History of Christy Martin in Timeline

Christy Martin, nicknamed "The Coal Miner's Daughter," is a retired American professional boxer, boxing analyst, and motivational speaker who competed from 1989 to 2012. She held the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. Martin achieved significant recognition, becoming the first female boxer inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016. Notably, she was also elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, the inaugural year women were included on the ballot.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 12, 1968: Christine Renea Salters' Birth

On June 12, 1968, Christine Renea Salters, later known as Christy Martin, was born. She was nicknamed "The Coal Miner's Daughter".

Others born on this day/year

1989: Professional Boxing Debut

In 1989, Christy Martin began her professional boxing career, competing from 1989 to 2012.

1989: Professional Debut and First Fight

In 1989, at age 21, Christy Martin started her professional boxing career with a six-round draw against Angela Buchanan.

1991: Marriage to Jim Martin

In 1991, Christy Martin married her boxing coach, Jim Martin.

October 15, 1993: Victory Against Beverly Szymansky

On October 15, 1993, Christy Martin defeated Beverly Szymansky by knockout in three rounds.

October 1993: Signing with Don King

In October 1993, Christy Martin signed with promoter Don King, becoming the first woman to sign with him, after her win against Beverly Szymanski.

1993: Promotional Agreement with Don King

In 1993, Christy Martin signed a promotional agreement with International Hall of Fame Promoter Don King, putting her in the international spotlight.

January 29, 1994: Fights at MGM Grand Hotel

On January 29, 1994, Christy Martin fought Melinda Robinson and Sue Chase on the undercard of the Julio Cesar Chavez vs Frankie Randall fight at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

March 16, 1996: Fight Against Deirdre Gogarty

On March 16, 1996, Christy Martin fought Deirdre Gogarty on the Showtime pay-per-view broadcast of the Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno WBC Heavyweight Championship; Martin won the decision.

April 15, 1996: Sports Illustrated Cover Appearance

On April 15, 1996, Christy Martin became the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, with the headline "The Lady Is a Champ".

1998: Title Loss to Sumya Anani

In 1998, Christy Martin lost her title in a 10-round decision loss to Sumya Anani.

2003: Fight Against Laila Ali

In 2003, Christy Martin fought Laila Ali and lost by knockout in the fourth round.

September 16, 2005: Loss to Holly Holm

On September 16, 2005, Christy Martin lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Holly Holm in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

2005: Knockout Against Lana Alexander

In 2005, Christy Martin had a second-round knockout victory against Lana Alexander in Lula, Mississippi.

2005: "Million Dollar Lady" Fight Cancellation

In 2005, a highly anticipated fight between Christy Martin and Lucia Rijker, titled "Million Dollar Lady", was canceled due to Rijker's Achilles injury during training.

2009: Fight against Dakota Stone

In 2009, Christy Martin and Dakota Stone fought each other, and later had a rematch.

2009: WBC Female Super Welterweight Title

In 2009, Christy Martin held the WBC female super welterweight title.

March 2010: Reconnection with Sherry Lusk

In March 2010, Christy Martin reconnected with her high school girlfriend Sherry Lusk over social media.

November 23, 2010: Attack by James Martin

On November 23, 2010, Christy Martin was stabbed and shot by her husband, James V. Martin, in their Apopka home, following her announcement that she wanted a divorce. She survived the attack.

November 30, 2010: Arrest of James Martin

On November 30, 2010, James Martin was arrested after stabbing himself. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon for the attack on Christy Martin.

January 19, 2011: Announcement of Comeback Fight

On January 19, 2011, Christy Martin announced her comeback fight on the undercard of Ricardo Mayorga vs Miguel Cotto, against Dakota Stone.

March 12, 2011: Postponement of Fight Due to Injury

On March 12, 2011, Christy Martin's fight against Dakota Stone was postponed due to a rib injury.

June 4, 2011: Rematch with Dakota Stone and Injury

On June 4, 2011, Christy Martin's rematch against Dakota Stone took place at the Staples Center. Martin lost by TKO after breaking her right hand.

April 2012: James Martin Found Guilty

In April 2012, James Martin was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder for attacking Christy Martin.

2012: Retirement from Boxing

Christy Martin retired from professional boxing in 2012.

2014: Induction into International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame

In 2014, Christy Martin was among the first inductees into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame.

2016: Induction into Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and Post-Career Life

In 2016, Christy Martin was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. She was also working as a substitute teacher and assisting military veterans while coping with the aftereffects of her boxing career.

2016: Induction into Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame

In 2016, Christy Martin was the first female boxer elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

2016: CEO of Christy Martin Promotions

Since 2016, Christy Martin has been the CEO of Christy Martin Promotions, a boxing promotion company that has promoted many events in North Carolina.

November 25, 2017: Marriage to Lisa Holewyne

On November 25, 2017, Christy Martin married former ring rival Lisa Holewyne.

2019: Election to International Boxing Hall of Fame

In 2019, Christy Martin was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, marking the first year that women were on the ballot.

2020: Induction into International Boxing Hall of Fame

In 2020, Christy Martin was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, marking the first year women were on the ballot.

2021: Release of Netflix Documentary

In 2021, Netflix released "Untold: Deal with the Devil", a documentary chronicling Christy Martin’s career and personal life.

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November 26, 2024: Death of Jim Martin

On November 26, 2024, Jim Martin, Christy Martin's ex-husband, died while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in Graceville, Florida.