World Famous Boxer Christy Martin Shares Her Story of Survival on November 15th

Christy Martin was one of the first athletes to bring female boxing to the national stage. Despite her career triumphs and rise to fame, Christy was being controlled and abused at the hands of her husband, who was also her trainer. World famous boxer Christy Martin shares her story of survival on November 15^th at a fundraiser benefitting WINGS and The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence.

When Christy decided to leave him in 2010, he tried to violently kill her. He stabbed her, shot her in the chest and left her for dead. She miraculously survived and her ex-husband is now incarcerated.

Christy has recently published a book, Fighting for Survival: My Journey through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder, and Resurrection with sportswriter Ron Borges. Copies of her book will be available for purchase at the event.

“We are so excited to welcome a female sports pioneer to share her inspirational journey and survival against all odds,” Rebecca Darr, WINGS President & CEO shares. “Through this fundraiser, more domestic violence survivors will be provided with critical resources to obtain safety and freedom from abuse.”

Event Details

Attendees will receive dinner and drinks, while hearing Christy’s firsthand story of survival in the ring and in life. Moderating the discussion is Suzanne Le Mignot from CBS News.

After being interviewed, Christy will be available to sign copies of her book.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards WINGS holistic domestic violence services and The Network.

Date: Tuesday, November 15^th, 2022

Time: 6:00pm to 10:00pm

Location: Wintrust’s Grand Banking Hall

231 S. LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL 60604

Valet Parking Available for $20.

Tickets: $150 and include dinner and drinks. Proceeds will benefit WINGS Program, Inc. and The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence.

Books: Pre-order Christy’s book to be picked up at the event for $31 or have the book shipped to your location for $40.

More about Christy

Christy Martin, a daughter of a coal miner, grew up in a small town in West Virginia. On a dare, she entered a “Toughwoman” contest and ended up winning three consecutive titles. She began training with boxing coach Jim Martin and they married in 1991.

A self-made star in the industry, Christy Martin was the first women to be promoted by the legendary boxing promoter Don King. He had Christy Martin featured in the first female primetime fight on Mike Tyson’s undercard in 1996. Martin won that fight and gained celebrity status, appearing on talk shows and on the cover of Sports Illustrated marking the first time a female boxer appeared on the cover.

Competing from 1989 to 2012, Christy Martin held the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. Martin was elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, the first year that women were on the ballot. An amazing record, Christy holds 49 wins, 7 losses, 3 draws and 31 wins by knockout.

However, throughout these successes, she was experiencing domestic violence by her husband/trainer. He told her he would kill her if she tried to leave. She survived in what some call her 50^th win.

Martin also was featured in the documentary Untold: Deal with the Devil released in 2021 on Netflix.

In addition to this fundraiser, Christy Martin is also using her time in Chicago to stop by local Mount Carmel High School, which has a prominent boxing program. She will be speaking to their student body to raise awareness about domestic violence among the teens. This special student assembly with Christy Martin lends a unique importance to her visit and makes the evening event hold more meaning as she is devoting time to advocacy among youth.