View source for Martha Salazar

{{short description|Mexican boxer}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name            = Martha Salazar
| birth_date      = {{Birth date and age|1970|2|2|mf=yes}}
| birth_place     = [[Ocotlán, Jalisco]], [[Mexico]]
| residence        =[[San Jose, California]] [[United States]]
| nationality     = [[Mexico|Mexican]]<br>American
| height          = {{height|ft=5|in=9}}
| weight          = {{convert|235|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class    = [[Heavyweight]]
| reach           = {{convert|70.0|in|cm|abbr=on}}
| style           = [[Boxing]]<br>[[Mixed martial arts|MMA]]
| box_win         = 13
| box_kowin       = 3
| box_loss        = 5
| mma_kowin       = 
| mma_subwin      = 
| mma_decwin      = 
| mma_koloss      = 
| mma_subloss     = 1
| mma_decloss     = 
| mma_draw        = 
| mma_nc          = 
| boxrec          = 61872
| sherdog         = 16447
}}

'''Martha Salazar''' (born February 2, 1970, [[Ocotlán, Jalisco]], [[Mexico]]) is a Mexican retired [[women's boxing|female boxer]]. Salazar, fought as a Heavyweight. She is former [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] world Heavyweight champion. Her nickname is "The Shadow". She hails from [[San Francisco, California]]. She was born in Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico (view the ESPN note at November 11;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espndeportes.com/news/story/_/id/2228310/del-bullying-al-campeonato-mundial |title=Del bullying al campeonato mundial - Boxeo |publisher=Espndeportes.com |date= |accessdate=2015-06-25}}</ref>).

Salazar became the third [[Hispanic]] to become world Heavyweight champion in all of boxing's history, and the second one in women's boxing history. The first Hispanic to win a world Heavyweight championship in boxing was male boxer [[John Ruiz]] of [[Puerto Rico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sport/features/2014/11/female-boxers-fight-survival-us-2014119115159637457.html |title=Female boxers' fight for survival in the US |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=2014-11-10 |accessdate=2015-09-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesheraldonline.com/general-news/20141118/babyfaces-salazar-wins-world-boxing-title |title=Babyface's Salazar wins world boxing title |publisher=Timesheraldonline.com |date=2014-11-18 |accessdate=2015-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cartagena |first=Robert |url=https://sfbay.ca/2014/11/01/martha-salazar-earns-second-shot-at-heavyweight-title/ |title=Martha Salazar earns second shot at heavyweight title &#124; SFBay :: San Francisco Bay Area News and Sports |publisher=Sfbay.ca |date=2014-11-01 |accessdate=2015-10-01}}</ref>

==Career==
Salazar debuted as a professional boxer on March 25, 2001, defeating Denise Callahan by a four round decision in [[Hayward, California]]. She followed that victory with two back to back wins over Carley Pesente, defeating Pesente twice by four round unanimous decisions, both times in [[Tacoma, Washington]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Salazar won two more fights, including a six round decision win on November 16, 2002, over [[Kisha Snow]], who had six wins and only one loss coming into their fight.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

On March 1, 2003, Salazar made her [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] debut. She suffered her first career defeat that night, being beaten on points over four rounds by former [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[basketball]] star [[Vonda Ward]], who ran her record to 16 victories and no losses after beating Salazar.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Salazar rebounded with her first [[knockout]] win, however, when she beat Pesente in their third bout, held on May 24, in [[Vallejo, California]]. Salazar beat Pesente in the first round.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Salazar received her first world title shot after that win, attempting to win the IBA world Heavyweight title on June 11, 2003, when she lost by a ten round decision to Ward in their rematch, held at [[Canton, Ohio]].<ref name="Manning">{{cite web|url=http://www.laprensa-sandiego.org/archieve/july25-03/martha.htm|title=Martha Salazar: "I Will Be The Next Heavyweight Champion of the World!"|last=Manning|first=Fiona|date=25 July 2003|work=La Prensa|accessdate=11 September 2010|location=[[San Diego]]}}</ref>

On March 18, 2004, Salazar met Marsha Valley in [[California]] and she lost for the second time in a row, this time by a split six round decision.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

