The boxing world will soon be struck with a 1-2 punch combo from Sartonk Designs, a new company that designs championship boxing belts. Ardash Sahaghian, 87, a longtime Weehawken resident, is a legendary boxing belt craftsman and has been involved in the industry for over 30 years. He is known for designing Muhammad Ali’s famous retirement crown and many of the championship belts used by the boxing industry.
Sahaghian’s grandson, Edward Majian, recently became president of the company.
Sartonk, which in Armenian translates to “Rebirth,” hopes to bring integrity back to the championship belt industry, and the company also hopes to make an impact on society, particularly young people.
Recent visit to boxing Hall of Fame
A few weeks ago, Sahaghian and Majian visited the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s 20th Induction Collector’s Convention. It was Sahaghian’s and Sartonk’s first public appearance since the company was formed earlier this year.
“Sir, you are a very important part of boxing history,” Executive Director of the International Boxing Hall of Fame Ed Brophy said to Sahaghian.
“Sir, you are a very important part of boxing history.” – Ed Brophy, Executive Director of the International Boxing Hall of Fame
________
Majian brought scrapbooks of the history of the belts and a chronicle of the designs throughout the years. He also brought a portfolio of his grandfather’s work going all the way back to the late 1970s.
“Events like this are important,” said Henry Hascup, president of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. “They give fans a chance to see Ardash’s original belts up close, and it’s high time that the boxing community and fans have an opportunity to meet this man.” Hascup is also an advisor for Sartonk Designs. He knows Sahaghian very well and has been a close friend for many years.
An average day at Sartonk
Every day, Sahaghian visits Sartonk’s workshop to oversee designs and work on a few belts. “He just loves to work and has worked everyday of his life since he was 16,” said Majian.
The workshop is more than just headquarters for Sartonk Designs. The family ambiance provided by those close to the business is what also brings Majian and his wife, Hasmig Tatiossian, to the workshop.
“We’re like a family,” said Ugur Can, building manager where the Sartonks workshop is located.
“There are so many talented people in this building,” said Tatiossian. “Everyone helps and contributes with their skills.”
The skilled craftsmen include Ali Aydin, a carpenter who made a stand out of wood for Sartonk, and Julio Cohen, a sign maker who made the Sartonk sign and banner.
Sartonk’s plans for the youth
The new company also has plans to make an impact on the youth. For Black History Month, the company will hold an essay contest about the role of boxing in the development of civil rights for African Americans. The prize has yet to be determined. Majian, who holds a PhD in philosophy and is an avid human rights activist, hopes to promote dialogue about the role boxing has played not just as a sport, but as path to equality throughout the history of the civil rights movement.
To find out more about Sartonk Designs, visit: www.sartonk.com
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com