Christy Martin

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Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Other people". Template:Use mdy dates Template:Use American English Script error: No such module "Template wrapper".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters". Christine Renea Salters (previously Martin; born June 12, 1968), nicknamed "The Coal Miner's Daughter", is an American former professional boxer, boxing analyst and motivational speaker. Competing from 1989 to 2012, she held the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. Martin was the first female boxer elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016, and was also elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, which was the first year that women were on the ballot.

Early life

Martin was born Christy Renea Salters on June 12, 1968, in Mullens, West Virginia.[1][2][3] and attended Mullens High School.[4]

She played various sports as a child including Little League baseball and all-state basketball. According to Martin, she was aware she was a lesbian from "5th or 6th grade."[5] She was in a relationship with her basketball teammate Sherry Lusk throughout high school, of which her parents disapproved.[5] She attended Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, on a basketball scholarship and earned a B.S. in education.[2][3]

In her memoir Fighting for Survival, Martin states she was sexually abused as a child by a family friend.[6]

Career

Throughout her career, Martin was nicknamed The Coal Miner's Daughter in reference to her father's occupation.[1]

Martin is said to be “the most successful and prominent female boxer in the United States” and the person who “legitimized” women’s participation in the sport of boxing.[2] She began her career fighting in “Toughwoman” contests and won three consecutive titles. She then began training with boxing coach, Jim Martin, who became her husband in 1991.[2]

Martin started her professional boxing career at the age of 21 with a six-round draw with Angela Buchanan in 1989. She had her first training under the direction of Charlie Sensabaugh of Daniels West Virginia. Martin won a rematch with Buchanan one month later with a second round knockout. Andrea DeShong then beat Martin in a five-round decision. Martin then had nineteen consecutive wins, including two against Jamie Whitcomb and Suzanne Riccio-Major as well as a rubber match win against Buchanan. On October 15, 1993, Martin defeated Beverly Szymansky. Martin won by knocking out Szymansky in three rounds. Martin fought to a draw against debutante Laura Serrano in Las Vegas.[3]

Martin's next fights included a rematch with Szymansky, and a fourth fight with Buchanan. In 1993 Martin signed a promotional agreement with International Hall of Fame Promoter Don King that would put her in the international spotlight. Her first fights in that new agreement would be against Melinda Robinson and Sue Chase on the undercard of the Julio Cesar Chavez vs Frankie Randall fight in the first ever fight card at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, NV on January 29, 1994. the fight that many credit for putting women's boxing on the sports fans' radar took place: On March 16, 1996, she and Deirdre Gogarty fought what many consider a great fight, on the Showtime pay per view broadcast of the Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno WBC Heavyweight Championship. Martin got the decision, and after that bout, she began to gain more celebrity, even appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated once shortly afterwards.[3] (Specifically, on April 15, 1996, Martin became the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated;[7] the headline read, "The Lady Is a Champ".[8])

Martin made a special guest appearance on the television show Roseanne in season 9, episode 6, "Pampered to a Pulp".

Martin won her next eight bouts including wins against Robinson, DeShong, Marcela Acuña and Isra Girgrah. Martin lost her title in a 10-round decision loss to Sumya Anani in 1998. Martin then won her next nine fights including wins against Belinda Laracuente, Sabrina Hall and Kathy Collins. Martin won her next two fights by ten-round decisions against Lisa Holeywine and Mia St. John.[3]

In 2003 Martin fought Laila Ali and lost by a knockout in the fourth round.[3]

Martin's next fight in 2005 was a second-round knockout against Lana Alexander in Lula, Mississippi.[3]

In 2005 a fight with Lucia Rijker, titled "Million Dollar Lady", was canceled because Rijker ruptured her Achilles during training.

On September 16, 2005, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Martin lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Holly Holm. Martin was beaten by the 23-year-old southpaw, with all three judges scoring for Holm.[3]

Martin holds a record of 49 wins, 7 losses and 3 draws with 31 wins by knockout.[3] She is a frequent visitor of the International Boxing Hall Of Fame annual induction ceremonies, and an avid autograph signer. She has fought on the undercard of boxers Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Félix Trinidad and Julio César Chávez.

