Christy Martin Bio, Age, Husband, Record, Movie, Net Worth
Christy Martin Biography
Christy Renea Salters Martin (born June 12, 1968) is a retired American professional boxer and boxing promoter. She is widely recognized as the woman who brought mainstream attention to female boxing. Known as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” she inspired a generation of fighters.
Born in Mullens, West Virginia, Martin grew up in a coal mining family. In high school, she played basketball and baseball, later attending Concord College on a basketball scholarship. She graduated with a degree in education before pursuing boxing.
Her boxing journey began in 1987 through a Toughwoman contest, and she turned professional in 1989. Martin’s career record includes 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, with 32 knockouts. In 2009, she captured the WBC female super welterweight title.
Her legendary 1996 fight against Deirdre Gogarty put women’s boxing on the map. Martin became the first woman to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated and in 2020, she became the first female boxer inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Outside the ring, she survived a near-fatal attack from her then-husband and later became a strong advocate against domestic violence. In 2017, Martin married her partner and former opponent, Lisa Holewyne.
Today, her story continues to inspire, with the upcoming biopic Christy highlighting her extraordinary life and career.
Christy Martin Age
How old is Christy Martin?
Christy Renea Salters Martin was born on June 12, 1968, in Mullens, West Virginia. As of today, she is 57 years old. She will celebrate her 58th birthday on June 12, 2026. Martin remains a respected figure in boxing and female sports history.
Christy Martin’s Husband Jim
Christy Martin married James “Jim” Martin in 1991. He acted as her trainer and manager but also abused her. In 2010, Jim attacked Christy, leaving her with life-threatening injuries. He was later convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to prison, where he died in 2024. After surviving this trauma, Christy found love again. In 2017, she married Lisa Holewyne, her former boxing rival. Their marriage represents strength, resilience, and a fresh chapter in Christy Martin’s inspiring life story.
Christy Martin Wife: Who Is Lisa Holewyne?
Lisa Holewyne became Christy Martin’s wife in November 2017. She started her boxing career in 1998. Lisa fought professionally eight years, finishing with 25 wins, 17 losses, 2 draws, and 8 knockouts. They first met in 2001 when Lisa and Christy faced each other in the ring. Later, Lisa reached membership in the Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame. Most importantly, Lisa offered support after Christy escaped an abusive marriage. Together, they share a loving partnership rooted in respect, strength, and shared boxing history.
Christy Martin Movie: “Christy” Biopic
The movie Christy dramatizes the life of legendary boxer Christy Martin. It stars Sydney Sweeney as Martin, with Ben Foster as her husband/manager Jim Martin. The film explores her rise in the 1990s boxing world and her survival after a brutal 2010 attack. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. The film, directed by David Michôd and co-written with Mirrah Foulkes, will hit U.S. theaters on November 7, 2025. The runtime runs about 135 minutes. The story addresses themes such as domestic violence, identity, resilience, and redemption. It highlights Martin becoming one of the most recognized female boxers in America during her era.
Christy Martin’s Documentary: “Untold: Deal With the Devil”
“Untold: Deal With the Devil” explores champion boxer Christy Salters Martin’s life inside and outside the ring. The documentary reveals her rise in women’s boxing during the 1990s. It focuses on her struggles with domestic abuse, addiction, and hiding her sexuality. Christy endured a near-fatal attack by her trainer-husband and later sought to reclaim control over her life. The film includes interviews with Christy, her family, and peers. It also highlights her resilience, identity, and advocacy work. Released in 2021 on Netflix, it inspires survivors everywhere.
Christy Martin Record: Wins, Losses & Knockouts
Christy Martin holds a professional boxing record of 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws. She scored 32 knockouts, giving her a strong KO rate around 54%. She competed from 1989 until 2012, facing top female boxers across welterweight and super welterweight divisions. Throughout her career, Martin showcased determination, power, and resilience. Her record continues to symbolize her impact on the sport and her role in paving the way for future generations of women boxers worldwide.
Christy Martin Net Worth
Christy Martin has an estimated net worth of $500,000. She reportedly earned over $4 million from boxing during her career, but personal struggles and financial challenges reduced that figure. Today, she continues to generate income through her work as CEO of Christy Martin Promotions.
