Is Kim Kardashian Dating Vanes Martirosyan?

There have been rumors circulating that these two are seeing each other. We've found this picture which makes things even more complicated. What do YOU think?

Chess Grandmaster Karen Asrian Dies

Karen Asrian died one month ago today, apparently suffering a heart attack while driving. Skeptical people have contacted me about the true cause of his death but unfortunately I don't have any further information other than what has been reported.

Karen Asrian was one of Armenia's leading grandmasters. Not only did he win the title of Armenian Champion three times but also won a gold medal at the 2006 Olympiad in Turin.

He was 28. May he rest in peace.

Source: ChessBase

Armenian Reporter Loses It

Here's a hilarious video of an Armenian reporter - or the Circus director, perhaps - losing his mind on camera.

Put the volume up.

Edit: The crazy man in the video has been identified as Sos Petrosyan, the director of the circus in Armenia.

Hockey: Armenia 13, Turkey 1

I'm happy to announce yet another Armenian victory over Turkey, but this time in an unlikely sport.

After a clear-cut victory over the Republic of South Africa, the Armenian under-20 hockey team beat Turkey 13:1 within the framework of the World Hockey Championship.

It is due to mention that our team won over Turkey during a 2007 tournament as well. Presently, Armenia and Australia top the fixture list. Armenia will compete with New Zealand on January 20.

One wonders how Australia can be anywhere near the top in an ice-based game! Oh well, we won and that's all that matters.

Source: A1+

Armenian Boxers Victorious in December

I've not been paying attention to all the happenings in December but it turns out that at least two famous Armenian boxers have climbed even further up the ranks!

First, on December 8, 2007, German-based Arthur Abraham defeated Wayne Elcock in Switzerland by TKO, attaining a record of 25-0. Perfect! Back home, Vanes Martirosyan defeated Dan Wallace by TKO in the 1st round for a career record of 17-0!

Congratulations to our boxers! May they reach the pinnacles of their sports and make every Armenian proud, not to mention inspire a generation of other athletes!

Further Reading
Arthur Abraham on ArmeniaBlog
Vanes Martirosyan on ArmeniaBlog

Gary Kasparov Beat, Detained

The latest trend in "democratic" Russia:

Riot police beat and detained opposition leader Garry Kasparov Saturday as they took dozens of protesters into custody at a rally against President Vladimir Putin, his assistant said.

He was later taken to a city court, where he was charged with organizing an unsanctioned protest and resisting arrest. The court proceedings were continuing Saturday evening and it was unclear whether Kasparov would be released.

Kasparov has been speaking out against Putin for quite some time.

Source: AP

VIDEO: Vic Darchinyan Knocked Out!

This is something I think would happen!

Vic Darchinyan was beaten for the first time in his career on Saturday to lose his grip on his IBF flyweight title.

"I'm very disappointed," he said. "He caught me with a very good shot. I'll be back. I definitely want a rematch."

It should be noted that Vic defeated Nonito Donaire's brother Glenn Donaire last year, so Nonito was hungry for blood. Regardless, I believe that Vic will come back stronger and re-take the title!



Source: BBC

David Nalbandian: Armenian-Argentinian Tennis Pro

Sound familiar? David Nalbandian is of Armenian descent and was born in Argentina in 1982. As of May 2007, he ranks 18th among all male tennis players in the world. In fact, he won the 2005 Tennis Masters Cup!

Is tennis the fourth sport that we're slowly coming to dominate? Boxing, wrestling, weight lifting, and now, tennis!

Source: WikiPedia

Armenia-Azerbaijan Soccer Games Cancelled

What a match it would have been!

"As no suitable compromise could be found between the two associations it was decided to cancel the two matches, namely Azerbaijan-Armenia scheduled for Sept. 8 and Armenia-Azerbaijan scheduled for Sept. 12," UEFA said in a statement.

Armenia wanted the games played on a normal home and away basis but Azerbaijan refused to host the Armenians and proposed a neutral ground for both matches.

Sadly, both teams were awarded zero points.

Source: PanArmenian

Interview with UFC's Karo Parisyan

Parisyan on left.

We've covered Karo Parisyan before, but here is an exciting interview with one of the best players in UFC. Exerpt:

Q: Had you ever fought someone that old before when you were so young, even in judo?

A: When I was 14, I beat a seventh-degree judo black belt, who was like 38 years old or something. I've always fought against men, older men. I never fought anyone my age, they were like a joke to me. I was always matched up against older guys.

Here's the interview. Don't forget to catch Parisyan on May 26th as he prepares to fight Josh Burkman.

Armenians Dominate 2007 European Weightlifting Championships

Ah, victory! Armenians Gevorg Davtyan and Ara Khacahtryan took the first and second place, respectively, in the 77kg division. Armenian men and women were very well represented. In fact, Armenians wiped out the competition with 10 gold medals, 6 silver medals, and two bronze medals.

