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    Gervonta Davis controversy as hairstylist speaks out after claims too much GREASE caused him to take knee vs Roach

    GERVONTA DAVIS’ hairstylist has hit back after the boxing champion claimed too much GREASE caused him to take a knee against Lamont Roach. Davis kept hold of his WBA lightweight title and unbeaten record after a controversial draw against Lamont Roach in New York. Gervonta Davis’ hairstylist hits back after the boxing legend said grease caused his eyes to burnCredit: instagram @leebthebrandDavis drew against Lamont RoachCredit: AlamyIn round nine, Davis bizarrely took a knee after a delayed reaction to a Roach jab.But referee Steve Willis did not administer a count despite rules stating an official must if the glove or knee touches the canvas. Davis later faced boos from the Barclays Center crowd after blaming too much hair grease in his eyes for the reason he touched down. He said: “I just got my hair done two days ago and she put grease in my s***.READ MORE IN BOXING”So the s*** was like sweating and things like that and the grease coming in my my face.”It burned my eyes type s***, yeah. Damn, why y’all booing like I’m saying bulls***?”Like, this is real facts. Come on, man. Look at my hair, I just got my s*** done.”But it’s all cool, man. You know how it get. They love you, then they hate you. Turn around then they love you again.”Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavis’ hairstylist – Lee The Brand – has since spoken out to defend herself. She wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post: “I did his hair WEDNESDAY, It’s SATURDAY! He did press, gym and weigh in. Huge controversy as Paddy Donovan DISQUALIFIED vs Lewis Crocker on wild night of boxing in Belfast”That’s no excuse, how much grease did I use damn.”She then posted a Conditioning Shine product which reads “no grease” on the label. One judge scored the bout 115-113 in favour of Davis with the other two 114-114 a draw – meaning Roach would have won if the knockdown counted. Roach, 29, said: “If you voluntarily take a knee and the ref start counting, it should be a knockdown.”If that’s a knockdown, I win the fight. So, I mean, it is what it is. I’m not banking on that knockdown to win. I just thought I pulled it out.”S***, I hope we can run it back. I want to run it back for sure.”Davis, 30, also opened the door to a rematch and defended his decision to take a knee on social media. He posted: “They took the fight from me and made it a draw becuz I did that bulls*** knee..READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I landed the most punches in the fight..he didn’t even hit me with a punch when I took the knee. “I get it though, I shouldn’t have done that but that hair grease was burning my eyes!”Davis took a knee but a knockdown was not scoredCredit: GettyDavis had his face wiped by his coachesCredit: Getty More

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    ‘Why y’all booing?’ – Gervonta Davis reveals strange reason for taking a knee as Lamont Roach is ‘robbed’ of win

    GERVONTA DAVIS blamed greasy hair product for touching the canvas against Lamont Roach – despite escaping a knockdown. Davis was taken the full 12 rounds and walked away with his WBA lightweight title and undefeated record after a controversial draw. Gervonta Davis blamed greasy hair product for touching the canvas against Lamont RoachDavis touched the canvas but a knockdown was not scoredBut the biggest talking point of the night was not the scorecards, it was the drama that unfolded in round nine. Roach landed a jab on Davis and the champion paused – but after a delayed reaction he touched the canvas with his knee.Touching down with the knee or glove is an automatic count and point deduction. But referee Steve Willis allowed Davis into his corner to get his face wiped down by coaches – to the confusion of everyone watching on. READ MORE IN BOXINGDavis later faced boos from the crowd when he claimed hair product dripping into his eye caused the reaction. He said: “I just got my hair done two days ago and she put grease in my s***.”So the s*** was like sweating and things like that and the grease coming in my my face.”It burned my eyes type s***, yeah. Damn, why y’all booing like I’m saying bulls***?Most read in Boxing”Like, this is real facts. Come on, man. Look at my hair, I just got my s*** done.”But it’s all cool, man. You know how it get. They love you, then they hate you. Turn around then they love you again.”One judge scored the bout 115-113 in favour of Davis while the other two had it 114-114 to result in a majority draw. But had Roach’s knockdown rightly have been scored then he would have walked away with a split-decision win. He said: “If you voluntarily take a knee and the ref start counting, it should be a knockdown.”If that’s a knockdown, I win the fight. So, I mean, it is what it is. I’m not, I’m not banking on that knockdown to win. I just thought I pulled it out.”Unbeaten four-division champion Terence Crawford, 37, claimed Roach was robbed of victory. If that’s a knockdown, I win the fight. So, I mean, it is what it is. I’m not, I’m not banking on that knockdown to win. I just thought I pulled it out.Lamont Roach He posted online: “They robbed that boy and it’s crazy. “I never seen someone take a knee and they don’t count it as a knock down. Must of forgot the rules for tonight.”Reporter Steve Mannix said Davis was fortunate not to be disqualified. Mannix posted: “Texting with three veteran boxing referees. All agree: The knee should have been called a knockdown.”One noted that Tank could have been disqualified for getting his face wiped by his corner.” Both men called for a rematch with Davis wanting to do it back in New York after the Barclays Center draw. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “We can run it back for sure.”Bring it back to New York. Let’s do it again. Let’s have a rematch back in New York. Let’s do it again, baby.”Davis touched the canvas but escaped a knockdown being scoredCredit: GettyDavis got his face wiped by coach Calvin FordCredit: Getty More

