Community Pays Tribute to Boxer
Boxing champion Vanes Martirosyan was laid to rest on December 1 with a huge gathering of friends and family coming out to pay tribute to the prizefighter who passed away on November 23 after battling a rare form of skin cancer.
The 39-year-old fought valiantly for two years, never giving up hope and never giving up the fight against the vicious disease.
When the shocking news of the American-Armenian fighter’s death hit the websites and social media, the boxing world was heartbroken. Many knew Vanes from his amateur days, his Olympic times, his pro career, and more. I first met Vanes over 15 years ago and saw him at gym workouts, press conferences, boxing events and live fights. He was always courteous, friendly and respectful.
Known as “The Nightmare,” Vanes was a highly-decorated amateur champ and a 2004 U.S. Olympian at just 18 years old. He made his pro debut in 2005 fighting at light middleweight and middleweight and retired from the ring after his bout against Gennady Golovkin in 2018. During his professional career, the Southern California boxer fought Erislandy Lara, Ishe Smith, Jermell Charlo, Demetrius Andrade, Kassim Ouma, among others en route to his record of 36-4-1, 21 KOs.
Well known and well liked in the local boxing community and beyond, he was the Pride of Glendale, California. And his memorial services on December 1 showed how much Vanes was loved as his family and friends all joined together to say goodbye to this athlete gone way too soon. While we all knew him as a boxer, he was so much more than that. He was a devoted father to Andrew, 14, and Ariana, 13, loving husband to his wife Gaby, beloved son to father Norik, dear brother to Vatche (Vic) and family man to the Martirosyan clan. Vanes was a stablemate to so many boxers through the years, a favorite friend to countless others and a hero to those in his city.
So it was no surprise that a massive contingent of mourners gathered on December 1 with so many wanting to pay their respects to the fallen fighter. Vanes’ Memorial Service was held at the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank (standing-room only crowd both inside and outside the church) followed by his Burial Service held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. Several familiar faces were seen at the various services including Freddie Roach, Victor Ortiz, Efrain Esquivias, Roma Kalantaryan, Juan “Panda” Martinez, Kahren Harutyunyan, Walter Sarnoi, Ron Henriquez, Steve Harpst, Paul Banke, Delilah Rico, Rodrigo Mosquera, Krysti Rosario, Miguel Salazar and more.
I’ve never seen more people at a burial than what I witnessed at Vanes’ graveside burial–he was truly loved! Steady streams of cars lined the road as a serene white horse-drawn carriage brought Vanes to his final resting place and during the vigil, people kept continuing to arrive and watch the burial as the procession took place. There were tons of floral tributes including arrangements in the shape of boxing gloves (with an American flag and an Armenian flag depicted) lining his gravesite.
Tears flowed as the champ was laid to rest. USA Boxing’s Delilah Rico gave a heartfelt Ten Count as we all said our final goodbyes. Prayers were given and the ceremony culminated in 39 doves (for each year of Vanes’ life) were released into the heavens. Butterflies were also sent into the skies too. It was an extraordinary and beautiful tribute for the boxing star.
The day continued with a special luncheon held at Legacy Venues in Glendale. A delicious feast awaited the guests while a slideshow played of Vanes’ childhood, teen years and achievements in the boxing world. There were many tears shed as we got to see what a truly amazing life Vanes had and sadly–heartbreakingly–cut short by the evils of cancer. But the photos and the memories and the notes in the record books will last forever. With his hand held in victory, many will remember Vanes as the champion he was–humble, brave, courageous and standing tall beaming with pride.
I caught up with several boxing pals at the lunch and we shared our thoughts and recollections about Vanes. Prayers and toasts were made during this elegant and classy celebration of life. I also had a chance to visit with the Martirosyan family including Vanes’ father Norik, his brother Vic (who was also a pro boxer), Vanes’ wife Gaby and their children Andrew and Ariana.
Norik proudly showed us videos of his teenage grandson Andrew in the boxing ring; the championship DNA is there from both his father and grandfather!
I also spoke to Vanes’ wife Gaby and their teen daughter Ariana. The family has been so strong during this tragedy. Gaby mentioned that she wants her husband to be remembered and that Vanes told her that he hopes to always be remembered. I told her they never have to worry about that…Vanes will always be remembered for all the rounds he gave us in the ring and for the person that he was outside the ropes. He truly left a legacy and will not be forgotten.
There’s a saying that what’s really important in someone’s life is “the dash” between the day they were born and their last day on earth. It’s what takes place in the dash that is the ultimate meaning. For Vanes Norik Martirosyan his pivotal dates are May 1, 1986 – November 23, 2025. But what he accomplished between those 39 too-short years is remarkable. The pugilist experienced more success in his 39 years than most people will ever achieve in a lifetime. From amateur champion to Olympic boxer to professional prizefighter and champion. Vanes packed so much between his “dash” before he was stricken by cancer. There is no sense in a seemingly healthy man of 39 becoming ill; it doesn’t make sense and it is not fair. While it angers us, we still have to believe in faith and continue to pray for his family.
Vanes was known as a loving family man with strong faith and a loyal friend to countless individuals in and out of boxing who will forever mourn this loss.
Please keep Vanes’ family in your thoughts and prayers especially during this holiday season.
Thank you, Vanes, for all you gave in the sport of boxing.
YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
Photos by Michele Chong