It should also be noted that two Armenian women received gold medals: Meline Daluzyan in the 63kg class and Hripsime Khurshudyan in the 77kg class.

Tigran Martirosyan and Nazik Avdalyan both earned silver medals in their respective 69kg divisions.

What do you think the Turk in the video is thinking?

Thanks to Arin for suggesting this story!

Source: Official Results of 2007 European Weightlifting Championships

Vanes Turns 21!

What better way to celebrate your recent victory than to get really, really drunk? Kill two birds with one stone, really!

Happy Birthday, Nightmare axper! How many people can claim 13 victories, 9 knockouts, and no losses in a very scary sport? Hardly any! May you rise to the top and make Armenians the world over proud!

Interview with Vanes Martirosyan

Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan Defeats Estupinan

On Friday the 27th of April, Vanes Martirosyan defeated Nelson Estupinan in the second round by TKO! This means he is still undefeated and his record now stands at 13-0-9!

Related:
ArmeniaBlog's Vanes Martirosyan Interview
VanesBoxing (official website)

Garry Kasparov Questioned by Russian Police

Even more unrest from the Russian Monarchy, I mean, republic.

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov has been questioned by Russia's security service on suspicion of making extremist comments.

Mr Kasparov, 44, is now an opposition activist and was briefly detained during recent protests against President Vladimir Putin.

Wondering why I'm reporting about Kasparov? Well, he's half Armenian - on his mother's side!

Source: BBC News

Armenian UFC Fighter: Karo Parisyan

Hailing from North Hollywood and originally from Yerevan, Karo "The Heat" Parisyan is a mixed martial arts fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The UFC throws two men in a cage and has them fight until...well, just slightly before death, I suppose!

On a funny note, he has what every Armenian has: a gut! Perhaps yours truly will also become a martial arts fighter. Someday!

Visit Karo's UFC Profile page to learn more.

Azerbaijan Wants the 2016 Olympics!

Lots of fun stories are coming out of Azerbaijan lately. Armenia Blog brings you the latest!

Azerbaijan wants to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, President Ilham Aliev said Monday.

The nation receives revenue from abundant oil and gas resources from the Caspian Sea, but is locked in a dispute with neighboring Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous area controlled by Armenian forces since the end of a six-year war in 1994.

This is as likely to happen as the Gaza Games of 2012.

Source: Sporting News

Yerevan United Football Club Breaks Up

What seemed like a team unlike any other is no longer.

Alexandre Sargsyan, the head of the team, claims the breaking up of the club is determined by the lack of financial means.

[Owner Tigran] Hovivyan has sent a letter from Australia lately informing that he is incapable of solving the financial issues

I was really looking forward to seeing the really cute Armenian cheerleaders prancing about with Mher, the mascot. There really is no justice in this world!

Source: A1+

Vic Darchinyan Destroys Opponent

In more ways than one!

Darchinyan retained the IBF and IBO flyweight belts plus his undefeated record with a crushing 12th-round knockout victory over Mexican Victor Burgos in Carson, California, and Burgos was taken to hospital on a stretcher.

Surgeons successfully removed a blood clot from Burgos's brain on Sunday night and he remains in a medically induced coma. Hussein said Burgos's trainer and manager, Roberto Sandoval, should have protected his fighter from the enormous punishment dished out by Darchinyan.

Here's a helpful hint from Armenia Blog: don't get on Vic's bad side!

Soure: Sunday Morning Herald

Foreign Soccer Referees in Armenia

For the soccer / football fans amongst you!

...Football Federation presided over by Ruben Hayrapetyan has made a decision to adopt the system of alternative judgment which allows to invite foreign referees in order to conduct the central matches of the RA league and the Independence Cup.

Nevertheless, the press secretariat of the Federation informed that the Federation is not going to invite foreign referees, although they already have that right. This method is mainly used in the countries where there are scandals connected with referees.

If nothing else, inviting foreign foreign referees would serve to create stronger friendships between involved countries, regardless of any scandals or other disputes.

Source: A1+

ArmeniaBlog Exclusive: Rare Interview with Armenian Boxer Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan!

It is with great pleasure that I present to you a rare and exclusive interview conducted by Armenia Blog with none other than the fearsome Vanes "The Nightmare" Martirosyan! In case you have been living under a rock for some time, Vanes is the undefeated 12-0 Armenian boxer in the Super Welterweight category. If you remember, we reported his last victory in January!