Martin was promoted by Don King, and was the first woman to sign with him.[9][3] He signed Martin in October 1993 following her third-round knockout win against Beverly Szymanski.[10]

Final bouts and retirement

Martin announced on January 19, 2011, that she would be fighting again in hopes of her 50th career win on the undercard of the Ricardo Mayorga vs Miguel Cotto fight at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 12, 2011, against Dakota Stone in a rematch of their 2009 Fight.[11] The fight was postponed due to a rib injury to Martin. The rescheduled rematch took place June 4, 2011, at Staples Center in Los Angeles on the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs Sebastian Zbik undercard. Dakota Stone prevailed by TKO with :51 left as Martin broke her right hand on a punch in the fourth round and could not continue.[12][13]

Post-retirement

Martin was among the first inductees in the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014.[14]

In 2016, she became the first female boxer inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.[15] That same year, Sports Illustrated reported that she was working two jobs, as a substitute teacher and helping military veterans find work, and that she was dealing with the after effects of her career, including dealing with lack of stamina and double vision.[16][17][18]

In 2020 she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame; she was elected to it in 2019, the first year that women were on the ballot.[19][20]

Personal life

Martin married her manager, James V. "Jim" Martin, in 1991.[5] At the time, Martin was 22 while her husband was 47.[5] Martin referred to the marriage as one of convenience,[5] and stated her husband was emotionally and physically abusive throughout their relationship,[5] and enabled her addiction to cocaine to control her.[21] She also claimed he used her prize money to pay for an extravagant lifestyle.[5]

Martin married former ring rival Lisa Holewyne on November 25, 2017.[22] Martin is the CEO of Christy Martin Promotions, a boxing promotion company that has promoted many events in North Carolina since 2016 and will be promoting boxing events in Jacksonville, Florida and in other Southern United States cities.Template:WhenScript error: No such module "Unsubst".

Attempted murder

In March 2010, Christy Martin reconnected with her high school girlfriend Sherry Lusk over social media.[5] Sometime later, Martin told her husband she wanted a divorce.[5] On November 23, 2010, Christy Martin was stabbed several times and shot at least once in her torso and left for dead by her husband, 66-year-old James V. Martin. The attack reportedly occurred after an argument in their Apopka home.[23] She survived the attack. On November 30, 2010, James Martin was arrested and taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center after he stabbed himself.[24] He was booked in Orange County Jail and charged with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.[25]

In April 2012, James Martin was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder.[26] He was sentenced two months later to 25 years in prison. Jim Martin died on November 26, 2024 while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in Graceville, Florida.[27][28]

