Legendary female boxer and former world champion Christy Martin was hospitalized on Tuesday night due to serious injuries suffered, she said, at the hands of her husband.
Martin, 42, reportedly stopped a motorist around 6:45 pm in Orange County, Fla. The driver took her to a hospital where doctors determined she had been stabbed and shot in the torso and left leg.
When police arrived at the hospital Martin informed them that the attacker was her husband and coach, 66-year-old James Martin.
Christy Martin said her husband confronted her in her home and she managed to escape after being stabbed.
Police did not find James Martin at the residence, also found no signs of struggle.
Christy Martin, who was born in 1968 in Bluefield, W. Va., paved the way for women’s involvement in professional boxing. She began boxing at age 21 and in the 1990’s became known for her long string of victories and was even featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Throughout her career, Martin amassed a record of 49-5-3 (31 KOs). Christy Martin last fought on September 2, 2009 when she scored a majority decision in a 10-round bout.
Martin, who was called ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter’, was set to participate on June 30, 2005 in the biggest fight in women’s boxing history against rival Lucia Rijker, who then participated in the award-winning film ‘Million Dollar Baby’. The match winner was to receive a $ 1 million prize.
But weeks before the event, Rijker withdrew from the fight, it was canceled and never rescheduled.
James Martin was also a boxer and compiled a record of 17-9 in the light heavyweight division in 1970. Jim was training boxers when he met Christy, who then worked as a substitute teacher.
Don King who is Christy Martin’s promoter had the following to say on this matter:
“I am shocked and saddened to see this happen to Christie. I send my prayers and well wishes.”
