Martin: “I Feel Better Than I’ve Felt … in 20 Years”

The return of superstar female fighter Christy Martin has generated a flurry of interest and support across the country. In November, the former subject ofA CELEBRATED SPORTS ILLUSTRATED COVER STORY was the victim of a domestic violence attack during which she was stabbed and shot.

But she’s back and, according to multiple reports, more than ready to enter to the ring. Martin, who rose to prominence under promoter Don King’s tutelage in the ’90s, has hitched her wagon to Top Rank founder Bob Arum, who placed her ON A MARCH 12 CARD headlined by MIGUEL COTTO and another King fighter, Ricardo Mayorga.

Martin carries with her an important message, however symbolic, for victims of domestic violence: You’ve got to keep fighting. Of course, for most that doesn’t mean gloving up and climbing into the ring. But that’s not only what Martin knows, but also what she’s damn good at.

Below are some choice quotes from many interviews she’s done on her return. And check out the big profile of Martin in this Sunday’s New York Times.

“Everyone at Top Rank has opened their arms and welcomed me in. I’m training hard and Miguel Diaz is my new trainer and we have a great team around me.” – ORLANDO SENTINEL

“It’s important to me to show myself as well as other survivors, you just have to get up… You have to get up off the floor and take control of your life.” – ESPN.COM

“I want to go back out there and to prove to everybody that I can still do this,” said Martin.” -BOXING FANHOUSE

Watch a video interview and training session of Martin, who says, “I feel better than I’ve felt … in 20 years”: