Viktor Youzikhovich, was a boxer with a bright future. He would have turned 19 on April 10.

Instead, Viktor was killed while serving in the Artsakh Defense Army, during the fierce battles that raged in and around Talish, a village in the northeastern Martakert district in Artsakh.

Funeral services were held today in Gyumri, Viktor’s home town. Hundreds gathered to pay their final respects.

In July 2011, Viktor was the silver medal winner in the European Youth Boxing Competition, and was the 2012 gold medal winner in Armenia’s youth boxing competition.

His coaches, who predicted a bright career for the young pugilist, tried to convince Viktor to pursue his boxing career and not serve in the military. Viktor didn’t listen to their advice, arguing that a man must serve. Viktor’s dream was to join a reconnaissance unit.

Viktor’s father, who is a seasonal worker in Russia, rushed home upon hearing the news of his son’s death.

Viktor was the eldest in the family and lived with his parents, a brother and a sister. The Gyumri family is barely making ends meet.