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    Gervonta Davis escapes with controversial draw against Lamont Roach as rivals call for rematch

    GERVONTA DAVIS escaped with a controversial DRAW against Lamont Roach – leaving the pair calling for a rematch. Davis kept onto his WBA lightweight title and undefeated record after going the 12 round distance. Lamont Roach and Gervonta Davis fought to a drawCredit: APThe fight really heated up in the second halfCredit: APDavis retains his WBA title and unbeaten record in controversial fashionCredit: APThe two called for a rematchCredit: GettyDavis was left barley recognizable after this punchCredit: AlamyOne judge scored in 115-113 in favour of the American superstar while the other two called it a 114-114 draw. Davis admitted he underperformed but left the door open to a rematch back in New York. He said “I made it competitive, for real. To be honest.”But for sure, Lamont is a great fighter. He got the skills, like I said before, he got punching power.READ MORE IN BOXING”It was learning lesson, you know, shout out to Lamont Roach and his whole team and hopefully we can run it back for sure.”Bring it back to New York. Let’s do it again. Let’s have a rematch back in New York. Let’s do it again, baby.”After Davis faced boos from the Barclays Center crowd, underdog Roach was cheered as he too called for a rematch. Roach said: “I’m just a little disappointed in this decision. I thought I pulled it out.Most read in Boxing”That’s what two skilled fighters get in there and show off their craft. I definitely thought I won but we can run it back. Gervonta is a great fighter.”I thank him for the opportunity to get to show the world to all the people that was doubting on me, all the people that was talking s***, all the fake boxing media, all that s***.”That s*** done flipped upside down, even though I didn’t win tonight, I thought I did. “But it’s a win for me in my book, but we’re not satisfied with that. We need a real W.”Davis, 30, started the bout slow but Roach, 29, was also cautious. It was a battle of the jabs and body work until the second half of the fight when it really kicked into gear. As Davis stood his ground and loaded up on left hands and right hooks, he might have expected Roach to crumble like others before him. But the challenger fought fire with fire, landing combinations and lead left hooks of his own. Davis lands a big left on RoachCredit: APDavis touched the canvas with his kneeCredit: GettyHe claimed it was because hair product got in his eyeCredit: GettyThe fight turned farcical in round nine when Roach landed a jab on Davis and the champion paused before taking a knee. Per the rules, if the glove or knee touches the canvas the referee is to administer a count. But official Steve Willis allowed Davis into his corner to get his face wiped by his coaches without a count or point being deducted. The fight sparked into life afterwards as the two matched each other for the three more remaining rounds. Roach finished the bout on the front foot, landing a big left hook to earn himself a draw. But had the knockdown been rightly called, he would find himself as a two-weight world champ and the first to beat Davis. Roach said: “If you voluntarily take a knee and the ref start counting, it should be a knockdown. Davis wants a rematchCredit: GettyRoach thought he should have wonCredit: Getty”If that’s a knockdown, I win the fight. So, I mean, it is what it is. I’m not banking on that knockdown to win. I just thought I pulled it out.”S***, I hope we can run it back. I want to run it back for sure.”Davis faced more jeers from the crowd as he revealed greasy hair product in his eyes caused him to take a knee. He said: “I just got my hair done two days ago and she put grease in my s***.”So the s*** was like sweating and things like that and the grease coming in my my face.”It burned my eyes type s***, yeah. Damn, why y’all booing like I’m saying bulls***? “Like, this is real facts. Come on, man. Look at my hair, I just got my s*** done.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it’s all cool, man. You know how it get. They love you, then they hate you. Turn around then they love you again.” More

