Women’s boxing has taken many giant leaps in recent times. The violent sport that we adore so much was not keen on female boxers back in the day. It took some serious efforts from several trailblazers to get women’s boxing to where it is now. Christy Martin was one of those people who carved out a path for other women boxers to follow.

The 56-year-old elevated women’s boxing to a new level before vanishing from the world of sports due to her difficult personal life. It now looks like she is finally getting the attention she deserves. Last month, American sweetheart Sydney Sweeney revealed that she will be playing the role of Martin in an upcoming movie centered on her turbulent life. On Friday, the World Boxing Association also gave Martin her long-due credit and honored her as the WBA lifetime champion. Christy Martin winning the award delighted the boxing community as Evander Holyfield led the charge to shower love on the ‘Coalminer’s daughter.’

Christy Martin’s recognition: a long time coming

WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza presented the special belt to Martin on Friday, during the WBA convention in Orlando. Amanda Serrano, a modern-day legend and one of the best present-day fighters, was also present at the ceremony. At the event, the WBA named Serrano a WBA ambassador, and also recognized Jake Paul as the most influential promoter today.

The Puerto Rican was delighted to share the stage with one of her idols and someone who changed women’s boxing completely. WBA shared the video on their official Instagram page and thanked Christy Martin for “being an example for all the female fighters who have made their way through the years.”

Martin was indeed a game-changer athlete. Her fight against Deirdre Gogarty on the undercard of Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno in 1996 completely changed the landscape of female boxing. Don King used to promote her fight, something which he had never done before for any other female athlete. Her success inspired great women fighters like Laila Ali, Ann Wolfe, and Katie Taylor. However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbow.

In 2010, two years before her eventual retirement, Martin was brutally attacked, stabbed, and even shot by her husband, James Martin, after she told him she wanted a divorce. Despite being severely injured, she managed to escape their home and flagged down a passing car for help, ultimately saving her life. Her husband was later convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Christy survived the ordeal and has since become an advocate against domestic violence.

Judging from all that she has lived through, it looks like Sydney Sweeney has a mammoth task ahead of her in bringing Christy Martin’s life to the screen, doesn’t she?

That is why, when the West Virginia native got the honor, the boxing world celebrated it like a festival. Former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield led the charge with a barrage of congratulatory comments that melted everyone’s heart.

Great recognizes great: Evander Holyfield leads the way

Evander Holyfield commented, “Congratulations 👏,” on the post shared by the WBA to showcase his delight with the decision. While the pair do not share a familial relationship, their paths have crossed multiple times. The International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted both Christy Martin and Evander Holyfield in 2020. Both of them have worked with young talents since their retirement. So, it was heartwarming to see a legend recognizing the efforts of another legend getting recognized.

Former undisputed super middleweight champion Franchón Crews-Dezurn also commented on the video with, “❤️❤️❤️❤️,” to show her appreciation for the legend. While Dezrurn has never specifically accepted it, Martin probably influenced her career as well.

Mexican-American boxer and advocate for women’s boxing, Sulem Urbina also showed her love and commented, “❤️,” on the video.

“Amazing” Layla McCarter, one of the most accomplished female fighters, wrote, “Awesome and well deserved! ❤️👊,” stating that no one deserves this award more than Martin. A fan who agreed with McCarter’s sentiments wrote, “FINALLY !!!!!!!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” claiming that the WBA should have done it way before.

While it was truly long due, the WBA finally did it. It was a magical night, and they honored Christy Martin perfectly. We just hope that her upcoming biopic with Sydney Sweeney also reaches the same height as her career and does her justice. Till then, we can only hope and keep our fingers crossed.

What do you think about Christy Martin’s career? Do you think the upcoming movie with Sydney Sweeney will capture Martin’s life desirably? Let us know your thoughts down below.