Christy Martin's life story is getting the large display therapy within the film Christy, starring Sydney Sweeney.
Martin is a legendary boxer who paved the way in which for girls within the sport. She earned the nickname “The Coal Miner's Daughter” as a result of her father's occupation. Whereas Martin is understood for her success within the ring, she has additionally suffered from tragic occasions, together with struggling along with her sexuality at a younger age and enduring abuse.
Christy virtually died in 2010 after her ex-husband and former coach, Jim Martin, whom she wed in 1991, tried to homicide her after she tried to depart him. Christy survived the assault and testified in opposition to Jim. In 2012, Jim was discovered responsible of tried second-degree homicide and sentenced to 25 years in jail.
Hold scrolling for what to find out about Christy forward of her biopic:
Christy Martin Put Girls's Boxing on the Map
Christy began boxing professionally in 1989. Her breakout match was in opposition to Angela Buchanan, the place that they had a six-round draw. Two years later, she began coaching with Jim.
In 1993, Christy made historical past as the primary girl to be signed by promoter Don King. King's connections led to Christy having the ability to battle on undercards of among the largest stars in males's boxing, together with Julio César Chávez vs. Frankie Randall and Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno.
Chrisy's 1996 win in opposition to Deirdre Gogarty skyrocketed her recognition and helped carry consideration to girls's boxing. She additionally went on to face off in opposition to Sumya Anani, Laila Ali and extra. In 2009, Christy gained the WBC Tremendous Welterweight title.
In 2012, Christy retired from boxing after sustaining a number of accidents. In her profession, Christy earned 49 wins, with 31 of these being knockouts.
Christy Martin Is within the Corridor of Fame
Christy Martin Getty Photos
Christy was inducted into the Worldwide Girls's Boxing Corridor of Fame in 2014. Two years later, she turned the primary girl to be inducted into the Nevada Boxing Corridor of Fame.
When the Worldwide Boxing Corridor of Fame determined to permit girls on the poll in 2019, Christy was included and inducted the next yr.
Christy Martin's Ex-Husband Tried to Kill Her
In 2010, Christy was stabbed a number of instances and shot in her torso by Jim. Jim attacked her after she tried to depart him following an alleged argument. Christy survived the assault.
“I'm a fighter and that's what I do,” Christy stated in a 2011 interview with ESPN after recovering from her accidents. “That's all I understand how to do, is battle.”
Jim died in November 2024 whereas serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in Graceville, Florida.
Christy Martin Is Married to Former Rival Lisa Holewyne
Christy Martin Isaiah Trickey/FilmMagic
In her profession, Christy confronted off in opposition to Holewyne a number of instances The pair had their first match in 2001 and Christy bought the win in a unanimous choice after 10 rounds.
“We fought one another in 2001. She's a world champion. She was inducted into the Girls's Boxing Corridor of Fame,” Christy recalled to The Guardian in 2022. “So we met after which we sparred a few instances, and he or she was kind of in my circle of individuals, one of many adjoining associates.”
After information broke about her assault, Holewyne reached out to Christy to test on her. Their friendship ultimately turned romantic.
“A couple of months after every thing occurred, and the trial with Jim, she began to name and test on me,” she stated. “After which she got here to certainly one of my fights that I used to be selling in Charlotte and we've been collectively since.”
Christy and Holewyne tied the knot in 2017 and their relationship continues to be going sturdy.
“I simply wished to make my household joyful. It's by no means been about making me joyful till I married Lisa,” she confessed. “I known as my mom and I advised her that we had been getting married and he or she stated, ‘No, you're not,' like I used to be 12 years previous. I stated, ‘I lived 20 years making you cheerful. I'm going to stay the subsequent 20 years making me joyful.'”
Christy Martin Based a Home Violence Nonprofit
Christy runs a nonprofit known as Christy's Champs. The group presents boxing lessons for kids and moms residing in home violence shelters.