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    Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach LIVE RESULTS: Fight time and card updates as Tank returns to ring for huge title clash

    GERVONTA DAVIS returns to the ring TONIGHT as he goes head-to-head with Lamont Roach in New York.Tank is looking to defend his WBA lightweight world championship in the blockbuster main event on Amazon Prime PPV.Davis possesses an incredible spotless record after 30 bouts and has produced four devastating knockouts in his last four fights.Should Tank claim victory in his first fight of 2025, it would add more fuel to the fire for a highly-anticipated bout with fellow American Shakur Stevenson.Card start time: 8pm ET/1am GMTMain event start time: 10pm ET/3am GMT (approx.)TV/Stream: Prime PPVFollow our live blog below…About Lamont RoachRoach does not boast the unbeaten record Davis does, but still holds a mighty record.He comes into the fight at 25-1-1.Roach, residing from Washington, DC, lost out on the WBO super featherweight title against Jamal Herring in 2019, but won four on the bounce to recover.He won his first title against Hector Luis Garcia in November 2023, winning the WBA super featherweight title.Davis has been allowed to step up a weight division to fight Davis, and should he win, would have five days to decide if he would want to keep the super featherweight or lightweight title.Copy linkCopiedFull CardHere is how the action is looking for tonight’s card:Gervonta Davis vs Lamont Roach – main eventJose Valenzuela vs Gary Antuanne RussellAlberto Puello vs Sandor MartinYoenis Tellez vs Julian WilliamsJarrett Hurd vs Johan GonzalezNasheed H Smith vs Tariq GreenGeo Lopez vs Grimardi MachucaCristian Cangelosi vs Jarrod TennantDwyke Flemmings Jr vs Florent DervisDavid Whitmire vs Angel MunozAlexis De la Cerda Landin vs Sharone CarterDeric Davis vs Jamal JohnsonCopy linkCopiedWelcome to SunSport’s coverage of Gervonta Davis vs Lamont RoachFight night is LIVE from Barclays Center in Brooklyn as Gervonta Davis takes on Lamont Roach.Davis will be putting his WBA lightweight title on the line.Gervonta “Tank” Davis currently has a shining record of 30-0-0, with 28 KOs.Early predictions do not give Lamont Roach much chance, but he is feeling confident ahead of the fight, saying:“He knows damn well that s*** ain’t gonna happen.”This fight looks to be the first of three Davis will put on this year, reportedly retiring at the end of the year.Copy linkCopied More

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    Bizarre moment Conor Benn has face off with an empty chair after Chris Eubank Jr no-shows following egg slap row

    CONOR BENN was forced to have a face off with an empty chair after Chris Eubank Jr no-showed following their egg slap chaos. Eubank caused bedlam at the launch press conference to officially announce the April 26 middleweight grudge match at Tottenham. Conor Benn was forced to have a face off with an empty chairCredit: X @DAZNBoxingHe slapped an egg across Benn’s face – a reference to his rival’s failed drug tests in 2022 – sparking a mass brawl on stage. It meant the proposed sit-down interview between the two boxers later that evening was cancelled as Eubank fled the scene. Benn still showed up but had to change into a tracksuit after his £1,000 Dolce & Gabbana pyjamas were ruined due to the yolk attack.And he stared across to an empty chair but warned Eubank, 35, made the right decision to leave the scene of the crime. READ MORE IN BOXINGBenn, 28, said: “I think I’m at a stage now where the talking is done. The talking’s done, there’s nothing else to be said.”He’s lucky he ain’t in the building because it would only go one way.”Eubank Sr famously beat Benn’s dad Nigel in 1990 before walking away with a controversial draw three years later.Almost three decades on and the sons were set for a 157lb catchweight clash – but it was dramatically canned with just days to go.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBenn tested positive for banned substance Clomifene – which is known to boost testosterone. As the welterweight pleaded his innocence, the WBC suggested the tests could have been down to a high consumption of eggs.Conor Benn pulled apart from Chris Eubank Jr after SLAP at Battle of Britain press conferenceBenn later had his UK Anti-Doping ban lifted and now prepares to re-apply for a British Boxing Board of Control licence after being allowed to fight on. But Eubank’s egg slap was a reference to Benn’s failed test while accusing him of being a “drug cheat.” Benn also admitted beating the son of his dad’s greatest rival would mean more than being world champion. He said: “Seeing me, hand raised, him eating the canvas, face down while me just smiling.”I see it. I sit there and I see it. I’m sitting in the car, I’m driving and I see it. I’m sleeping, I see it. Giving it the old Ali over his body, face down.” Eubank egging Benn at their launch press conferenceCredit: Getty More

