Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Vanes Martirosyan, 2004 U.S. Olympian and Title Contender, Dies at 39 After Skin Cancer Battle

His publicist’s confirmation was followed by tributes from WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman plus the Wild Card Boxing Club.

Overview

  • The 39-year-old’s death was confirmed Sunday by multiple outlets and his publicist after a reported two-year fight with skin cancer.
  • Born in Armenia and raised in Glendale, California, he was a 2004 U.S. Olympian and Golden Gloves champion who turned professional in 2005.
  • He challenged for world titles three times, faced elite opponents including Erislandy Lara, Demetrius Andrade, and Jermell Charlo, and held the WBC Silver belt in 2012.
  • His final bout was a short-notice challenge against Gennady Golovkin in May 2018, which ended in a stoppage defeat before he retired.
  • He is survived by his wife, Gaby Tsao, and their two children, as trainer Roma Kalantaryan recalled he sought extensive treatment, including travel to Mexico.