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First Female Boxer "Christy Martin"
Martin is said to be “the most successful and prominent female boxer in the United States” and the person who “legitimized” women’s participation in the sport of boxing. She began her career fighting in “Tough woman” contests and won three consecutive titles.
On October 15, 1993 Martin had her first title fight against Beverly Szymansky, for the WBC women's Jr. Welterweight world championship. Martin won by knocking out Szymansky in three rounds.
Martin defended her title six more times, including a rematch with Szymansky, a fourth fight with Buchanan and defenses versus Melinda Robinson and Sue Chase, winning all of them, before the fight that many credit for putting women's boxing on the sports fans' radar took place: On March 16, 1996, she and Deirdre Gogarty fought what many consider a great fight, in front of Showtime cameras.
Martin won her next eight bouts including wins against Robinson, DeShong, Marcela Acuña and Isra Girgrah.. Martin then won her next nine fights including wins against Belinda Laracuente,Sabrina Hall and Kathy Collins. Martin won her next two fights by ten round decisions against Lisa Holeywine and Mia St. John.
Martin was promoted by Don King. She was nicknamed The Coal Miner's Daughter in reference to her father's occupation.
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