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    Carson Jones dead at 38: Boxing champion who fought Kell Brook dies after surgery on oesophagus that ‘drove him insane’

    BOXER Carson Jones has passed away aged 38 as tributes poured in.Jones is well remembered for twice fighting and losing to Kell Brook during his 63-bout career. Carson Jones has passed away aged 38 as tributes poured inCredit: RexThe American – whose last fight was in 2023 – recently fell ill after complications during oesophagus surgery.And he has since sadly died – with former opponent Caleb Truax confirming the news.He posted a picture of them together and wrote: “Rest in paradise to my man. Boxing lost a good one, too early.” Jones had told his social media followers in January that he was struggling with gastrointestinal problems. READ MORE IN BOXINGIt affects the digestive tract, which is the passageway that food and liquids travel through from the mouth to the anus.At one point, Jones posted: “I finally have surgery on my esophagus on Monday. I cannot wait. This s*** is driving me insane.”I’ve had a max of three bites of food per day for the last few weeks, with a loss of 35 pounds. Some days, there is no food or drink at all.”Truax had previously posted: “Boxing community, we need some prayers for former world title challenger Carson Jones.Most read in Boxing”He had complications during a surgical procedure, and my friend can use all the good vibes he can get.” Jones lost to ex-welterweight world champion Brook on points in 2012 and then by stoppage in their rematch a year later. He also faced the likes of Antonio Margarito, Ted Cheeseman and Callum Walsh. Jones’ final fight came in October 2023 against James Warren at light-heavyweight – winning in two rounds. British boxing referee Mark Lyson posted: “Very sad to hear the news about the passing of Carson Jones at just 38. RIP Champ.”Manager Sam Jones said: “Such sad news about Carson Jones.” Kell Brook twice beat Jones, pictured here in their first 2012 fightCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunTed Cheeseman also fought JonesCredit: Rex Features More

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    ‘Boxing is back’ – Times Square to host insane fight card with three pound-for-pound stars on May 2

    NEW YORK’S Time Square is set to be transformed for a “once-in-a-lifetime event” involving three pound-for-pound stars. Saudi boxing supremo Turki Al-Sheikh is staging shows outside of the Middle East in America and the UK. Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia fight on the same cardCredit: GettyTeofimo Lopez also features on the cardCredit: GettyRolly Romero will fight GarciaCredit: Rey Del Rio/

    Premier Boxing ChampionsBut his latest announcement revealed a huge triple header card will be held outside in Times Square in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on May 2. And fans went wild as one said: “Boxing is back.” Another added: “Nah this the craziest fight card of the year.” Ryan Garcia, 26, looks set to headline against old rival Rolly Romero, 29, in a welterweight clash. READ MORE IN BOXINGDevin Haney, 26, also returns up a 147lb against former world champion Jose Ramirez, 32. And WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, 27, defends his belt against Arnold Barboza, 33.Garcia and Haney return for the first time since their grudge match last April. Initially, Garcia won on points after three knockdowns but he later failed a drug test for ostarine – known to improve muscle growth. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe denied knowingly ingesting it and blamed the positive test on a contaminated supplement – accepting a one-year ban with the result overturned. Haney – still now undefeated – is lined up for a rematch against Garcia if they both win their fights. Mike Tyson doesn’t hesitate when revealing heavyweight who would have beaten him Romero is coming off a ten-round points win over Manuel Jaimes in September after losing his WBA 140lb title to Isaac Cruz last year. Ramirez lost to Barboza in November and moves up in weight to face Haney – who has held lightweight and super-lightweight titles. Lopez beat Steve Claggett in June after a controversial decision victory against four months prior. He will now defend his WBO title against interim champ Barboza – coming off victory over Britain’s Jack Catterall in February. Arnold Barboza fights for Lopez’s WBO titleCredit: GettyJose Ramirez will be Haney’s comeback opponentCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    I made deal with God as I lay dying after husband’s attack – I’m still trying to keep my end, says boxer Christy Martin

