Christy Martin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Christy Martin
Christy Martin Speaks to Hope House 2024
Statistics
Real name	Christy Renea Salters
Nickname(s)	The Coal Miner's Daughter
Rated at	Light middleweight Middleweight Super middleweight
Height	5 ft 4+1/2 in
Reach	64 in
Born	(1968-06-12) June 12, 1968 (age 57) Mullens, West Virginia, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	59
Wins	49
Wins by KO	32
Losses	7
Draws	3

Christine Renea Salters (born June 12, 1968), better known as Christy Martin, is a famous American former professional boxer. She was nicknamed "The Coal Miner's Daughter" because her father worked as a coal miner. She competed from 1989 to 2012 and became a world champion.

Martin is a true pioneer in women's boxing. In 2009, she won the WBC female super welterweight title. She was the first female boxer to be elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2020, she was also elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This was the first year women were ever included on the ballot.

Early Life and Sports

Christy Renea Salters was born on June 12, 1968, in Mullens, West Virginia. Growing up, she was a talented athlete who played many sports. She played Little League baseball and was an all-state basketball player in high school.

Her skill in basketball earned her a scholarship to Concord College in Athens, West Virginia. There, she studied hard and earned a degree in education.

A Groundbreaking Boxing Career

Martin is often called one of the most successful female boxers in the United States. Many people believe she helped make women's boxing a respected and popular sport.

She first started fighting in "Toughwoman" contests, where she won three championships in a row. After this success, she began training with boxing coach Jim Martin, whom she later married.

Rise to Fame

Martin began her professional boxing career in 1989. After a few early fights, she went on an amazing streak, winning nineteen fights in a row. In 1993, she signed a contract with famous boxing promoter Don King. This deal helped her become known all over the world.

Her big moment came on March 16, 1996. She fought Deirdre Gogarty in a match that was broadcast on television. The fight was exciting and showed millions of viewers how skilled female boxers could be. After winning the fight, Martin became a celebrity. She even appeared on the cover of the famous magazine Sports Illustrated. The headline read, "The Lady Is a Champ."

After this, Martin's fame grew. She even made a special guest appearance on the TV show Roseanne.

Major Fights

Throughout her career, Martin fought many tough opponents. She had exciting wins against boxers like Marcela Acuña and Isra Girgrah. She also fought other famous female boxers like Mia St. John.

In 2003, Martin faced Laila Ali, the daughter of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Although Martin lost the match, it was a major event that brought a lot of attention to women's boxing.

Martin fought on the undercard for some of the biggest names in boxing, including Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Julio César Chávez. An undercard is a series of fights that happen before the main event.

Final Fights

Martin's last professional fight was in 2012 against Mia St. John. She ended her amazing career with a record of 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws. Out of her 49 wins, 31 were by knockout.

Legacy and Achievements

Christy Martin's impact on boxing is huge. She proved that women could be powerful and successful athletes in a sport that was mostly for men.

• Hall of Fame Inductions: In 2014, she was one of the first women welcomed into the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2016, she became the first female boxer in the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2020, she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Promoter: After retiring, Martin started her own company called Christy Martin Promotions. The company organizes boxing events, helping new fighters get their start in the sport.

Today, she is remembered as a champion who opened the door for future generations of female boxers.

Professional boxing record

See also

In Spanish: Christy Martin para niños