When you think about women’s boxing today, you think of names like Katie Taylor, Natasha Jonas, Claressa Shields, and Amanda Serrano — fighters headlining arenas, selling out shows, and earning respect on the same stage as the men. But before any of them could even dream of that, there was Christy Martin — the original trailblazer who fought like a girl long before it was something to be proud of.
The Woman Who Made Boxing History
For those who don’t know the name, Christy Martin was the face of women’s boxing in the 1990s. Promoted by Don King and often billed as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” she became a pay-per-view attraction at a time when women weren’t even allowed on most cards. Her fight with Deirdre Gogarty on the Mike Tyson vs Frank Bruno II undercard in 1996 was the turning point — blood, heart, and skill on full display in front of millions. That bout changed everything.
It wasn’t just that Christy could fight — she could draw. She appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, did mainstream TV interviews, and helped open the door for future generations. Without Martin, it’s hard to imagine women’s boxing ever reaching Olympic status, let alone achieving the global recognition it enjoys now.
A Story Bigger Than Boxing
The upcoming Christy Martin biopic, Fight Like a Girl, set for release this November, isn’t just another sports movie. It’s a story about survival — in and out of the ring. Behind the fame, Martin lived through years of domestic abuse from her husband and trainer, Jim Martin, who later tried to kill her. She survived a gunshot and stab wounds, fought for her life, and then took her abuser to court — and won.
It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a necessary one. Because Christy’s story isn’t just about titles or belts — it’s about resilience, self-worth, and reclaiming her own name after years of control and violence.
The Legacy Lives On
You can draw a straight line from Christy Martin to the success of modern champions like Claressa Shields, Katie Taylor, and Natasha Jonas. They’ve each acknowledged how hard it was for women to be taken seriously — and Christy was the one who proved it could be done.
Even today, you can see shades of her influence in how fighters promote themselves, how they fight with both grit and pride, and how they stand up for equality in the sport. Without Christy Martin, there might not even be a platform for the women who followed.
Why This Film Matters
I’ll be honest — I’m embarrassed that the name didn’t ring a bell straight away. I’ve written about women’s boxing for years and consider myself a fan of the sport, but that just shows how quickly time moves on. That’s why this film feels important. It gives us a reason to go back and recognise the woman who made all of this possible.
When Fight Like a Girl hits cinemas, I’ll be first in line. Not just because it’s a boxing film, but because it’s a story that deserves to be told — and remembered.
What do you think?
Will the Christy Martin biopic finally give her the recognition she deserves?
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