On October 16, she and Valley met in a rematch, fighting in [[Oakland, California|Oakland]], for the World Boxing Empire's world [[super heavyweight]] title. The Super Heavyweight division is a division that is only recognized in amateur boxing and by a couple of women's boxing organizations. It is not recognized at all in men's boxing. Salazar avenged her earlier loss to Valley and, nevertheless, became a world champion for the first time, when she defeated Valley by an eight round unanimous decision.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

Salazar went down in weight to compete for the world Heavyweight championship for the second time, when she was offered a chance to meet [[Pamela London]] for the WIBF's vacant world Heavyweight title.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

On November 28, 2004, Salazar had her first fight abroad when she and London met in [[Guyana]]. With a weight of 240 pounds (109&nbsp;kg) for that fight, Salazar became the WIBF world Heavyweight champion, by knocking London out in nine rounds.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}

On 10 February 2007, she fought [[Vonda Ward]] for the inaugural [[World Boxing Council|WBC]] female heavyweight title, losing by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/vonda-ward-wins-wbc-womens-heavyweight-belt--7328|title=Vonda Ward wins WBC women’s heavyweight belt|publisher=Boxing Scene|accessdate=30 December 2024}}</ref>

More than seven years later, on 8 November 2014, Salazar won the biggest title in her career, winning the WBC female heavyweight championship, defeating [[Tanzee Daniel]] by unanimous decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2014/11/18/babyfaces-salazar-wins-world-boxing-title/|title=Babyfaces salazar wins world boxing title|date=18 November 2014|work=The Mercury News|accessdate=15 March 2017|location=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sfbayca.com/2014/11/18/martha-salazar-eases-in-to-champions-role/|title=Martha Salazar eases into champion’s role|publisher=sfbayca.com|accessdate=30 December 2024}}</ref> She lost the title in March 2016 against [[Alejandra Jiménez]] in Mexico.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.womenofboxing.com/wbc-heavyweight-champion-alejandra-jimenez-is-anxious-to-return-to-the-ring-possible-rematch-with-martha-salazar-on-the-horizon/|title=WBC Heavyweight Champion Alejandra Jiménez is Anxious to Return to the Ring; Possible Rematch with Martha Salazar on the Horizon|publisher=womenofboxing.com|accessdate=30 December 2024}}</ref>

On March 14, 2017, Salazar announced her retirement from all combat fighting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.womenboxing.com/NEWS2017/news031417salazar-martha-retire-from-boxing.htm|title=Highly Regarded Veteran Boxer Martha Salazar announces Retirement|date=14 March 2017|work=Women Boxing News|accessdate=15 March 2017|location=}}</ref> She was inducted into the [[International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/mma/international-women-s-boxing-hall-fame-class-2019-announced|title=International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame Class Of 2019 Announced|publisher=fightful.com|accessdate=2 January 2025}}</ref>

==Professional boxing titles==
*WBE female super heavyweight title (237 ''Ibs'')
*WIBF heavyweight title (240 ''Ibs'')
*WBE female heavyweight title (236½ ''Ibs'')
*[[WBC female heavyweight title]] (235 ''Ibs'')

