History of Christy Martin in Timeline

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

June 12, 1968: Christy Martin's Birth

On June 12, 1968, Christine Renea Salters, later known as Christy Martin, was born. She would become a professional boxer 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.

1991: Marriage to Jim Martin

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

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.

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 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.

March 2010: Reconnecting 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 V. Martin

On November 23, 2010, Christy Martin was stabbed several times and shot at least once in her torso and left for dead by her husband, James V. Martin, after she told him she wanted a divorce.

November 30, 2010: Arrest of James Martin

On November 30, 2010, James Martin was arrested and taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center after he stabbed himself. He was booked in Orange County Jail and charged with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

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.

April 2012: Guilty Verdict for James Martin

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

2012: Retirement from Boxing

In 2012, Christy Martin retired from professional boxing.

2014: Induction into the 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 Life Struggles

In 2016, Christy Martin became the first female boxer inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Also in 2016, she was working two jobs while coping with the aftereffects of her boxing career, including stamina issues and double vision.