When Artjom “The Tank” Kasparian steps through the ropes in Dublin on August 8, he will do so as the underdog. Across from him will be Joe Ward, the decorated Irish light heavyweight carrying the support of the home crowd and under the watchful eye of Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing promotions.
For many, the fight represents another step in Ward’s professional journey. For Kasparian, it represents something far more personal — the opportunity he has spent his entire life fighting towards.
“I’ve never been given anything in life,” Kasparian said. “I’ve had to fight for everything.”
Those words perfectly capture the journey that has taken him from a difficult childhood to an unbeaten professional career and a chance to announce himself on a major stage.
From Refugee Camps to the Boxing Ring
Long before he built an undefeated record of 14-0 with 12 knockouts, Kasparian was battling challenges far removed from boxing.
Born in Russia to Armenian parents, he was still a young child when his family fled to the Netherlands as refugees. Their early years were marked by uncertainty as they lived in refugee camps, searching for stability and a better future.
Those experiences had a profound impact on him.
“Life wasn’t easy,” Kasparian recalled. “We lived in refugee camps, and because of that life I became a very aggressive kid. I grew up on the streets, had problems at school, I was insecure and didn’t see any future. I wasn’t social — I just wanted to hit people.”
For some, those circumstances could have led down a destructive path. For Kasparian, boxing became the escape route.
Boxing Became His Turning Point
Kasparian’s father and uncles had previous experience in boxing and recognised that the anger and frustration inside him needed an outlet.
A simple birthday gift — a punching bag — would become the beginning of a life-changing journey.
“That’s how I started training and studying the sport of boxing,” he explained.
The gym provided what his early life had lacked: discipline, confidence and purpose. Boxing transformed his aggression into ambition and gave him a direction he never thought possible.
Over time, Kasparian developed into one of the Netherlands’ top amateur fighters, competing against some of the world’s best young talents, including Khalil Coe, Julio César La Cruz and Ben Whittaker.
Like many elite amateurs, Kasparian dreamed of representing his country at the Olympic Games. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans and denied him the chance to qualify.
It was another major setback in a life already filled with obstacles.
“My biggest dream was never really the amateurs,” he said. “It was always to turn professional and become world champion.”
That mindset has driven his professional career ever since.
Building an Unbeaten Professional Career
Under the guidance of Pat Barrett’s Black Flash Promotions in Manchester, Kasparian has quietly built an impressive record.
The Dutch light heavyweight has won all 14 of his professional fights, stopping 12 opponents along the way. Despite those numbers, he still arrives in Dublin without the recognition usually given to a fighter with such a dangerous knockout record.
However, being overlooked is nothing new for Kasparian.
His entire life has been built around proving people wrong but Kasparian has genuine respect for his opponent.
“I know Joe Ward very well from the amateur scene,” he said. “We almost boxed each other during a tournament. He was a fantastic amateur and everybody looked up to him.”
Ward’s achievements are undeniable, but Kasparian believes this opportunity belongs to both men.
“This is a massive opportunity for him, but it’s also a massive opportunity for me. This fight can change my life and my family’s life. That means everything to me.”
That personal motivation could make him a very dangerous opponent for Ward.
The Mentality of a Survivor
The pressure of fighting away from home in front of a passionate Irish crowd may seem daunting, but Kasparian has already faced challenges far greater than a hostile arena.
Many fighters learn how to handle adversity during their careers. Kasparian learned those lessons before he even entered a boxing gym.
His childhood struggles shaped his mentality. Every setback strengthened his belief that nothing comes easily.
That makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone expecting a fighter to just arrive for a payday.
Kasparian believes fans watching him for the first time will see the same qualities that have carried him through his life.
“I am a gladiator,” he said. “I won’t avoid the fight. I will always give the fans a fight they love. I will never give them a boring fight. I come to entertain.”
Despite travelling into enemy territory, he also hopes to earn the respect of the Irish supporters.
“I truly love the Irish fans. They are some of the best boxing fans in the world, and I really hope that during or after this fight I can win their hearts.”
Just another fight!
On paper, Joe Ward enters the fight as the favourite. He has the home advantage, the reputation and the backing of a major boxing platform.
But boxing has always produced moments where the underdog defies the odds.
Artjom Kasparian’s greatest victories have not happened inside the ring. They came through surviving hardship, overcoming life in refugee camps and building a career from circumstances that would have broken most men.
When he walks into the 3Arena on August 8, he will not see himself as a fighter with everything to lose.
He will just see another fight.
And history has shown that those are often the moments when Artjom Kasparian is at his most dangerous.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
Leave a comment