Christy Salters Martin, nicknamed “the Coal Miner’s Daughter,” is a former professional boxer, current boxing analyst and motivational speaker. Several years ago, Christy visited WINGS for an event and was impressed with the agency’s comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence.

A survivor of a brutal attempted murder by her then-spouse and trainer, Christy has become a staunch advocate of domestic violence agencies. The 2025 recently released film, Christy, focuses on her success in the ring, as well as her battles confronting family, identity, and an increasingly volatile relationship.

While doing press for the movie, Christy took time out of her packed schedule to attend:

• WINGS Purple Tie Ball – Christy helped facilitate a once-in-a-lifetime experience to attend the Christy movie premiere and a meet and greet with Sydney Sweeney, the actress playing Christy Martin.
• A special book signing, Christy screening, and Q & A with Richard Roeper at The Wayfarer Theater
• WINGS Safe Houses tours, inspiring staff and survivors
• Letz Box Chicago to meet with local boxers
• Windy City Weekend on ABC 7 Chicago to share about her experiences and WINGS
• Spotlight Chicago on WGN-TV to share about the new movie and how WINGS is here for survivors

“I really want to share my story to help others not go down the same path I went down… WINGS is the largest domestic violence organization in the state of Illinois and I’m so impressed with their stat that 95% of their clients from their housing programs do not return to their abuser,” Christy Martin shares, “They are really doing great work.”

During her visits, Christy Martin met with WINGS donors, board members and staff.

Boxing Legacy

A pioneer for women in boxing, Christy Martin was the first woman to be promoted by Don King and one of the first female boxers to gain mainstream attention. Competing from 1989–2012, Christy Martin held the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. Martin was the first female boxer elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016. She was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, which was the first year that women were on the ballot.

Christy Martin at WINGS Purple Tie Ball

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WINGS 25th Annual Purple Tie Ball raised more than $1.18 million to support the agency’s domestic violence programs. Co-chaired by Kim Frezados and Shanna Nikolic, the sold-out affair welcomed over 670 attendees to join in celebrating WINGS four decades of impact in an enchanted garden atmosphere.

A night of surprises, special guest Christy Martin, boxing legend and inspiration for the film Christy starring Sydney Sweeney, promoted an exclusive live auction experience and WINGS announced the upcoming nationwide launch of its Traumatic Brain Injury Toolkit.

Christy Visits Mount Carmel High School

Christy made a special visit to Mount Carmel High School, an all-boys school in Chicago with a renowned boxing program. The visit was featured in the local paper, The Beverly Review.

During the assembly, Christy shared her experiences of reaching incredible heights in her boxing career, all while enduring domestic violence from her husband/trainer. 

Christy Martin shared about speaking to the students at Mount Carmel, “I’ve just spoken to one of the most important group I’ve ever spoken to. These young men at Mount Carmel wanted to hear everything I had to say. They had some of the best questions I’ve ever been asked.”

Christy Screening and Exclusive Q & A with Richard Roeper

On November 19th, WINGS held a private movie screening of Christy with a Q & A about the movie afterwards between Christy Salters Martin and acclaimed film critic Richard Roeper at Wayfarer Theaters Highland Park.

WINGS Safe House Tours

On November 20th, Christy visited WINGS Suburban Safe House and WINGS Metro Safe House. She met with staff and guests, taking time to learn about WINGS services, challenges, and successes.

WINGS Suburban Safe House Visit

WINGS Metro Safe House Visit

Letz Box Chicago

Christy Martin met with local boxers and signed copies of her book: Fighting for Survival – My Journey through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder, and Resurrection.

Copies of the book can be purchased here.

Windy City Weekend on ABC 7 Chicago

Christy Martin shared with hosts Ryan Chiaverini and Val Warner about her career, new film about her life, and her connection to WINGS. Help is available.

Link to Segment 

Spotlight Chicago on WGN-TV

Hosts Sarah Jindra and Michele Steele talk with Christy Martin about the new film Christy, and her connection to WINGS.

Link to Segment 

WINGS is grateful to have Christy Martin in our corner, advocating for our mission and domestic violence survivors everywhere.