In popular culture

In 2021, Netflix released Untold: Deal with the Devil, a documentary chronicling Martin’s career and personal life.[29] In 2024, it was announced that a biopic of her life, starring Sydney Sweeney, was in production. The film was shot in September and October 2024 and is expected to be released in November 2025.[30]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
59 Loss 49–7–3 Mia St. John UD 10 August 14, 2012 Friant, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
58 Loss 49–6–3 Dakota Stone TKO 6 (6) Jun 4, 2011 Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
57 Win 49–5–3 Dakota Stone MD 10 September 9, 2009 Syracuse, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBC female super welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
56 Win 48–5–3 Cimberly Harris SD 6 August 1, 2009 Huntington, West Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
55 Template:DrawDraw 47–5–3 Valerie Mahfood MD 8 July 18, 2008 Houston, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For vacant WBC–NABF female middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
54 Win 47–5–2 Amy Yuratovac UD 2 (6) June 2, 2007 Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
53 Loss 46–5–2 Angelica Martinez SD 10 October 6, 2006 Worley, Idaho, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
52 Loss 46–4–2 Holly Holm UD 10 September 16, 2005 Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
51 Win 46–3–2 Lana Alexander KO 2 (6) April 30, 2005 Lula, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
50 Loss 45–3–2 Laila Ali KO 4 (10) August 23, 2003 Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For IBA female super middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
49 Win 45–2–2 Mia St. John UD 10 December 6, 2002 Pontiac, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
48 Win 44–2–2 Lisa Holewyne UD 10 Nov 17, 2001 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Win 43–2–2 Kathy Collins MD 10 May 12, 2001 New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 42–2–2 Jeanne Martinez UD 10 Mar 3, 2001 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 41–2–2 Sabrina Hall KO 1 (8) Dec 2, 2000 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 40–2–2 Dianna Lewis UD 10 Aug 12, 2000 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 39–2–2 Belinda Laracuente MD 8 Mar 3, 2000 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 38–2–2 Daniella Somers TKO 5 (10) October 2, 1999 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 37–2–2 Jovette Jackson TKO 1 April 24, 1999 Washington, D.C., U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Loss 36–2–2 Sumya Anani MD 10 December 18, 1998 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 36–1–2 Christine Robinson TKO 5 (6) Sep 19, 1998 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 35–1–2 Cheryl Nance TKO 9 (10) August 29, 1998 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 34–1–2 Marcela Acuña UD 10 December 5, 1997 Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 33–1–2 Isra Girgrah UD 8 August 23, 1997 New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 32–1–2 Andrea DeShong TKO 7 (8) Jun 28, 1997 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 31–1–2 Bethany Payne TKO 1 (6) Nov 9, 1996 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 30–1–2 Melinda Robinson KO 4 Sep 7, 1996 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 29–1–2 Deirdre Gogarty UD 6 Mar 16, 1996 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 28–1–2 Del Pettis TKO 1 February 24, 1996 Richmond, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 27–1–2 Sue Chase TKO 3 (6) February 10, 1996 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 26–1–2 Melinda Robinson UD 6 January 13, 1996 Miami, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 25–1–2 Erica Schmidlin TKO 1 December 16, 1995 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 24–1–2 Angela Buchanan TKO 2 (6) August 12, 1995 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 23–1–2 Beverly Szymanski KO 4 (6) April 1, 1995 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 22–1–2 Chris Kreuz TKO 4 (6) September 12, 1994 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Template:DrawDraw 21–1–2 Laura Serrano UD 6 May 7, 1994 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 21–1–1 Sonja Donlevy TKO 1 March 4, 1994 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 20–1–1 Susie Melton TKO 1 (6) Jan 29, 1994 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 19–1–1 Beverly Szymanski KO 3 October 15, 1993 Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 18–1–1 Rebecca Kirkland TKO 1 (6) August 27, 1993 Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 17–1–1 Deborah Cruickshank KO 1 (4) May 28, 1993 Punta Gorda, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 16–1–1 Susie Hughes TKO 1 January 29, 1993 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 15–1–1 Angela Buchanan TKO 1 November 14, 1992 Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 14–1–1 Tracy Gordon TKO 1 September 5, 1992 Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 13–1–1 Stacey Prestage UD 8 May 30, 1992 Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 12–1–1 Jackie Thomas TKO 3 (8) January 25, 1992 Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 11–1–1 Rose Noble TKO 1 January 11, 1992 Grundy, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 10–1–1 Shannon Davenport TKO 2 September 10, 1991 Princeton, West Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 9–1–1 Rhonda Hefflin KO 1 May 25, 1991 Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 8–1–1 Pat Watts TKO 1 March 16, 1991 Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 7–1–1 Suzanne Riccio PTS 5 February 25, 1991 Bristol, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 6–1–1 Jamie Whitcomb TKO 2 (5) January 12, 1991 Bristol, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 5–1–1 Lisa Holpp TKO 1 October 27, 1990 Bristol, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 4–1–1 Jamie Whitcomb PTS 6 September 22, 1990 Johnson City, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 3–1–1 Andrea DeShong PTS 5 April 21, 1990 Bristol, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Loss 2–1–1 Andrea DeShong MD 5 November 4, 1989 Bristol, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 2–0–1 Tammy Jones TKO 1 October 21, 1989 Bristol, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 1–0–1 Angela Buchanan KO 2 September 30, 1989 Durham, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Template:DrawDraw 0–0–1 Angela Buchanan PTS 5 September 9, 1989 Bristol, Tennessee, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

References

Template:Reflist

External links

  1. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b c d Outstanding Women Athletes: Who they are and how they influenced sports, Janet Woolum [1]
  3. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ a b c d e f g h i Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".Template:Dead link
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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