30 January 2014, 21:16
1614 |

Vanes Martirosyan signs with Goossen Tutor; set to fight March 21

Promoter Dan Goossen announced the signing of veteran world title challenger and world-ranked contender Vanes “The Nightmare” Martirosyan.

“I’m really excited about signing with Goossen Tutor Promotions,” Martirosyan said. “I see a very bright future ahead of us. I do want to thank Bob (Arum) for all his support the last seven years, I am very grateful and wish them the best of luck.”

The 27-year old Armenian native, who has lived in Glendale, Calif. since emigrating there with his family at age 4, has compiled an impressive 33-1-1 record with 21 knockouts in his nearly nine years as a professional boxer while fighting under Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. banner.

The orthodox-style super welterweight was recently ranked as the No. 1 contender in most of the world sanctioning organizations. He formerly held the NABF Super Welterweight and NABO Junior Middleweight titles.

Undefeated in his first 34 pro fights with one technical draw — the result of a cut over his left eye caused by an accidental head-butt sustained in the ninth round against current Interim WBA super welterweight champion Erislandy Lara – Martirosyan came up short in his last bout with a split-decision loss to the undefeated Olympian Demetrius Andrade, who visited the canvas for the first time in his career thanks to a powerful left hook from Martirosyan in the first-round of their fight for the vacant WBO Light Middleweight Title on Nov. 9, 2013 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

“Having tasted defeat for the first time really woke me up, and I never want that bitter taste in my mouth again,” Martirosyan said. “Words can’t express how I’ve felt over the last few months, but my performance in the ring from this point on will give everyone an idea. This loss has ignited a fire in me that had almost faded through the long years it took me to get to that title fight. I’m hungrier than ever, and simply can’t wait to get back in the ring. I am working hard and will be ready to face anybody in the 154 division. I’m on a mission to become a world champion.”

Martirosyan turned pro in April 2005 following a distinguished 120-10 amateur record that was culminated by earning a spot in the 152-pound weight class on the same 2004 U.S. Olympic Team in Athens, Greece on which Goossen Tutor stablemate and current WBA Super Middleweight Champion Andre Ward became the last American boxer to win an Olympic gold medal. Among his most notable amateur victims were Austin Trout (three times), Andre Berto and Timothy Bradley -- all eventual professional world champions.

Martirosyan, who has a tremendous Armenian following in California, will make his Goossen Tutor debut on March 21, 2014 on ESPN at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon, Calif., where he anticipates having his tremendous fan base behind him.

“This is a very exciting signing for our company,” Goossen declared. "What we look for in our fighters is talent and the desire and willingness to overcome every obstacle, and we know Vanes has all the tools to do just that. He’s ready to start with renewed vigor and said one simple thing to me upon signing: ‘I’ll fight anybody!’ Starting March 21, Vanes will showcase his considerable skills on ESPN in front of the great fans at Morongo.”

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