Christy Martin Net Worth

What is Christy Martin's net worth?

Christy Martin is an American boxer and promoter who has a net worth of $500 thousand. Widely recognized as the first woman to achieve mainstream fame in boxing, Martin helped bring women's boxing into the national spotlight during the 1990s. Known as "The Coal Miner's Daughter," she fought professionally from 1989 to 2012, becoming a world champion and a pay-per-view attraction on major Don King cards. Her aggressive style, knockout power, and televised bouts on Showtime and HBO made her one of the most famous female athletes of her era. In November 2025, a feature film based on her life titled"Christy" was released with Sydney Sweeney as Martin. The film dramatized her rise to fame, her turbulent marriage to trainer Jim Martin, and her near-fatal 2010 shooting that she survived against all odds.

Early Life

Christy Salters was born on June 12, 1968, in Mullens, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town. She was raised in a working-class family and developed a competitive streak early on, excelling in basketball and track at Mullens High School. Christy earned a basketball scholarship to Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, where she majored in education and began boxing in local "toughman" competitions. Her success in those amateur bouts led her to pursue the sport professionally, even though women's boxing was barely recognized at the time.

Professional Boxing Career

Martin made her professional debut in 1989 and quickly built a reputation for toughness and punching power. After losing only one of her first 21 fights, she captured the attention of promoter Don King, who signed her in the mid-1990s. Her breakout moment came on March 16, 1996, when she fought Deirdre Gogarty on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The thrilling six-round slugfest was televised nationally and earned widespread praise, introducing women's boxing to a mainstream audience for the first time.

Following that performance, Martin appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated and TV Guide, and became the first female boxer to sign an exclusive contract with a major promoter. Between 1995 and 2000, she compiled an impressive record of victories over Mia St. John, Lisa Holewyne, and Belinda Laracuente, often winning by knockout. Known for her pink trunks and relentless style, Martin helped redefine the sport's image and paved the way for fighters like Laila Ali and Claressa Shields.

Championships and Accolades

Christy Martin held the WBC super welterweight title and was named Ring Magazine's Female Fighter of the Year in 1998. Over her 23-year professional career, she amassed a record of 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, with 31 victories coming by knockout. Her fights were broadcast on major networks and pay-per-view events, making her one of the few female boxers of her generation to earn six-figure purses.

In 2020, Martin was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, becoming one of the first women ever to receive that honor. She was also inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Personal Life and Domestic Violence Incident

Martin's personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. She married her trainer, Jim Martin, in 1989, and the pair had a volatile and abusive relationship throughout her career. In November 2010, after years of escalating violence, Jim brutally attacked and stabbed Christy in their Florida home, leaving her for dead. Remarkably, she managed to escape and flag down help on the highway, surviving the assault despite being stabbed multiple times and shot in the chest. Jim Martin was later convicted of attempted second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The attack marked a turning point in Christy's life. She publicly revealed that she had long suppressed her sexuality and later came out as gay, crediting her recovery and renewed confidence to her wife, Lisa Holewyne, a former opponent whom she married years later. Her story became an emblem of survival, resilience, and empowerment both inside and outside the ring.

Later Career and Promoting

After recovering from her injuries, Martin returned to the ring briefly before retiring in 2012. She transitioned into boxing promotion, founding Christy Martin Promotions, a company that focuses on developing young fighters and creating opportunities for women in boxing. She has also worked as a motivational speaker, using her platform to advocate against domestic violence and to inspire survivors to reclaim their lives. Her journey from coal country to world champion—and from near-death to healing—has made her a symbol of perseverance in sports and life.

"Christy" Biopic

In November 2025, Martin's remarkable life was brought to the big screen in the biographical drama "Christy," starring Sydney Sweeney in the title role. The film, produced by Lionsgate, chronicles her rise from small-town amateur fighter to world champion, her complex and abusive marriage to her trainer, and her miraculous survival after being shot and stabbed. The film earned critical acclaim for its portrayal of Martin's courage, with Sweeney's performance drawing particular praise for its authenticity and emotional depth.

Legacy

Christy Martin's legacy extends far beyond the boxing ring. She shattered gender barriers in a sport long dominated by men, becoming a legitimate pay-per-view draw and an inspiration for generations of female athletes. Her bravery in confronting both her personal demons and her abuser has made her an enduring advocate for survivors of violence. As both a fighter and a survivor, Christy Martin's life stands as one of the most extraordinary and impactful stories in sports history.

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