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, also known as "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 the distinction of being the first female boxer inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2020, she was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, marking the inaugural year women were included on the ballot.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1989: Professional Boxing Debut

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

October 15, 1993: Martin Defeats Szymansky

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

October 1993: Martin Signed by Don King

In October 1993, Christy Martin was signed by promoter Don King following her victory against Beverly Szymanski.

1993: Martin Signs 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: First Fight Under Don King Promotion

On January 29, 1994, Christy Martin's first fights under the new agreement with 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 on the Showtime pay-per-view broadcast of the Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno WBC Heavyweight Championship, with Martin winning the decision.

April 15, 1996: Sports Illustrated Cover

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: Loss to Sumya Anani

In 1998, Christy Martin lost her title in a 10-round decision 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: Knockout Win Against Lana Alexander

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

2005: "Million Dollar Lady" Fight Cancellation

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

2009: Previous Fight against Dakota Stone

In 2009 Christy Martin fought Dakota Stone.

January 19, 2011: Announcement of Comeback Fight

On January 19, 2011, Christy Martin announced her comeback fight, aiming for her 50th career win, against Dakota Stone, on the undercard of the Ricardo Mayorga vs Miguel Cotto fight at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

March 12, 2011: Postponement of Fight Due to Injury

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

June 4, 2011: Rematch Against Dakota Stone

On June 4, 2011, Christy Martin's rematch against Dakota Stone took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs Sebastian Zbik undercard, with Stone winning by TKO after Martin broke her right hand.