    BOXING legend Christy Martin has revealed she made a deal with God as she lay dying after her husband’s brutal attack – and says she’s still trying to keep her end of the bargain.The 56-year-old – nicknamed The Coal Miner’s Daughter because of her father’s job in West Virginia, where she grew up – was a pioneer in the ring.Boxing legend Christy Martin is a survivor of domestic abuseCredit: GettyChristy survived an attempted murder by husband JimCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaChristy, right, poses with actress Sydney Sweeney who will be playing her in the upcoming movieCredit: FacebookShe won 49 fights, with 32 by way of knockout, in a career that began in the late 1980s, and was represented by legendary promoter Don King.However, behind the scenes manager James ‘Jim’ Martin, who she would marry in 1991, made her life a living hell by beating her physically and stripping her down mentally.All the while, Christy, who is gay, was wrestling with her sexuality and identity in the macho world of her profession.In 2010, Martin would attempt to take Christy’s life – repeatedly stabbing his wife, before shooting her in the chest.Martin, who was 25 years Christy’s senior, was sentenced to 25 years in prison.He died last November, while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in Florida.Understandably, Christy’s astonishing story has caught the attention of Hollywood.It’s not a boxing movie. It’s about domestic violence and it’s about sexuality. There’s so many different aspects and groups of people that this movie can affectChristy MartinA movie, directed by acclaimed Aussie filmmaker David Michod and starring actress of the moment Sydney Sweeney as Christy, wrapped in late 2024.Netflix also chronicled the tale with a powerful documentary called Untold: Deal with the Devil released in 2021.Speaking to SunSport, Christy, 56, told us: “To me, it’s the underdog story.Christy Martin was a boxing legend, but her ex-husband and trainer attempted to murder her”It’s not a boxing movie. It’s about domestic violence and it’s about sexuality. There’s so many different aspects and groups of people that this movie can affect.”The meaning behind the movie, for me, is don’t hide who you are – whatever it be, whatever makes you different. Be true to you.”Christy admitted she was surprised, at first, by the casting of Hollywood superstar Sweeney.”My first reaction was, ‘Wow, it kind of doesn’t fit,'” she said.”But when I spoke with Sydney, I learned she actually has an MMA background. We had some great conversations.”She is very much a competitor, like I was. I think this role will show people a whole other side to her they are not used to seeing.”She’s very real and a completely normal person, not like some Hollywood people I have met in my life and throughout my boxing career.”Christy met future hubby Jim when she was 22 and he was 47. She was an up and coming boxer, and he promised her the world by claiming he had contacts that could get her to the top of the tree.They married in 1991, although it was a marriage of convenience. Before Jim, Christy was in relationships with women.”I got involved with Jim by accident,” she said.”It was one of those things, I was impressionable and young and he claimed he knew everyone in the boxing business.”Christy was in an abusive marriage with Jim Martin who was her managerCredit: GettyGlam Sweeney was a surprise choice to play Martin in the new filmSweeney flexes her muscles on set of the untitled Christy Martin biopicCredit: instagram/sydney_sweeneySydney is unrecognisable on set for the upcoming movieCredit: BackGridBy the mid 1990s, Christy became a showbiz name in her own right.She featured on the undercard for Mike Tyson’s pay-per-view fight against Frank Bruno, and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.There was even an appearance on classic US TV sitcom Roseanne.But away from the public eye, she was under duress from Jim who controlled her every move.That included trash-talking gay fighters, even though she was hiding her own past and sexuality.Christy revealed: “Jim would encourage me to trash talk fighters who were gay.”I would tell him, ‘You’re treading on thin ice because if I say something, then someone from my past might hear it and come out of the woodwork’.”I would always tell him he was pushing me to walk a dangerous line.”It could have come out at any point, at any time, and something could have exposed me. How would I have looked then?”I was living two lives with what was going on in front of the camera and what was happening behind closed doors.”We would argue about everything, at press conferences, at home. I got to the point where I would pick and choose my battles.”As the first superstar of women’s boxing, Christy appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996Credit: SuppliedLegendary boxing promoter Don King represented ChristyCredit: GettyChristy became a celebrity in her own right – appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1996Credit: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal viaTheir blistering rows would often erupt into violence. “Once he knocked my tooth through my lip when I tried to leave him,” Christy confessed.”I had put a contract together to go our separate ways. I just wanted to live my life and go in a different direction. But I was his personal ATM. Without me what was he going to do?”As their relationship further deteriorated, Christy began to get hooked on cocaine, which she used to ease her pain.As he was beating my head into the dresser, I thought, ‘You know motherf***er, you are not going to kill me. Not today.’Christy MartinOn November 23, 2010 it all came to a head. After spending a few days with her friend, Sherry Lusk, Christy returned to their Florida home to find an agitated Martin.She recalled: “I had a headache, so I went to lay down in the bedroom. The entire time I’m laying down, I could hear Jim sharpening a knife.”Then I overheard him talking on the phone, calling people up and telling them I left him for a woman.”I got up and I was getting ready to go for a run. I put one shoe on and then he came into the bedroom.”He said, ‘I have something to show you.’ I thought he had a boxing contract, but instead he had a knife and a gun.”He started to stab me and cut me up and we got into a fight. In my mind, I was ready to die. “But, as he was beating my head into the dresser, I thought, ‘You know motherf***er, you are not going to kill me. Not today.’Christy refused to give up on life after being stabbed and shotCredit: GettyIn 2010, Martin repeatedly stabbed his wife with this knifeCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaHe then shot Christy in the chest with this pink gunCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida”It was like a switch just flipped and I wanted to live. When he cut me, he cut his own hand. And so he stopped beating me and went to clean up his own hand.”I started to walk out the room. He came back in and picked up the gun. I said to him, ‘You don’t have the balls to shoot me.'”But he did. He shot me and I remember I just prayed to God and asked for a way to get out.”Christy was stabbed four times in the chest, her left lung was punctured, her left leg was sliced to the bone, and a bullet was lodged three inches from her heart.Callous Martin left his wife for dead on the bedroom floor and went to have a shower.The crime scene where Christy was stabbed four times and shotCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaChristy managed to make it out of the flat when Martin went to have a shower, picture shows blood on the bathroom floorCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaThe boxing legend’s left leg was sliced to the boneCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaJim Martin in hospital with injuries sustained in his attackCredit: Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit of FloridaMartin was sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempting to murder ChristyCredit: Alamy”I heard the shower water turn on and that was God telling me it’s time, Christy, now’s the time. So I tried to get up, but blood was coming out of all these holes,” she said.Miraculously, she managed to make it out of their condo, before flagging down a stranger who rushed her to a nearby hospital.She survived her ordeal, as she believes, by the grace of God.In the emergency room, as she recovered from her wounds, she was also able to kick her drug habit to the kerb.”I had always been that athlete that said no to drugs,” she said.”In college, you smoke weed in high school and college and stuff – but I said I was never going to get addicted.”But cocaine became my drug of choice, and it was because I was so miserable with Jim. I was trying to find a happy place.I had always been that athlete that said no to drugsChristy”Cocaine was putting me in that happy place, even though it was really killing me and putting me in a worse place. It was an escape every day for around three years.”I quit because I wasn’t miserable anymore. I was free of Jim. I didn’t need that drug anymore.”Christy is thankful to be alive to tell her story, which she hopes will help women who have been in similar situations to her.”I made a deal with God in the hospital,” she told us.”You know, you let me live through this and I promise you I’m going to help. I’m going to help at least one person every day so they don’t suffer what I went through.”That’s why I keep talking about domestic violence because I gotta keep up my end of the bargain.”Christy in action against Laila Ali in 2003Credit: GettyJim Martin, right, died in 2024 while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in FloridaToday, Christy Martin regularly discusses her domestic violence ordealCredit: GettyPioneering Christy led the way for female boxers like Katie Taylor, rightCredit: Sportsfile More