Christy Martin is a legendary American former professional boxer. She is the first female boxer elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, and the first female boxer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. She is considered to be one of the pioneers of women’s boxing.  

Martin’s achievements in the boxing ring are remarkable, but her story is more than just about her accomplishments. If you are also a fan of the legendary boxer and want to know more about her then this Christy Martin Biography is the place to be for you. In this article, we will be talking about her career, her personal life, her professional life, her attempted murder case, and many other interesting facts about her.

Christy Martin Wiki

Christy Martin Wiki
Image Source: cbs.com

Christy Renea Martin was born on 12th June 1968 (Age: 55 years old) in Mullens, West Virginia, U.S. She comes from a Spanish household. She is also known as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter”. 

Biography

Full NameChristy Renea Salters
Nick NameThe Coal Miner’s Daughter
ProfessionProfessional Boxer
Age55 years old
Date of Birth12th June 1968
Mother TongueSpanish
StanceOrthodox
NationalityAmerican
Zodiac/Sun SignGemini
BirthplaceMullens, West Virginia, U.S.
HomeTownMullens, West Virginia, U.S.
Current AddressOrlando, Florida, USA
CoachJim Martin

Christy Martin Education, Qualification

Christy Martin attended Mullens High School in Mullens, West Virginia, where she played various sports, including Little League baseball and all-state basketball. On a basketball scholarship, she attended Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in education.

SchoolMullens High School
CollegeConcord College in Athens
Degree/Graduation Bachelor of Science

Relationship Status (Husband, Boyfriend, Affairs)

Christy Martin married her trainer, Jim Martin, in 1991. The relationship was tumultuous from the start, with Jim being physically and emotionally abusive. Christy has spoken openly about the abuse she suffered at Jim’s hands, and how he controlled every aspect of her life.

Christy and Jim separated in the year 2012. Christy then married Lisa Holewyne in 2017. Christy Martin’s marriage to Lisa Holewyne marked a significant milestone in her life, symbolizing her courage to live openly as a same-sex couple in the traditionally male-dominated world of boxing.

Christy Martin Jim Martin Abusive Relationship

Christy Martin with Jim Martin
Image Source: people.com

Christy Martin’s life took a dark and turbulent turn when she found herself trapped in an abusive marriage with her manager and husband, Jim Martin.

Christy Martin’s abusive relationship with her husband, Jim Martin, began shortly after they married in 1991. Jim was controlling and manipulative, and he quickly isolated Christy from her friends and family.

Jim’s control over Christy was not limited to her personal life. He played a significant role in her career, acting as both her coach and drug supplier, providing her with cocaine and wielding it as a means of control.

Physical altercations were not uncommon, as he would resort to violence, both in the boxing ring and at home. Christy recounted disturbing instances where she was hit and knocked out by her husband, further highlighting the pervasive nature of the abuse.

The marriage reached a horrifying climax on November 23, 2010, when Jim Martin brutally attacked Christy. During this horrific incident, she was stabbed multiple times and shot in the chest. This attack marked the culmination of years of coercion, violence, and psychological torment. It was a night of unimaginable terror that nearly claimed Christy’s life.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Female Boxers In The World

Christy Martin’s Family, Siblings

Christy Martin with her Mother

Christy Martin’s Father’s name is Johnny Salter, he is a coal miner and that is where the Nickname “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” came from. Christy’s mother’s name is Joyce Salter and she is a homemaker.

Christy also had a brother named Randy Salter who was battling Cancer and died in November of 2020 for the same reason. 

Parent’s NameFather: Johnny Salters
Mother: Joyce Salters
Siblings/CousinsBrother: Randy Salters (died of cancer in November 2020)
Relationship StatusMarried
Husband/BoyfriendHusband: James V. Martin (d. 2012)
Spouse: Lisa Holewyne (m. 2017 – Present)
ChildrenYet to Update

Christy Martin Height, Weight (Physical Appearance)

Christy Martin Height
Image Source: nytimes.com
HeightIn centimeters: 164 cm
In meters: 1.64 m
In Inches: 5 ft 4 1⁄2
Reach64 in (163 cm)
Weight142 Lbs,
64 Kgs
Body MeasurementsYet to Update
Eye ColorBrown
Hair ColorBlonde

Christy Martin Net Worth and Salary

Christy Martin’s Net Worth is around $500K.

Net Worth in Dollars$500K
SalaryYet to Update

Career

Christy Martin’s career in boxing is a remarkable tale of a woman who not only conquered the sport but also played a pivotal role in legitimizing women’s participation in what was traditionally a male-dominated field. From her humble beginnings to her groundbreaking achievements, this timeline highlights the key moments in her extraordinary career.

