Retired world champion and International Hall of Fame boxer Christy Salters Martin’s recently released book, “Fighting For Survival: My Journey Through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder, and Resurrection,” isn’t a book about boxing. Christy Martin’s new book is about far more than boxing.
Yes, it’s set against Martin’s impressive career as a groundbreaking pioneer and the most successful female fighter of all time. There are
more than enough stories to share about Martin’s athletic accomplishments; she doesn’t skimp on them. But Martin, working with co-author Ron Borges, chose instead to use her platform to focus on her struggle outside the ring with formidable foes like domestic violence, substance abuse, and sexual identity.
“We approached the book knowing it was not a sports book. It was not a boxing book. Boxing was the backdrop. But it was the least of all things it is, is a boxing book,” said Martin. As dramatic as Martin’s performances were, her ultimate survival is more impressive than any of her knockouts. Martin Using Her Fame For A New Purpose
Speaking with Martin as she sat ringside for the Top Rank Boxing card in Temecula, California, fans and fellow athletes approached her for selfies and autographs or simply to thank her and offer their enormous admiration for what she represents. She was gracious with each of them. Nevertheless, Martin’s powerhouse athletic performances drew fans and fighters over to greet the retired champion. Christy Salters Martin reigned as the WBC World Super Welterweight champion. Photo: Courtesy Christy Martin Promotions
Christy Salters Martin reigned as the WBC World Super Welterweight champion. Photo: Courtesy Christy Martin Promotions
Fans have always admired Martin’s trademark style and aggression. Martin is among the most influential figures in professional boxing and for women in sports. A native of a small town in West Virginia, Martin turned pro in 1979 at age 21. She won just two of her first four bouts but then won 34 of 35 fights between 1990 and 1994. She broke pay-per-view records in partnership with her promoter Don King.
In 2010 after years of abuse, Martin’s trainer and husband, Jim Martin, put her into the hospital after shooting, stabbing, and pistol-whipping her In 2010, leaving her for dead. Martin survived the assault. She also overcame her struggle with her sexual orientation as a closeted lesbian for four decades, along with drug addiction as she fought her demons.
But fight them, she did. Jim Martin is now in prison. Christy Salters Martin is now living as her authentic self and sharing her story in the hope she can help people who may be facing down the same foes she did for so long. ‘God Left Me Here For A Reason’ Christy Salters Martin with her former husband, trainer, and abuser Jim Martin. Photo: Courtesy Netflix
Christy Salters Martin with her former husband, trainer, and abuser Jim Martin. Photo: Courtesy Netflix
“You know, God has blessed me,” said Martin. “I’m very fortunate to still be here. Part of the thing, I always said from the moment I woke up in the hospital, God left me here for a reason, and that’s to help make a difference for somebody else. And I believe because of all these really awesome things that are happening for me – the book, the induction (into the IBHOF), the Netflix documentary, there’s so many really cool, cool things that are happening, they’re giving me a bigger, stronger platform to stand on to help these other people.”
Martin and Borges began working on the book just as the coronavirus pandemic started. When Martin was named the first woman boxer to the International Boxing Hall of Fame In the Class of 2020, the pair knew they wanted to finish t
