Christy Martin, a trailblazer in women’s boxing, began her professional career in 1989, quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor in a male-dominated sport. Her early years were marked by a series of impressive victories, including a notable rematch against Angela Buchanan, which showcased her knockout power. Martin’s partnership with legendary promoter Don King in 1993 catapulted her into the international spotlight, allowing her to fight on prestigious undercards, including the historic Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Frankie Randall event at the MGM Grand.

In 1996, Martin’s bout against Deirdre Gogarty was hailed as the “female fight of the century,” significantly raising the profile of women’s boxing. This match, broadcast on Showtime during a Mike Tyson heavyweight championship fight, not only solidified her status as a top contender but also made her the first female boxer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. Her charisma and fighting spirit won her a dedicated fanbase and helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes.

Throughout her career, Martin achieved remarkable success, holding the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009 and finishing with an impressive record of 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, including 31 knockouts. Her contributions to the sport were recognized with her induction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, marking her as a pioneer for women in boxing.

After retiring from the ring, Martin transitioned into boxing promotion and motivational speaking, using her platform to inspire others. Her life story has been chronicled in the Netflix documentary “Untold: Deal with the Devil,” and a biopic is currently in production, further cementing her legacy as a champion both inside and outside the ring.