Christy Martin with Lisa Holewyne
Image Source: nytimes.com

Early Years and Toughwoman Contests (1989-1991)

  • 1989: At the age of 21, Christy Martin embarked on her professional boxing journey with a six-round draw against Angela Buchanan.
  • 1990: She secured her first win with a second-round knockout victory in a rematch against Angela Buchanan.
  • 1991: Her journey began as she started training under boxing coach Jim Martin, who would later become her husband.

The Unstoppable Winning Streak (1991-1993)

  • 1991-1993: Martin enjoyed a string of 19 consecutive wins, establishing her dominance in women’s boxing.
  • Notable victories during this period included fights against Jamie Whitcomb, Suzanne Riccio-Major, and a decisive rubber match win against Angela Buchanan.

World Title and Historic Bout with Deirdre Gogarty (1993-1996)

  • 1993: Martin claimed her first world title by knocking out Beverly Szymansky in three rounds.
  • 1996: In a groundbreaking moment for women’s boxing, Christy Martin and Deirdre Gogarty engaged in an unforgettable bout that garnered significant attention. Martin’s victory in this fight marked a turning point for women in the sport.

Sports Illustrated Cover and Rising Celebrity (1996)

  • April 15, 1996: Christy Martin became the first female boxer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, with the headline “The Lady Is a Champ.” This landmark achievement catapulted her into the spotlight.

Defending the Title and Facing Laila Ali (1996-2003)

  • Martin defended her title six more times, including successful rematches and victories against top contenders.
  • 2003: She faced a formidable opponent in Laila Ali, resulting in a knockout loss in the fourth round.

Setbacks and Comebacks (2003-2011)

  • Following her loss to Laila Ali, Martin faced both triumphs and challenges in the ring.
  • 2011: Christy Martin aimed for her 50th career win but encountered an injury during a rematch against Dakota Stone, marking a challenging period in her career.

Hall of Fame and Post-Retirement (2016-2020)

  • 2016: Christy Martin made history by becoming the first female boxer inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
  • 2019: She was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, marking her enduring legacy in the sport.
  • After retiring, Martin worked as a substitute teacher and assisted military veterans in finding employment while dealing with the aftereffects of her boxing career.

