Born Christy Renea Salters on June 12, 1968 in Mullens, WV. A scholarship basketball player at Concord College in Athens, WV, she graduated with an honors degree in education and began boxing on a dare in 1986 while still in college, entering and winning a Tough Woman contest.
While working as a substitute teacher, Martin turned pro in 1989 in Tennessee. In 1993, she became the first woman to sign a promotional contract with Don King and was soon electrifying crowds on his mega pay-per-view cards. Her thrilling six round decision win over Deirdre Gogarty at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on the Tyson vs. Bruno II undercard in 1996 earned her mainstream stardom. Her skill and all-action style made her the face of women’s boxing and landed her on the cover of the April 15, 1996 Sports Illustrated and appearances on countless television programs such as The Tonight Show. During her career, the 5’4 ½ ” Martin won the WBC super welterweight championship in 2009 and compiled a 49-7-3 (31 KOs) professional record that includes a draw with Laura Serrano and wins over Melinda Robinson, Belinda Laracuente, Andrea DeShong, Isra Girgrah, Kathy Collins, Mia St. John and Dakota Stone among others.
Nicknamed “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” after her father’s profession, she remains in the sport as CEO of Christy Martin Promotions.
Born: June 12, 1968
Bouts: 59
Won: 49
Lost: 10
Draw: 3
KOs: 31
Induction: 2020
Christy Martin
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