Remembering Vanes Martirosyan 1986- - 2025

The boxing world was saddened by the passing of former world title challenger Vanes Martirosyan, 39, (36-4-1, 21 KOs), on Sunday.

Vanes, born in Abovyan, Armenia, but a long-time California resident, turned pro in 2005 and fought until 2018.

He ran his record up to an impressive 33-0-1 by 2013 and included wins over good fighters like Billy Lyell, Saul Roman, Kassim Ouma, and Richard Gutierrez.

After drawing with Erislandy Lara in a WBC title eliminator, he got a shot at Demetrius Andrade’s WBO super welterweight title 2 fights later. He lost a very close SD.

He would fight 6 times over the last 4 years of his career going 3-3. He beat contender Ishe Smith in that run and lost 2 distance fights to Lara (rematch) and undefeated Jermell Charlo. He closed out his career in a stoppage loss in his world title shot to Gennadiy Golovkin for his WBC middleweight title. 

Upon learning of his passing, Freddie Roach and the Wild Card Boxing Club took to social media to remember their fighter and friend.

“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,” they said.

“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.”

Rest in peace, Champ

From everyone at MaxBoxing, our deepest condolonces to the Martirosyan family.