Also Read: Regina Halmich Wiki, Age, Height, Net Worth, Records, Family

Christy Martin Record

Total Fights59
Won49
Lost7
Draw3
By Knockout32

Christy Martin Professional Boxing Record

Christy Martin’s championship belts
Image Source: nytimes.com
DateLocationOpponentRecordResultAge
9 Sep 89Bristol, TennesseeAngela Buchanan0-0-1Draw21
30 Sep 89Durham, North CarolinaAngela Buchanan1-0-1Win21
21 Oct  89Bristol, TennesseeTammy Jones2-0-1Win21
4 Nov 89Bristol, TennesseeAndrea DeShong2-1-1Loss21
21 Apr 90Bristol, TennesseeAndrea DeShong3-1-1Win22
22 Sep 90Johnson City, TennesseeJamie Whitcomb4-1-1Win22
27 Oct 90Bristol, TennesseeLisa Holpp5-1-1Win22
12 Jan 91Bristol, TennesseeJamie Whitcomb6-1-1Win23
25 Feb 91Bristol, TennesseeSuzanne Riccio7-1-1Win23
16 Mar 91Chattanooga, TennesseePat Watts8-1-1Win23
25 May 91TennesseeRhonda Hefflin9-1-1Win23
10 Sep 91Princeton, West VirginiaShannon Davenport10-1-1Win23
11 Jan  92Grundy, VirginiaRose Noble11-1-1Win24
25 Jan 92Daytona Beach, FloridaJackie Thomas12-1-1Win24
30 May 92Daytona Beach, FloridaStacey Prestage13-1-1Win24
5 Sep 92Daytona Beach, FloridaTracy Gordon14-1-1Win24
14 Nov 92Greenville, South CarolinaAngela Buchanan15-1-1Win24
29 Jan 93Columbia, South CarolinaSusie Hughes16-1-1Win25
28 May 93Punta Gorda, FloridaDeborah Cruickshank17-1-1Win25
27 Aug 93Punta Gorda, FloridaRebecca Kirkland18-1-1Win25
15 Oct 93Auburn Hills, MichiganBeverly Szymanski19-1-1Win25
29 Jan 94Las Vegas, NevadaSusie Melton20-1-1Win26
4 Mar 94Las Vegas, NevadaSonja Donlevy21-1-1Win26
7 May 94Las Vegas, NevadaLaura Serrano21-1-2Loss26
12 Sep 94Las Vegas, NevadaChris Kreuz22-1-2Win26
1 Apr 95Las Vegas, NevadaBeverly Szymanski23-1-2Win27
12 Aug 95Las Vegas, NevadaAngela Buchanan24-1-2Win27
16 Dec 95Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaErica Schmidlin25-1-2Win27
13 Jan 96Miami, FloridaMelinda Robinson26-1-2Win28
10 Feb 96Las Vegas, NevadaSue Chase27-1-2Win28
24 Feb 96Richmond, VirginiaDel Pettis28-1-2Win28
16 Mar 96Las Vegas, NevadaDeirdre Gogarty29-1-2Win28
7 Sep 96Las Vegas, NevadaMelinda Robinson30-1-2Win28
9 Nov 96Las Vegas, NevadaBethany Payne31-1-2Win28
28 Jun 97Las Vegas, NevadaAndrea DeShong32-1-2Win29
23 Aug 97New York City, New YorkIsra Girgrah33-1-2Win29
5 Dec 97Pompano Beach, FloridaMarcela Acuña34-1-2Win29
29 Aug 98Las Vegas, NevadaCheryl Nance35-1-2Win30
19 Sep 98Atlanta, GeorgiaChristine Robinson36-1-2Win30
18 Dec 98Fort Lauderdale, FloridaSumya Anani36-2-2Loss30
24 Apr 99Washington, D.C.Jovette Jackson37-2-2Win31
2 Oct 99Las Vegas, NevadaDaniella Somers38-2-2Win31
3 Mar 00Las Vegas, NevadaBelinda Laracuente39-2-2Win32
12 Aug 00Las Vegas, NevadaDianna Lewis40-2-2Win32
2 Dec 00Las Vegas, NevadaSabrina Hall41-2-2Win32
3 Mar 01Las Vegas, NevadaJeanne Martinez42-2-2Win33
12 May 01New York City, New YorkKathy Collins43-2-2Win33
17 Nov 01Las Vegas, NevadaLisa Holewyne44-2-2Win33
6 Dec 02Pontiac, MichiganMia St. John45-2-2Win34
23 Aug 03Biloxi, MississippiLaila Ali45-3-2Loss35
30 Apr 05Lula, MississippiLana Alexander46-3-2Win37
16 Sep 05Albuquerque, New MexicoHolly Holm46-4-2Loss37
6 Oct 06Worley, IdahoAngelica Martinez46-5-2Loss38
2 Jun 07Lake Charles, LouisianaAmy Yuratovac47-5-2Win39
18 Jul 08Houston, TexasValerie Mahfood47-5-3Draw40
1 Aug 09Huntington, West VirginiaCimberly Harris48-5-3Win41
9 Sep 09Syracuse, New YorkDakota Stone49-5-3Win41
4 Jun 11Los Angeles, CaliforniaDakota Stone49-6-3Loss43
14 Aug 12Friant, CaliforniaMia St. John49-7-3Loss44

Christy Martin Instagram, Twitter

InstagramInstagram Profile@christy_r_martin
TwitterTwitter Profile@christymartin68
FacebookFacebook Profile@ChampChristy

Some Interesting Facts About Christy Martin

  1. She is nicknamed “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” in reference to her father’s occupation.
  2. Christy Martin was the first female boxer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.
  3. She won three consecutive “Toughwoman” titles before her professional boxing career.
  4. Her marriage to fellow boxer Lisa Holewyne marked a pioneering moment in the world of boxing.
  5. Her career included appearances on the undercard of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and other boxing legends.
  6. Christy Martin became the first female boxer inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
  7. She became the first female boxer to fight in a major Las Vegas arena and to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
  8. A documentary detailing Martin’s professional and personal life, Untold: Deal with the Devil, was made available on Netflix in 2021.
  9. Christy Martin’s boxing career was closely intertwined with her personal life. She trained under the guidance of her husband, Jim Martin, who was also her coach during a significant part of her career.
  10. She worked as a substitute teacher and dedicated her time to helping military veterans find employment, showcasing her commitment to making a difference in her community.

FAQs

When did Christy Martin get shot?

Christy Martin was shot on December 15, 2010. By her then-husband and coach James Martin.

Why did James Martin shoot Christy Martin?

James Martin shot Christy Martin because he was abusive and controlling. He had been physically and emotionally abusing her for years, and the shooting was the culmination of that abuse.

Is Christy Martin still married?

Christy Martin married Lisa Holewyne, a former female boxer and a former ring rival of Christy. They got married on 25th November 2017.

What is Christy Martin known for?

Christy Martin is known for being a professional boxer. She was the WBC female super welterweight champion from 2009 to 2010. She is also a survivor of domestic violence.