Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Christy Martin

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

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.