American boxer Vanes Martirosyan has died at the age of 39, his family have announced, after a two-year battle with skin cancer.
Martirosyan was born in Armenia but his family moved to Glendale, California when he four years old. He inherited his father’s love of boxing and first took up the sport when he was only seven years old.
He represented the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece at the age of 18 at welterweight level and went on to fight Gennady Golovkin during his professional career, losing in two rounds.
Martirosyan leaves behind a wife and two children, a son called Andrew and a daughter, Arianna. His family released a statement announcing his passing on social media on Sunday, saying: ‘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.
‘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.
American boxer Vanes Martirosyan has died at the age of 39 after a battle with skin cancerÂ
Martirosyan was born in Armenia but moved to California when he was four years old
‘Please keep him in your prayers so his spirit can rest gently and peacefully.’
He turned professional at the age of 20 and was training by the legendaryFreddie Roach.
Martirosyan will be remembered by most for his 2018 fight with Gennady Golovkin, stepping in for Canelo Alvarez and entering the ring with just three weeks of preparation.
He was knocked out by Golovkin in the second round and said his power was like ‘being hit by a train’.Â
Martirosyan opened up about his health issues in an emotional interview with Boxing Scene back in October 2024.
‘You know, in fighting, we have protection – the ringside doctor, an ambulance on standby, the referee,’ he said.
‘With cancer, we don’t have any protection. What if it gets worse? I have no control over this.’
Martirosyan boxed for the United States at the 2004 Olympics before turning pro at age 20
He opened up about his health issues in an emotional interview back in October 2024
‘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.’
He also revealed that he lost his older brother at the age of 40 to a heart attack.Â
‘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.
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US Olympic boxer Vanes Martirosyan dead at 39 after two-year battle with skin cancer