April 24, 2011 - 12:59 AMT
Art Hovhanessyan stops Alfredo Lugo, Azat Hovhanessyan loses debut

At the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles., junior welterweight Art Hovhanessyan (13-0-1, 7 KO’s) stopped a game Jose Alfredo Lugo in the fifth of a scheduled six-round bout and in the undercard fight of the night, junior lightweight Azat Hovhanessyan (no relation) lost his pro debut by unanimous decision, but gained a standing ovation from the large crowd in attendance, as he went to war with California’s Juan Reyes over four scintillating rounds, boxingnews24.com reported.

Undefeated junior welterweight Art was dominant in his dismantling of Lugo. “I felt great in there,” he said post-fight. “I was coming back from 10 months off, but I had no problems picking up where I left off.”

25-year-old Hovhannisyan had over 250 amateur bouts and captured numerous titles as an amateur and it showed. His blazing hand speed and lightning counter punches were too much for Lugo who tried valiantly in vain.

After a knockdown, Referee Zac Young had finally seen enough carnage and mercifully ended Lugo’s night.

Azat Hovhanessyan, was sadly disappointed after his war with Reyes. With a tear in his blackened eyes, he spoke about disappointing his Armenian fans. “I feel terrible for letting them down. He (Reyes) was a strong fighter and because I was making the jump from amateur to pro he surprised me. I will be back.”