APOPKA, Fla. – Determined and courageous. Those are just two words to describe Apopka resident Christy Martin.
She is a Boxing Hall of Famer who has taken on challenges inside and outside of the ring. Martin paved a way for women in boxing decades ago.
Today, her mission is different, but just as impactful, as an advocate for domestic violence survivors. Christy was honored for her work and dedication. She received the Purple Ribbon Award for “Survivor of the Year.”
The award was given out by DomesticShelter.org, a website dedicated to connecting survivors with the services and resources.
In 2010, Martin was stabbed several times and shot by her then-husband in their Apopka home. As she recovered, she vowed to help others. She founded her non-profit, “Christy’s Champs,” and is part of the Wings Program, whose mission is to end the cycle of domestic violence.
Christy also hosted a fight card in February at the Altamonte Springs Hilton, with proceeds benefitting Safehouse of Seminole and Animal Safehouse Project of Brevard.
Christy visited News 6 to talk with Sports Director Jamie Seh. You can watch that interview at the top of this story.