By Kim Constantinesco
All eyes will be on Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao Saturday night as the two go head-to-head in boxing’s “Fight of the Century.”
The winner of the fight not only gets a $1 million championship belt, but also a “The Man of Triumph” sculptural award created by SARTONK — the Originators of the Modern boxing Belt.
The bronze 16″ tall award was designed to embody the concept of triumph, and will be presented along with the championship belt at the conclusion of the fight.
“While belts are the hallmark of SARTONK’s work, they do not define the limits of our capabilities and creativity. We wanted to do something special for this fight and the WBA’s commission set our imagination and skills to the test,” commented Hasmig Tatiossian, Executive Manager of SARTONK. “We asked ourselves, ‘What kind of sculpture would be worthy of two great athletes who, having put everything on the line, will engage in a fight that will define this era in boxing?’ I think we’ve done it.” (SARTONK)
Perhaps more impressive than SARTONK’s old world style craftsmanship is the story, and the saving, of the company itself.
Once in jeopardy of losing the title belt making business, which had been in the family for over 40 years, SARTONK President Edward Majian, along with his wife, Hasmig, stepped in to save his grandfather’s business at just the right time, all in the name of preserving dignity and legacy.
“We found out that there were people claiming originality on his designs,” Edward said. “He had no voice essentially to communicate himself and to get recognition. At the time, virtually no one knew who the designer was of these immaculate, very intricate belts. It was completely taken for granted and there were a number of con artists and frauds claiming to be the original makers of these belts. That was nauseating to me. He hadn’t had proper representation.”
As other people were trying to rewrite the history of the belts so that they could establish their own businesses on false terms, Edward started SARTONK so that he could preserve his grandfather’s dignity and give him the recognition that he deserved. (Purpose2Play)
Our exclusive with the SARTONK couple is worth the read, especially considering their work of fine art will be seen across the globe come Saturday night.
