Christy

In 1989, Christy Salters enters a local female boxing competition in Itmann, West Virginia, and wins. Her raw talent, despite being untrained, captures the attention of James Martin, a local boxing coach. James recognizes potential beyond a one-off victory and begins to mentor her. This moment seeds a professional path that will define much of her life.

James appoints promoter Larry to reach out to Christy and invites her to train under James. The arrangement formalizes her entry into a serious boxing program and begins shaping her leadership team.

In the early years, Christy's ambivalence about pursuing boxing collides with a secret relationship with her high-school girlfriend Rosie. Rumors and homophobia heighten family tension as Christy grapples with her sexuality and public perception.

By 1993, Christy relocates to Apopka, Florida with James and opens a boxing gym. James's controlling tendencies begin to show, and their relationship becomes sexual as boxing becomes central to her life.

The couple marries, a move celebrated by Christy's family, especially her mother Joyce. The marriage solidifies their professional partnership as they pursue opportunities for her boxing career.

A meeting with Don King leads to a major contract; King becomes Christy's promoter and forges key industry connections. This partnership accelerates the trajectory of her boxing career and visibility.

Christy strings together a series of victories, including a win over Lisa Holewyne. Her growing success elevates her public profile, and she makes a provocative public joke about Holewyne's sexual orientation as a sign of confidence.

In Las Vegas at the MGM Grand, Christy defeats Deirdre Gogarty. The victory marks the first female boxing match shown on pay-per-view, cementing her status as a pioneer for women in boxing.

Christy becomes the first female boxer on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The milestone signals mainstream recognition of her impact in the sport.

Under James's suggestion, Christy is matched against Laila Ali by pretending a higher weight class. She fights Ali and loses, gaining notoriety for stepping into the ring with one of boxing's top stars.

By the mid-2000s, James's controlling behavior escalates to physical abuse, and the couple spirals into cocaine addiction. Jeff, a ringside trainer, grows suspicious of James's manipulation as the pattern worsens.

In 2010, Christy reconnects with Rosie but is stalked by James, who sends sex-tape clips to peers and family, publicly outing her. That year, James stabs Christy, flays her calf, and shoots her; a passerby saves her and transports her to a hospital.

Christy survives the attack and begins rebuilding her life as James is sentenced to 25 years for attempted second-degree murder. She returns to boxing with support from Jeff and the gym staff, and she begins to center her life around advocacy and recovery.

Intertitles reveal Christy and Lisa married in 2017. She becomes an advocate for domestic violence victims, turning her experiences into actionable support for others.