In WINGS Corner: Boxing Legend Christy Martin

Posted by Sarah Swiston
On November 25, 2025
ABC 7, ABC 7 Chicago, boxer, boxing hall of fame, chicago metropolitan area, Chicago suburbs, christy, christy film, Christy Martin, christy movie, Christy Salters Martin, christy screening, Coal Miners Daughter, Domestic Violence, domestic violence organization, Domestic Violence Survivor, DV agency, female boxer, Letz Box, Letz Box Chicago, Michele Steele, mount carmel, non-profit agencies, Purple Tie Ball, richard roeper, Ryan Chiaverini, Sarah Jindra, Shelters, Spotlight Chicago, Val Warner, wayfarer theater, WGN, Windy City Weekend, WINGS, WINGS Housing, WINGS Program, WINGS Safe House, WINGS Shelter, WINGS Shelters

Christy Salters Martin, nicknamed “the Coal Miner’s Daughter,” is a former professional boxer, current boxing analyst and motivational speaker. Several years ago, Christy visited WINGS and was impressed with the agency’s comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence.

A survivor of a brutal attempted murder by her then-spouse and trainer, Christy has become a staunch advocate of domestic violence agencies. The 2025 recently released film, Christy, focuses on her success in the ring, as well as her battles confronting family, identity, and an increasingly volatile relationship.

While doing press for the movie, Christy took time out of her packed schedule to attend:

• WINGS Purple Tie Ball – Christy helped facilitate a once-in-a-lifetime experience to attend the Christy movie premiere and a meet and greet with Sydney Sweeney, the actress playing Christy Martin.
• A special book signing, Christy screening, and Q & A with Richard Roeper at The Wayfarer Theater
• WINGS Safe Houses tours, inspiring staff and survivors
• Letz Box Chicago to meet with local boxers
• Windy City Weekend on ABC 7 Chicago to share about her experiences and WINGS
• Spotlight Chicago on WGN-TV to share about the new movie and how WINGS is here for survivors

“I really want to share my story to help others not go down the same path I went down… WINGS is the largest domestic violence organization in the state of Illinois and I’m so impressed with their stat that 95% of their clients from their housing programs do not return to their abuser,” Christy Martin shares, “They are really doing great work.”

During her visits, Christy Martin met with WINGS donors, board members and staff.

Boxing Legacy

A pioneer for women in boxing, Christy Martin was the first woman to be promoted by Don King and one of the first female boxers to gain mainstream attention. Competing from 1989–2012, Christy Martin held the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. In 2016, Martin became the first female boxer elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Christy Martin was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, the first year that women were on the ballot.

Christy Martin at WINGS Purple Tie Ball

WINGS 25th Annual Purple Tie Ball raised more than $1.18 million to support the agency’s domestic violence programs. Co-chaired by Kim Frezados and Shanna Nikolic, the sold-out affair welcomed over 670 attendees to join in an enchanted garden atmosphere.

A night of surprises, special guest Christy Martin promoted an exclusive live auction experience and WINGS announced the upcoming nationwide launch of its Traumatic Brain Injury Toolkit.

Christy Visits Mount Carmel High School

Christy made a special visit to Mount Carmel High School, an all-boys school in Chicago with a renowned boxing program. The local paper, The Beverly Review featured the visit.

During the assembly, Christy shared her experiences. From reaching incredible heights in her boxing career, to enduring domestic violence from her husband/trainer.

Christy Martin shared, “I’ve just spoken to one of the most important group I’ve ever spoken to. These young men at Mount Carmel wanted to hear everything I had to say. They had some of the best questions I’ve ever been asked.”

Christy Screening and Exclusive Q & A with Richard Roeper

On November 19th, WINGS held a private movie screening of Christy at Wayfarer Theaters Highland Park. After the screening, a special Q & A about the movie took place between Christy Martin and acclaimed film critic Richard Roeper.

A memorable comment Christy made during her interview with film critic Richard Roeper addressed the irony that a sport such as boxing would make sense to intersect in a positive way with the world of domestic violence. She explained in her lived experience, many young people who enter the ring are finding a sense of safety in training after experiencing abuse at home. This discipline they commit to actually gives them a path away from the violence.

WINGS Safe House Tours

On November 20th, Christy visited WINGS Suburban Safe House and WINGS Metro Safe House. She met with staff and guests, taking time to learn about WINGS services, challenges, and successes.

WINGS Suburban Safe House Visit

WINGS Metro Safe House Visit

Letz Box Chicago

Christy Martin met with local boxers and signed copies of her book.

Her book, Fighting for Survival – My Journey through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder, and Resurrection, is available for purchase through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Windy City Weekend on ABC 7 Chicago

Christy Martin sat down with hosts Ryan Chiaverini and Val Warner. Christy shared about her career, new film about her life, and her connection to WINGS. Help is available.