Vanes Martirosyan, a former Olympian and world title challenger has passed away aged 39 after a battle with skin cancer.
Martirosyan, was born in Armenia, but moved over to the US where he pursued a career in professional boxing.
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Martirosyan has passed away after a battle with skin cancerCredit: Getty
And he went on to reach unprecedented heights, representing Team USA at the 2004 Summer Olympics at the age of just 18.
His professional career saw him challenge boxing legend Golovkin at the peak of his powers, but fell to stoppage defeat inside two rounds.
On Sunday evening, Martirosyan’s family released a statement confirming his death.
It read: “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.
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‘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.”
Martirosyan’s professional career in boxing
Martirosyan was a real early bloomer in the sport, turning over to the paid ranks at the age of 20.
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Martirosyan’s most high profile clash came against Golovkin seven years agoCredit: Getty
He trained with legendary Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach, which set him on the path to world titles going on a long unbeaten streak.
The US star had built up a professional record of 32-0 before he drew with Erislandy Lara after suffering a cut in 2012.
But nonetheless his big moment first came in 2013 when he challenged Demetrius Andrade for the WBO welterweight title, but came up short.
Martirosyan appeared to have fallen away from the world title picture in 2016 after losing to Lara in their rematch.
But he got his big chance, stepping up on three weeks notice to replace Canelo Alvarez in a WBC title clash with Golovkin.
Although showing bravery, he was flattened by the sensational Kazakh champion and that was his final bow in the ring.
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Martirosyan also fought on several big cards including that of Floyd Mayweather vs Andre Berto in 2015Credit: GettyMartirosyan’s health battle
Unfortunately, Martirosyan was later diagnosed with skin cancer in 2023.
He was forced to undergo surgery and have several rounds of chemotherapy which changed his life for good.
And he had spoken openly about his condition in past interviews.
He said last year: “You know, in fighting, we have protection – the ringside doctor, an ambulance on standby, the referee,’ he said.
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“With cancer, we don’t have any protection. What if it gets worse? I have no control over this.
‘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.”