Hamlet Nalbandyan
Vanes Martirosyan already did what he set out to do at the 2004
America's Qualifier on Thursday, so Saturday's victory was nothing
more than icing on the cake.
Already having qualified for the Summer Olympics in Athens, the
17-year-old Glendale resident made his week in Tijuana just that much
sweeter by winning the Gold medal in the welterweight division.
The 6-foot, 152-pounder, who is a member of the U.S. Boxing
National team, defeated Haiti's Andre Berto in a 25-21 four-round
decision.
Both Berto -- a former American fighter -- and Martirosyan will
participate in the Summer Olympics, thanks to their victories in
Thursday's semifinals. Martirosyan defeated Canada's Adam Trumpish in
the semifinals.
Martirosyan is one of six U.S. fighters who won Gold medals
Saturday, and one of seven who qualified for the Summer Olympics.
Against Berto, Martirosyan used a strong fourth round to earn the
victory. A point is awarded for any punch landed to the head or above
the waist.
Berto led by one point after the first round, but the lead changed
hands several times after that.
Martirosyan will be honored by the Homenetmen Glendale Ararat
Chapter at 7:30 p.m. today.
The Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter is located at 3347 San
Fernando Road in Los Angeles.