==Combat record==
===Boxing===
{{BoxingRecordSummary
|draws=0
|nc=
|ko-wins=3
|ko-losses=0
|dec-wins=10
|dec-losses=5
|dq-wins=
|dq-losses=
}}
<ref>{{cite web |title= Martha Salazar|url= http://boxrec.com/boxer/61872 |work=Boxrec |date= |accessdate=15 March 2017}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:95%"
|-
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!Result
!Record
!Opponent
!Type
!Round, time
!Date
!Location
!Notes
|-
|18
|{{no2}}Lose
|13–5
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Mexico}} [[Alejandra Jimenez]]
|{{abbr|MD|Majority Decision}}
|10
|18 Mar 2016
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Mexico}} {{small|Oasis Hotel Complex, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost WBC World female heavyweight title}}
|-
|17
|{{yes2}}Win
|13–4
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Trinidad}} [[Tanzee Daniel]]
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|10
|8 Nov 2014
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Longshoremen's Hall, San Francisco, California, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBC World female heavyweight title}}
|-
|16
|{{yes2}}Win
|12–4
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Sonya Lamonakis]]
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|6
|13 Apr 2013
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Lions Gate Convention Center, Sacramento, California, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|}}
|-
|15
|{{no2}}Lose
|11–4
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Vonda Ward]]
|{{abbr|MD|Majority Decision}}
|10
|10 Feb 2007
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Wolstein Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|vacant WIBA, vacant WBC World female & IBA female heavyweight titles}}
|-
|14
|{{yes2}}Win
|11–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Canada}} Marsha Valley
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|6
|17 Nov 2005
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Arco Arena, Sacramento, California, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|}}
|-
|13
|{{yes2}}Win
|10–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Canada}} Marsha Valley
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical Knockout}}
|4 (6)<br>{{small|1:49}}
|21 Jul 2005
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Arco Arena, Sacramento, California, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|}}
|-
|12
|{{yes2}}Win
|9–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Kathy Rivers
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|8
|2 Apr 2005
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Oakland Arena, Oakland, California, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|WBE women's Heavyweight Title}}
|-
|11
|{{yes2}}Win
|8–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Guyana}} [[Pamela London]]
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical Knockout}}
|9 (10)<br>{{small|1:19}}
|28 Nov 2004
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Guyana}} {{small|Splashmins Fun Park & Resort, Georgetown, Guyana}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|vacant WIBF World heavyweight title}}
|-
|10
|{{yes2}}Win
|7–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Canada}} Marsha Valley
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|8 
|16 Oct 2004
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Oakland Arena, Oakland, California, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Vacant WBE Women's Super Heavyweight Title}}
|-
|9
|{{no2}}Lose
|6–3
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|Canada}} Marsha Valley
|{{abbr|SD|Split Decision}}
|6 
|18 Mar 2004
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez, California, USA}}
|
|-
|8
|{{no2}}Lose
|6–2
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Vonda Ward]]
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|10
|11 Jul 2003
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Civic Center, Canton, Ohio, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|IBA female & WIBA World heavyweight titles}}
|-
|7
|{{yes2}}Win
|6–1
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Carley Pesente
|{{abbr|TKO|Technical Knockout}}
|1 (4)<br>{{small|3:00}}
|24 May 2003
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo, California, USA}}
|
|-
|6
|{{no2}}Lose
|5–1
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Vonda Ward]]
|{{abbr|SD|Split Decision}}
|4
|[[John Ruiz vs. Roy Jones Jr.|1 Mar 2003]]
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA}}
|
|-
|5
|{{yes2}}Win
|5–0
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Kisha Snow]]
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|4
|16 Nov 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Mare Island Sports Arena, Vallejo, California, USA}}
|
|-
|4
|{{yes2}}Win
|4–0
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Tanisha Dunn
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|4
|20 Oct 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|}}
|-
|3
|{{yes2}}Win
|3–0
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Carley Pesente
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|4
|21 Sep 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|}}
|-
|2
|{{yes2}}Win
|2–0
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Carley Pesente
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|4
|22 Jun 2002
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|}}
|-
|1
|{{yes2}}Win
|1–0
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} Denise Callahan
|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous Decision}}
|4
|25 Mar 2001
|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|USA}} {{small|Centennial Hall, Hayward, California, USA}}
|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Professional debut}}
|}

===Mixed martial arts record===
{{MMArecordbox
| draws= 
| nc= 
| ko-wins= 
| ko-losses= 
| sub-wins= 0
| sub-losses= 1
| dec-wins= 
| dec-losses= 
| dq-wins= 
| dq-losses= 
| other-wins= 
| other-losses= 
}}
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Martha-Salazar-16447 |title=Martha Salazar MMA Profile |publisher=Sherdog |date= |accessdate=2017-03-15}}</ref>
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{no2}}Lose
| style="text-align:center;" | 0–1
| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Lana Stefanac]]
| Submission (Guillotine Choke)
| Extreme Wars 3 - Bay Area Brawl
| {{dts|2006|June|3}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 1
| style="text-align:center;" | 2:09
| [[Oakland, California]], [[United States]]
|
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Salazar, Martha}}
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American women boxers]]
[[Category:Boxers from San Francisco]]
[[Category:American people of Mexican descent]]
[[Category:Sportspeople of Mexican descent]]
[[Category:American female mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing boxing]]
[[Category:World boxing champions]]
[[Category:People from Ocotlán, Jalisco]]
[[Category:Boxers from Jalisco]]
[[Category:21st-century American women]]