenger, died Sunday at the age of 39 following a two-year battle with skin cancer.
The news was confirmed by BS on Sunday with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and Martirosyan publicist Bernie Bahrmasel.
Martirosyan, who fought from 2005 to 2018, compiled a pro record of 36-5 (21 KOs), challenging three times for world titles, including in his last bout, when he lost to unified middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin in two rounds.
Born in Abovyan, Armenia, and based in Glendale, California, Martirosyan was an outstanding amateur, defeating Andre Berto in the Olympic qualifiers to earn his spot at the Athens Games in 2004. There in Greece, Martirosyan made it to the second round of the welterweight competition, losing a decision to Cuba’s Lorenzo Aragon.
Martirosyan went undefeated in his first 34 professional bouts, running his record to 33-0-1, with his only blemish being a draw against Erislandy Lara, before he lost a split decision in a vacant WBO junior middleweight title fight against Demetrius Andrade in 2013. Martirosyan’s three losses would all come against world champions, including Jermell Charlo, to whom Martirosyan lost a close decision in 2015, and another decision loss to Lara in a 2016 rematch. During his career, Martirosyan defeated two former world champions, including Kassim Ouma and Ishe Smith.
Sulaiman, whose organization’s silver title Martirosyan won in 2012, mourned Martirosyan’s untimely passing, describing him as a “dear friend.”
“He was a special person who even donated to Israel Vazquez’s family, even when he was facing his own difficulties,” said Sulaiman. “May he rest in peace.”
Martirosyan’s life was also commemorated on the Wild Card Boxing Club’s Instagram page.
“We are deeply and profoundly saddened by the passing of Vanes Martirosyan – a former US Olympian, WBC Silver Light Middleweight Champion, a father, a husband, a son, and friend to us all. Vanes will always be remembered here and missed,” wrote the account of the Los Angeles gym where Martirosyan trained for much of his career.
“We know you fought hard, Vanes, and fought to live for your family. We send our thoughts, prayers, love, support, and sincerest condolences to the Martirosyan family and all those who feel this loss. Gone far, far too soon.”
Martirosyan spoke with BS’s Lance Pugmire last year, discussing his battle with squamous cell carcinoma cancer and thanking supporters for their words of encouragement.
“Those messages keep me going,” Martirosyan said in the story, which was published in October 2024. “It’s good to know people care. I wish everyone out there the best, especially any of those going through an illness.”
Vanes Martirosyan, the 2004 US Olympian and former world title challenger, died Sunday at the age of 39 following a two-year battle with skin cancer.
The news was confirmed by BS on Sunday with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and Martirosyan publicist Bernie Bahrmasel.
Martirosyan, who fought from 2005 to 2018, compiled a pro record of 36-5 (21 KOs), challenging three times for world titles, including in his last bout, when he lost to unified middleweight champion Gennadiy Golovkin in two rounds.
Born in Abovyan, Armenia, and based in Glendale, California, Martirosyan was an outstanding amateur, defeating Andre Berto in the Olympic qualifiers to earn his spot at the Athens Games in 2004. There in Greece, Martirosyan made it to the second round of the welterweight competition, losing a decision to Cuba’s Lorenzo Aragon.
Martirosyan went undefeated in his first 34 professional bouts, running his record to 33-0-1, with his only blemish being a draw against Erislandy Lara, before he lost a split decision in a vacant WBO junior middleweight title fight against Demetrius Andrade in 2013. Martirosyan’s three losses would all come against world champions, including Jermell Charlo, to whom Martirosyan lost a close decision in 2015, and another decision loss to Lara in a 2016 rematch. During his career, Martirosyan defeated two former world champions, including Kassim Ouma and Ishe Smith.
Sulaiman, whose organization’s silver title Martirosyan won in 2012, mourned Martirosyan’s untimely passing, describing him as a “dear friend.”
“He was a special person who even donated to Israel Vazquez’s family, even when he was facing his own difficulties,” said Sulaiman. “May he rest in peace.”
Martirosyan’s life was also commemorated on the Wild Card Boxing Club’s Instagram page.
“We are deeply and profoundly saddened by the passing of Vanes Martirosyan – a former US Olympian, WBC Silver Light Middleweight Champion, a father, a husband, a son, and friend to us all. Vanes will always be remembered here and missed,” wrote the account of the Los Angeles gym where Martirosyan trained for much of his career.
“We know you fought hard, Vanes, and fought to live for your family. We send our thoughts, prayers, love, support, and sincerest condolences to the Martirosyan family and all those who feel this loss. Gone far, far too soon.”
Martirosyan spoke with BS’s Lance Pugmire last year, discussing his battle with squamous cell carcinoma cancer and thanking supporters for their words of encouragement.
“Those messages keep me going,” Martirosyan said in the story, which was published in October 2024. “It’s good to know people care. I wish everyone out there the best, especially any of those going through an illness.”
Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
Rest well young man, you brought honor to boxing every time you stepped in the ring.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Vanes Martirosyan has died
Vanes Martirosyan receives touching tribute from Armenian debutant
Middleweight Sebastian Terteryan dedicated his first-round knockout in his pro debut this past Saturday to Vanes Martirosyan, a fighter he never met but hoped would be ringside for one of his fights.
Terteryan stopped Chicago’s Dustin Spencer with a right hand to the body that left Spencer in agony on the canvas 28 seconds into the bout at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
After the win, Terteryan, 1-0 (1 KO), celebrated by putting on a t-shirt that read “R.I.P. Vanes.” Martirosyan died last month at age 39 due to skin cancer. Terteryan, an Armenian boxer who lives in Denmark but trains in Las Vegas, said his only interaction with the former title contender Martirosyan, who was also Armenian, was following him on social media and sending him a direct message.
“I asked him for advice,” Terteryan, 24, told BS. “I was surprised that he gave the time and energy to text me on an Instagram DM. He was so humble, and he told me if I needed anything to text him.”
Terteryan was supposed to fight in July when his brother Nikolai Terteryan knocked out Issa Ajilat in the first round in his pro debut. Sebastian was unable to compete on the card due to visa issues that delayed his U.S. debut.
“I asked when I was supposed to fight in July,” Terteryan said. “I told him, ‘If you want to come, I will have a ringside ticket for you.’ He said, ‘I will try to come, but my condition might not allow it.’”
Martirosyan is a former junior middleweight title contender who finished his career with a record of 36-4-1 (21 KOs). He fought the likes of Erislandy Lara, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermell Charlo, Willie Nelson, Ishe Smith and Demetrius Andrade. Terteryan’s fight came only six days after Martirosyan’s death. Terteryan went to Martirosyan’s funeral on Monday to pay his respects.
“He is a very special person for me – but not only for me, but in general for the Armenian community in America,” Terteryan said. “He was a very kind man, and that is the only thing people said at the funeral – that he was a bigger person outside the ring than he was inside the ring.”
Terteryan said he will remember Martirosyan not only for the fighter he was in the ring but also for his kindness to a young Armenian fighter looking to turn pro. It wasn’t just the shirt Terteryan wore but his entire performance that he meant as tribute to Martirosyan.
“I never met him, but I wanted to,” Terteryan said. “I just had to do what I could do to show the new generation of Armenian boxers and his generation that Vanes is our hero.”
Middleweight Sebastian Terteryan dedicated his first-round knockout in his pro debut this past Saturday to Vanes Martirosyan, a fighter he never met but hoped would be ringside for one of his fights.
Terteryan stopped Chicago’s Dustin Spencer with a right hand to the body that left Spencer in agony on the canvas 28 seconds into the bout at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
After the win, Terteryan, 1-0 (1 KO), celebrated by putting on a t-shirt that read “R.I.P. Vanes.” Martirosyan died last month at age 39 due to skin cancer. Terteryan, an Armenian boxer who lives in Denmark but trains in Las Vegas, said his only interaction with the former title contender Martirosyan, who was also Armenian, was following him on social media and sending him a direct message.
“I asked him for advice,” Terteryan, 24, told BS. “I was surprised that he gave the time and energy to text me on an Instagram DM. He was so humble, and he told me if I needed anything to text him.”
Terteryan was supposed to fight in July when his brother Nikolai Terteryan knocked out Issa Ajilat in the first round in his pro debut. Sebastian was unable to compete on the card due to visa issues that delayed his U.S. debut.
“I asked when I was supposed to fight in July,” Terteryan said. “I told him, ‘If you want to come, I will have a ringside ticket for you.’ He said, ‘I will try to come, but my condition might not allow it.’”
Martirosyan is a former junior middleweight title contender who finished his career with a record of 36-4-1 (21 KOs). He fought the likes of Erislandy Lara, Gennadiy Golovkin, Jermell Charlo, Willie Nelson, Ishe Smith and Demetrius Andrade. Terteryan’s fight came only six days after Martirosyan’s death. Terteryan went to Martirosyan’s funeral on Monday to pay his respects.
“He is a very special person for me – but not only for me, but in general for the Armenian community in America,” Terteryan said. “He was a very kind man, and that is the only thing people said at the funeral – that he was a bigger person outside the ring than he was inside the ring.”
Terteryan said he will remember Martirosyan not only for the fighter he was in the ring but also for his kindness to a young Armenian fighter looking to turn pro. It wasn’t just the shirt Terteryan wore but his entire performance that he meant as tribute to Martirosyan.
“I never met him, but I wanted to,” Terteryan said. “I just had to do what I could do to show the new generation of Armenian boxers and his generation that Vanes is our hero.”