ArmeniaBlog: Let's start from the beginning: what made you decide to be a boxer?
Vanes: At the age of 7, my dad started taking me and my two brothers to train at local boxing gyms. We were all pretty good, but I guess he saw it the most in me, and since that age always pushed me to be the best and to never quit. As I got older, I loved the sport more and more and making the US Olympic team in 2004 made me realize that this was just the beginning of my boxing career. Once I got back from Greece, I had many offers to turn pro and in early 2005, I finally signed my professional contract with Bob Arum and Top Rank Promotions at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

ArmeniaBlog: Are there any particular boxers in history that are your heroes?
Vanes: As heroes, I'd definitely say Muhammad Ali, because he was just an icon and so much more than just a boxer. As far as role models go, Oscar De La Hoya has always been a person as well as boxer that I have looked up to. His class and charisma both in and out of the ring have always amazed me. We are friends now, and he refers to me often times as "the Armenian Golden Boy" which is kinda nice.

ArmeniaBlog: Moving on, my Armenian friends always ask about your unusual name. Is Vanes your birth name?
Vanes: Sure is, - Vanes Martirosyan, oh and so is "Nightmare" (wink)

ArmeniaBlog: What was it like participating in the Olympic Games? If given the opportunity, would you do it again in the future?
Vanes: Ah, The Olympic Games. Wow! It was just incredible, and probably the most memorable two months of my life. I met so many different people from so many different countries in the Greek city of Athens which was so beautiful and historic. My family was there with me, and it all felt like a dream, especially after I won my first bout against Algeria. I feel proud being the first ever Armenian US Olympian, and the first ever out of Glendale, CA. I got a lot of love here on my return home, it was all surreal.
As far as participating in the 2008 Olympics, of course Id love to, but that is no longer an option given professionals are not allowed in the Olympics since it is an amateur only sporting event.

ArmeniaBlog: Having a perfect 12-0 pro record must take a lot of work. How much do you train normally (like now) and before upcoming fights? Do you ever not train?
Vanes: I’m constantly training, there really is no off-season with boxing. I have to stay ready and focused to fight on just a few days notice if I have to. My regular training schedule near fight time is a 5 mile run very early in the morning, then I get a bit of rest and hit my boxing gym in the afternoon. At the WildCard Boxing Club in Hollywood, I train with one of the best trainers in the world, Freddie Roach. My physical fitness workouts I do with another world class trainer of mine, Justin Fortune.

ArmeniaBlog: Speaking of upcoming fights, do you know when you'll be fighting next and who?
Vanes: The opponent we don’t know yet, but looks like my next fight will be on April 13 in Chicago, Illinois. It's Friday the 13th, hmm... should be fun.

ArmeniaBlog: Here's an interesting one: which one of your fights was most memorable to you and why?
Vanes: I’d say my latest fight, from Jan. 27 at The Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. The reason being I was very excited to be back home so close to my local fans here in Southern Cali after one whole year of only fighting in Las Vegas. The turnout was LOUD to say the least and that noise and support was from Armenians, Mexicans, and everyone else in that packed arena. Of course my 2nd round TKO victory helped the noise level.

ArmeniaBlog: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself professionally in 10 years?
Vanes: Wow, 10 years, that seems so far ahead, God knows. The boxing world moves so fast that I really want to look ahead just 1 or 2 years from now. By the end of this year, my management team, headed by Shelly Finkel, wants me to be a Top 10 contender for all the major world title belts. This is a huge build up year for me because in 2008 we plan on going after the Jr. Middleweight world champions.

ArmeniaBlog: Based on your experiences, what words can you impart to young athletes who wish to become successful?
Vanes: Determination and focus has to be number one. It is never easy to wake up at 6am to run 5 miles when it's dark and you know most others are sound asleep, but it's definitely worth while when you go in the ring and out class your opponent due to that extra mile.
Also, a healthy diet is a must so you gotta watch what you eat and take care of your body. At last, just stay humble, because that personality trait will always be valued more by your friends and fans compared to your physical sports talent.

ArmeniaBlog: Besides boxing, what other things do you like to do?
Vanes: Oh I'm an all around athlete. Any time off of boxing I like to spend with my close friends playing some basketball, soccer, tennis, and even some poker (ya, they call that a sport too these days). I do enjoy the nightlife on occasion with my close friends.
Boxing takes a lot out of you both physically and mentally, so relaxing is a must, and that’s best done with my family.

ArmeniaBlog: Tell us something about you that only you know. The stranger, the better!
Vanes: My official website address... www.VanesBoxing.com
I’m joking, but hey what a nice way to get that in the interview huh.
I am a bit superstitious though, I do things like always put on my right hand boxing glove first before I wear the left. Ya, I guess im not all that strange, or just don’t have the time to be.

ArmeniaBlog: What are your final words to your friends and fans to conclude this interview?
Vanes: I want to tell you all how much I love you and what you mean to me as part of Team Nightmare. I will always train and fight hard to keep you proud and cheering loud.
2007 is a very big year for me and I hope to see you up close at all my fights and thank you personally. I would also like to thank ArmeniaBlog for this great interview. I wish you all peace and happiness, God Bless.

I want to thank Vanes very much for the interview! Armenia Blog wishes him a great boxing career!