History of Christy Martin in Timeline

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 12, 1968: Christine Renea Salters Born

Christine Renea Salters, later known as Christy Martin, was born on June 12, 1968. She was 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, 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.

1991: Marriage to Jim Martin

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

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.

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: 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.

March 2010: Reconnection 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 multiple times and shot by her husband, James V. Martin, who was 66 years old, after she told him she wanted a divorce. She was left for dead at their Apopka home.

November 30, 2010: Arrest of James Martin

On November 30, 2010, James Martin was arrested and taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center after stabbing himself. He was 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 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.