Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Christy Martin

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 20, 2025

Discover the career path of Christy Martin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

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

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1989: Professional Boxing Debut

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

1989: First Professional Fight

In 1989, at the age of 21, Christy Martin had her first professional boxing match, resulting in a six-round draw with Angela Buchanan.

October 15, 1993: Defeat of 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 was signed by promoter Don King following her win against Beverly Szymanski.

1993: Promotional Agreement with Don King

In 1993 Christy Martin signed a promotional agreement with Don King.

January 29, 1994: First Fight Under Don King

On January 29, 1994, Christy Martin's first fights under Don King were against 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, a fight credited with putting women's boxing on the sports fans' radar, on the Showtime pay-per-view broadcast of the Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno WBC Heavyweight Championship. Martin won the decision.

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 a 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: Fight Against Lana Alexander

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

2005: Cancellation of Fight with Lucia Rijker

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

2009: Fight Against Dakota Stone

In 2009, Christy Martin fought against Dakota Stone.

2009: WBC Super Welterweight Title

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

January 19, 2011: Announcement of Comeback Fight

On January 19, 2011, Christy Martin announced her return to boxing in hopes of securing her 50th career win.

March 12, 2011: Postponement of Fight

On March 12, 2011, Christy Martin's fight, slated for the Ricardo Mayorga vs Miguel Cotto undercard at the MGM Grand Hotel, was postponed due to a rib injury.