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, known as "the Coal Miner's Daughter," is an American former professional boxer, boxing analyst, and motivational speaker who competed from 1989 to 2012. She held the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. Martin made history as the first female boxer elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, the first year women were included on the ballot.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1989: Professional Boxing Debut

In 1989, Christy Martin began her professional boxing career.

October 15, 1993: Victory over 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, Don King signed Christy Martin after her third-round knockout win against Beverly Szymanski, making her the first woman to sign with him.

1993: Promotional Agreement with Don King

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

January 29, 1994: First Fight Under Don King Promotion

On January 29, 1994, Christy Martin's first fights under the promotional agreement with Don King took place against Melinda Robinson and Sue Chase at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, NV, on the undercard of Julio Cesar Chavez vs Frankie Randall.

March 16, 1996: Fight Against Deirdre Gogarty

On March 16, 1996, Christy Martin fought Deirdre Gogarty in what is considered a significant fight that put women's boxing on the sports fans' radar during the Showtime pay-per-view broadcast of the Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno WBC Heavyweight Championship.

1998: 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: Knockout Win Against Lana Alexander

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

2005: Cancellation of Fight with Lucia Rijker

In 2005, Christy Martin's fight with Lucia Rijker, titled "Million Dollar Lady", was canceled because Rijker ruptured her Achilles during training.

2009: Rematch Scheduled with Dakota Stone

In 2009, Christy Martin had a fight with 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 comeback fight, aiming for her 50th career win against Dakota Stone at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas on March 12, 2011.

March 12, 2011: Postponement of Fight Due to Injury

On March 12, 2011, the scheduled fight between Christy Martin and Dakota Stone was postponed due to a rib injury sustained by Martin.

June 4, 2011: Loss to Dakota Stone

On June 4, 2011, Christy Martin fought Dakota Stone at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs Sebastian Zbik undercard and lost by TKO after breaking her right hand in the fourth round.