Christy (The Coal Miner?s Daughter) Martin 49-5-3 (KO 31)) will be lacing up her gloves once again in a rematch against Dakota Stone 9-8-5(KO1) on March 12, 2011. The bout will be on the undercard of Miquel Cotto vs. Ricardo Mayorga at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas,Nevada.
Christy famous for her solid jabs,destructive punches,exploding hooks and relentless pressure; hopes to reach her 50th career victory with a decisive win over Dakota. Both fighters have been away from the squared circle for some time and are looking forward to this challenge.
As boxing fans know, Christy has been through a rough two months dealing with a horrific and devastating incident in her private life. However she has not let the situation side track her from her boxing dreams or career. With relocating to Vegas, acquiring a new trainer and signing with a new promoter it is safe to say that Christy is not looking back and will continue to move forward.
Christy is very thankful to be alive and is grateful to have an opportunity to prove to herself and everyone that she can still fight and put on an exciting show. Christy understands that she is now in a position to help others in tough life situations and she is ready to to meet that challenge as well. She is happy and in a good place right now in mind,body and spirit. Christy can?t wait to return to the ring and take control of the fight as she has taken control of her life.
It was an honor to speak with Christy who definitely holds an exemplary place in women?s boxing history and a person who is a ?true fighter? in every sense of the word. Let?s talk to Christy Martin:
BD Christy, how are you feeling? CM I?m feeling great.
BD Are you 100% physically ready to rumble? CM Yes. I am 100% physically ready to rumble.
BD Excited,nervous or anxious about your upcoming rematch? CM It?s safe to say all of the above.
BD What is the importance of this fight for you? CM There are a lot of different significances. For 10 years I have wanted to reach my 50th win. It?s also my comeback from a horrific situation. I just want to show myself and everyone I can do this. I still have the fire and the ability to go out there and put on a good show. To know I can stand on my own two feet and hopefully be an inspiration to a lot of people.
BD Do you consider this your ?comeback?? CM I don?t really consider it a comeback. I was working on fights In China, Germany but they didn?t work out. I was training and staying in shape hoping to get a chance to go for my 50th victory.
BD Any worries or concerns about ring rust? CM Of course. I have a new trainer and he is keeping me motivated. I will have the best sparring now that I?m in Vegas. By round 2 or 3 I?ll be just fine. Dakota has also been out of the ring.
BD What have you been doing during the downtime between fights? CM I have been trying to get some fights as I just said. Working to keep my amateur boxing program going. I?m a boxing commentator for LDLTV.com which broadcasts amateur boxing events in Florida.
BD How is training going? CM Really well. My trainer and I try to add something new every day. The fight is still 7 weeks out but I?m excited and moving forward.
BD Who is your trainer? Your Team? CM Miguel Diaz is my trainer. We?re going to be a good team. He?s been in my corner as a cut man since about 1994. He has also been a second and now he is my trainer. Miguel always had an input into the stragety and how to approach my fights. As far as my team I will leave that up to Miguel to put it together. I believe in him. Bob Arum is my promoter and I hope to be with Top Rank a long time.
BD Describe your boxing style? CM Boxer/Brawler with emphasis on brawling.
BD How has your style evolved over the years? CM It has changed somewhat due to personal and private influences. On March 12th you will see a new-fresh Christy Martin.
BD Biggest strength as a fighter? CM My heart and determination.
BD What do you need to continue to work on? CM My defense and conditioning.
BD How is your overall conditioning at this time? CM I?m ready to fight 6 rounds today. There is no question I will be ready on March 12th. This 6 round fight is to get me in there and to feel comfortable and hopefully to get an impressive KO along the way.
BD Favorite part of training? CM Sparring
BD Least favorite part of training? CM I love it all. I love my job(boxing) Boxing is my life. Boxing makes my heart beat.
BD Toughest opponent to date? CM Myself and everyone I get in the ring with.
BD Do you believe your age will be an issue in this upcoming bout? CM No I really don?t. I haven?t fought much in the last ten years so my body is good shape and I take care of myself.
BD With a victory over Dakota, it will mark your 50th career win. Will this be an ending or a new beginning for you? CM A new beginning. I have a multi-fight deal with Top Rank so I hope to see more fights this year.
BD How do you react when people refer to you as a female boxing pioneer? CM As I said before I never wanted to be considered a pioneer of women?s boxing. I just wanted to fit because boxing?s a man?s world.
BD Do you consider yourself a boxing ?legend?? CM No. It?s really cool to hear that said about you. Gives me chills. I just do what I love to do. I want to slow down and take in every little detail. To understand everything about my career. To take control of my life. I?m fortunate to be here on the earth as well as having the opportunity to fight on March 12th.
BD Your boxing goals for 2011? CM First to be victorious over Dakota and I know Bob Arum keeps his fighters busy so I hope to busy in 2011.
BD Any regrets in your 21 year boxing career? CM That I got KO by Laila Ali.
BD There is noise on the Net that Chevelle Hallback is calling you out after this fight with Dakota. Your thoughts on that? CM Anyone talking sh_t right now shows a lack of character. A lack of class. Two months ago I was left for dead and this 6 round fight is to get me in there and to feel comfortable and hopefully to get an impressive KO along the way. It?s obvious she is using my name to get attention for herself. I?m starting over and moving forward. Chasing me around won?t get a fight with me.
BD Do you consider yourself a ?role model?? CM I tried to stay away from it. Because if you screw up you disappoint everyone looking up to you. It?s more important for parents to be role models. Now, my mindset is different with all I?ve been through. Maybe I should be a role model. Maybe it?s not a bad thing.
BD Do you see yourself also becoming a champion against domestic violence? CM Definitely. I?m in a position now to speak out. I want to help people and through my work(boxing) maybe I can inspire other women. To let them know that if I can do it then they can do it too. Even in the hospital I was worried about getting my gym reopened and a new trainer for the kids. I want to help people.
BD Here are some Quick fire Questions. Pick which one you prefer out of the choices given: CM Jab or Hook Head or Body Sparring or Roadwork Sit Ups or Push Ups Heavy Bag or Speed Bag Height or Reach Jump Rope or Medicine Ball
BD Who are some of your favorite fighters today and of the past? CM Mayorga, Tyson,Frazier,Basillio,Hagler,Pep. Real true fighters.
BD Are you a girly girl? CM Never. I wish ?maybe.? I?m down the middle not exactly a girly girl or a tough chick.
BD What superhero would you be? CM Don King called my Wonder Woman at the press conference but I don?t really know. I?ll let you do that. BD I think I agree with Don King also.
BD If there was a movie made about your life who would play her? CM I don?t know. It would be really cool and a definite possibility in the future.
BD Do you have hobbies? CM Boxing is what makes me go. Boxing is my job. Boxing is my life. I also enjoy riding my Harley. I have to find a way to get it to Vegas.
BD What word would we find you under in the dictionary? Cm Complicated.
BD Closing out the interview: What do you think of the state of boxing today? CM Like Bob Arum pointed out the boxing crowds in the 70?s were small and today boxing fans can easily fill Cowboy Stadium so how bad is boxing? I agree with him.
BD Advice to young fighters? CM Have good people around you. Keep positive. Learn the business of boxing and be strong mentally.
BD How can we keep boxing strong? CM Keep new blood coming into the sport. Put more excitement into the shows and have fighters more accessible to the fans.
BD Thank you Christy for the great interview. CM Thank you.
Boxing News www.diamondboxing.com
