Erik Afrikyan defeats Turkish boxer at European U15 Boxing Championships in Türkiye
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
The Armenian national boxing team has made a successful start to the 2026 European U15 Boxing Championships, currently taking place in Trabzon, Türkiye. Seven Armenian boxers have won their opening bouts and remain in contention for medals.
One of the most impressive victories came from Erik Afrikyan (46 kg), who faced Turkish boxer Arslan Doruk, representing the host nation. The Armenian boxer secured a convincing 5–0 victory to advance to the quarterfinals of the European Championships.
Six other Armenian boxers also made winning starts to the tournament:
- 44 kg: Davit Karamyan
- 48 kg: Arakel Petrosyan
- 54 kg: Areg Boyajyan
- 57 kg: Gevorg Manukyan
- 63 kg: Khachik Babayan
- 90 kg: Gagik Meliksetyan
With these results, seven Armenian boxers have successfully progressed beyond their opening bouts in their respective weight categories and remain in contention for medals at the European Championships.
Armenian boxers also make winning start at World U19 Championships
Meanwhile, the 2026 World U19 Boxing Championships are taking place in Budva, Montenegro, where Armenia is represented by nine boxers.
Hayk Karapetyan (55 kg) and Artem Stepanyan (70 kg) have already recorded their first victories at the World Championships. Both athletes successfully advanced past the opening round and remain in the competition.
The Armenian Boxing Federation also announced that the participation of five Armenian national team members in the World Championships was made possible through financial support from the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Armenia.
The athletes who received support are Hamest Afrikyan, Samvel Siramargyan, Artem Stepanyan, Alen Stepanyan, and Mikael Gyulumyan.
Full Armenian squad for the World U19 Boxing Championships:
- 55 kg: Hayk Karapetyan
- 60 kg: Artur Avetisyan
- 65 kg: Gor Harutyunyan
- 70 kg: Artem Stepanyan
- 75 kg: Alen Stepanyan
- 80 kg: Samvel Siramargyan
- 85 kg: Mikael Gyulumyan
- 90 kg: Vartan Avetisyan
- 48 kg (women): Hamest Afrikyan
Armenian boxers have therefore made a promising start at two major international competitions. Their upcoming bouts will determine which athletes advance further in the race for medals at the European and World Championships.