by Cliff Rold - Professional clashes between former Olympians often carry their share of intrigue. This Saturday, fans get a rare clash of unbeatens that share in the tradition. That neither medaled may be why it’s not been a big part of the promotion.
The US entrant at Welterweight in 2004, 27-year old Vanes Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KO), and the US Welterweight in 2008, 25-year old Demetrius Andrade (19-0, 13 KO), square off for the vacant WBO professional crown at 154 lbs. If Andrade wins, he will be the first member of the 2008 US team, a team that managed only one medalist (Heavyweight Deontay Wilder, Bronze), to win a major professional belt.
If Martirosyan wins, he will be only the second member of the 2004 team, after Gold Medalist Andre Ward, to garner a title in the paid ranks.
Much has been made of the US fall from grace at the Olympic level. We are seeing it play out in the professional ranks. The positive correlation between Olympic success and professional success is evident is some pockets internationally. While some US amateurs opt out of the Olympic dream these days, skewing the pool of top amateurs that go professional, there is no denying an emergent negative correlation in the States. [Click Here To Read More]
The US entrant at Welterweight in 2004, 27-year old Vanes Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KO), and the US Welterweight in 2008, 25-year old Demetrius Andrade (19-0, 13 KO), square off for the vacant WBO professional crown at 154 lbs. If Andrade wins, he will be the first member of the 2008 US team, a team that managed only one medalist (Heavyweight Deontay Wilder, Bronze), to win a major professional belt.
If Martirosyan wins, he will be only the second member of the 2004 team, after Gold Medalist Andre Ward, to garner a title in the paid ranks.
Much has been made of the US fall from grace at the Olympic level. We are seeing it play out in the professional ranks. The positive correlation between Olympic success and professional success is evident is some pockets internationally. While some US amateurs opt out of the Olympic dream these days, skewing the pool of top amateurs that go professional, there is no denying an emergent negative correlation in the States. [Click Here To Read More]
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