(JAN 14) Get ready for Hartford to return to its boxing roots in the 1950s and the days of Willie Pep, when Connecticut’s capital featured three boxing shows a week in its different venues!

On July 21-23rd Charter Oak Boxing Academy, known as COBA, will host Christy Martin’s special invitational in Hartford. Called the Christy Martin / Charter Oak Boxing Academy Title Tournament, the event promises to draw hundreds from across the East Coast to cheer on some of the top male and female amateur boxers in the country.

“I’m absolutely thrilled about this new partnership,” said Christy Martin. “And really excited to work with COBA.” A few years ago, Martin got to know Head Coach Johnny Callas, COBA kids and several girls from its “Girls Rise” program when they competed in her tournament. “As the friendship grew, I just adopted them…. But little did I know they would eventually adopt me,” she added. “It was an easy decision to make!”

At the time, Callas was at the U.S. National Boxing Championships in Lubbock, Texas with COBA’s Janiyah Lumpkin, ranked third in the country and winner of one of Martin’s coveted title belts.

 “I’d gotten a couple of calls from the Champ, and when we finally connected, she invited COBA to become her partner, and, alongside her, to host her very personal, special and prestigious tournament,” said Callas, who is also COBA’s founder and executive director and a USA Boxing, Inc. board member. “I was completely moved by her words—exhilarated by what this could mean for COBA, our kids and Hartford. I also immediately realized the magnitude of the event, as well as the personal and professional responsibility I had to Christy, USA Boxing, Inc., COBA, and our kids to make this a success. I knew I could only say “YES!”

Recognized as “the most successful and prominent female boxer in the United States” and the person who “legitimized” women’s participation in the sport of boxing, Martin survived multiple stab wounds, a shooting and near death by her former coach and husband following years of domestic violence. Her resilience is unparalleled. She wants to pass on that courage and strength. “For me, it’s not just about being a great boxer; it’s about being a good person...understanding others’ circumstances, being a role model, and standing up to hate,” Martin said. “Amateur boxing is also about deterring violence. For at-risk kids, a boxing gym may be the only safe place they can go…the only place where they feel love, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.”

With this tournament, Martin wants young fighters to gain more credibility. Her hope is that they have the chance to sign on with Fox, PPV or Mayweather, and, if they choose, to go on to the Olympics. “But most of all, I want kids to be prepared for life—and serve as living examples of what is best about humanity.”

For COBA, the invitation to host the event is an honor. “Christy upholds the same values that we do. She exemplifies what we want our kids to become,” said Callas, a former National Collegiate Boxing Champion, three time All-American and Connecticut Boxing Hall of Famer. In 1988, Callas founded COBA as a way to give back to the community and inspire at-risk youth to stay in school, out of gangs, away from drugs, and pursue post-secondary education. “At COBA, we believe boxing is a teaching metaphor for life,” added Callas. “Our primary aim is to create “Champions of Life” who will lead a new generation into the future.”

Previously, the tournament’s home was in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where it garnered a large fan base and ignited the careers of scores of amateur boxers. “With this move, my hope is that the tournament will have greater visibility and broaden its reach nationwide,” said Martin. “More than that, Hartford is the home of boxing legend Willie Pep. Boxing legends are important examples for kids. But also, I want it to strengthen all the great work taking place in Hartford.”

Martin is keen on meeting those involved in advocating for the LGBTQ community and strengthening domestic violence organizations. She plans to share profits from the event evenly between COBA and Christy’s Champs, a non-profit organization she founded to assist domestic violence survivors and their children.

The upcoming tournament promises to boost Hartford’s economy and fortify its burgeoning reputation as a New England destination. “"Hartford has long had a rich tradition of boxing, and Coach Johnny Callas and the Charter Oak Boxing Academy have been instrumental in carrying that legacy forward," said Mayor Luke Bronin. "COBA has provided training, enrichment, and mentorship to so many Hartford youth over the years, and I have always admired their passion for serving young people throughout our city. Christy Martin is one of the most accomplished female boxers ever, and we are excited to host some of the most talented boxers to Hartford for the Christy Martin / Charter Oak Boxing Academy Title Tournament this summer.”

 Hartford City Council Chairwoman Maly Rosado is also pleased. "I am so proud of Charter Oak Boxing Academy and their commitment to Hartford youth, especially those in the ‘Girls Rise Program.’ I am not surprised that Christy Martin and COBA found each other. This will be the first-ever national boxing championship hosted in Hartford, and will be inspirational for the City and all of its residents. I will be cheering for everyone involved, especially for our young ladies."

City Councilman Nick Lebron is also excited. “Congratulations to my friend Coach Callas and the COBA team. I have always been a fan of using sports as a vehicle to success, improved emotional intelligence and building the enduring grit we all need to succeed. Every hour engaged in sports reduces our young people's exposure to negative influences and I'm grateful to COBA for offering these opportunities to the Hartford community.”

Within the next few weeks, Martin will be traveling to Hartford to join COBA Executive Director and Tournament Director Johnny “Coach” Callas and her new partners to provide more details on the tournament.

In the meantime, COBA is eager to talk with parties interested in serving as sponsors and providing a venue for the event.
The daughter of a coal miner, Christy Martin was born and raised in West Virginia. Competing from 1989 to 2012, she won the World Boxing Council’s female super welterweight title in 2009. In 2016, Martin was the first female boxer elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

In 2020, she was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, the first year that women were on the ballot. After winning what many considered a “great fight” against Deidre Gogarty in front of Showtime cameras, she was the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The title: "The Lady is a Champ." By 2010, before being shot, Martin had 49 wins, 7 losses and 3 draws, with 31 wins by knockout.

Located in the Parkville neighborhood, COBA is a grassroots youth development organization that serves at-risk kids (8-24). With amateur boxing as the “hook,” COBA offers kids the opportunity to learn skills for life, such as self-discipline, accountability, teamwork, and empathy.

They also learn problem-solving skills, a strong work ethic and how to think critically so as to resist violence. Special partnerships with Trinity College and U. of Hartford enlist undergraduates as tutors, mentors, and co-competitors across New England.

Women Boxing Archive Network
Instagram: @wbanbuzz
Twitter: @wbanbuzz
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/womensboxing/

#          #           #          #

More Information on WBAN, go to our affiliated websites!
www.womensboxing.org
www.womenboxingrecords.com
www.wban2012.com
www.wbanmember.com
www.floridaboxing.com
www.iwbhf.com
www.wban.tv
WBAN's Group Facebook