Net Worth Ranker
What Is Christy Martin’s Net Worth?
Christy Martin, born Christy Renea Salters on June 12, 1968, in Mullens, West Virginia, is an American former professional boxer and promoter. She is widely recognized as a pioneer in women’s boxing, helping to bring significant attention and interest to the sport. As of 2024, sources estimate Christy Martin’s net worth to be between $500,000 and $5 million. The variations in estimations likely consider different stages of her career and post-retirement ventures.
Early Career and Boxing Successes
Christy Martin’s journey in boxing began unconventionally. While studying at Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, on a basketball scholarship where she earned a B.S. in education, she won a boxing competition and received $1,000. Recognizing the potential in the sport, she decided to pursue boxing professionally. In 1990, she connected with boxing coach Jim Martin, who later became her husband in 1991. Martin started her professional boxing career at the age of 21 with a six-round draw with Angela Buchanan in 1989. She had her first training under the direction of Charlie Sensibaugh of Daniels, West Virginia. Martin won a rematch with Buchanan.
Martin rose to prominence in the 1990s, becoming a household name. She gained recognition for her powerful punches and dynamic fighting style. In March 1996, she defeated Deidre Gogarty and was recognized by the World Boxing Council as its nominal women’s lightweight champion of the world. Christy Martin also secured a spot on Sports Illustrated Magazine’s cover and started making television appearances on shows like ’60 Minutes,’ ‘Late Show with David Letterman,’ and ‘Roseanne.’ Her per match fee increased from $15,000 to approximately $150,000 almost overnight. It is estimated that she earned over $4 million from boxing alone.
Throughout her career, Martin held the WBC Women’s Super Welterweight title. In September 2009, she defeated Dakota Stone to win the vacant WBC Women’s Super Welterweight title. However, she broke her hand in a rematch, preventing her from continuing. One of her notable fights was against Laila Ali in August 2003 for the IBA Women’s Super Middleweight title, which she lost. Christy Martin retired from boxing in 2012 with a record of 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, including 31 wins by knockout.
Post-Boxing Career and Ventures
Since retiring from professional boxing in 2012, Christy Martin has been involved in various ventures that contribute to her net worth. She founded Christy Martin Promotions and serves as its CEO, promoting boxing events in North Carolina and other Southern United States cities, including Jacksonville, Florida. Since 2016, her promotion company has been actively involved in promoting boxing events.
Beyond boxing promotion, Martin has also worked as a substitute teacher and has been involved in helping military veterans find stable employment. In 2016, Sports Illustrated reported that Martin was balancing these roles, while also dealing with the after-effects of her boxing career, including stamina issues and double vision.
Legal Issues and Personal Life
Christy Martin’s personal life has seen considerable turmoil. In November 2010, she survived a near-fatal attack by her then-husband, James V. Martin. He was later found guilty of attempted second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Christy Martin married Lisa Holewyne, a former ring rival, on November 25, 2017.
Recognition and Honors
Christy Martin has received numerous accolades for her contributions to boxing. She was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016, becoming the first female boxer to receive this honor. In 2020, she was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, marking the first year women were included on the ballot.
