Martha "The Shadow"
Salazar, a retired WBC Heavyweight World Champion, 13-5-0 (3KO), began
her career as a kickboxer. From the years 1995-2000, Salazar frequented
"Smokers" and made quite a name for herself as a very dangerous kickboxer. There were few opponents who would take a real fight with
Salazar so she would continue training, show up to weigh-ins and have
very few fights. She decided to switch to the sport of boxing.
It did not take long for Salazar to see that it was very difficult to
get fights so she fought as many boxers as she could and on fight number
#6 she was offered a last minute two-day notice to fight Vonda Ward in
Las Vegas, Nevada--and she did not hesitate to take the fight. She lost
the four-rounder to Ward, but not without controversy. The fight ended
in a split decision with one judge seeing her as the winner.
Salazar fought the very best in the sport, with other top female boxers,
as Kathy Rivers, Marsha Valley, Vonda Ward, and many others.
As time moved on Salazar and Blanca Gutierrez started "The Beautiful
Brawlers" to give other females the opportunity to box, and to be
treated fairly in the sport.
Salazar and Gutierrez, created fantastic amateur boxing shows to set the
stage for these young amateurs to shine and hone in on their skills.
After a year with the WBC title Mexico would bring the challenge to us
and of course Martha was willing to fight Alejandra Jimenez in Cancun,
Mexico.
As many have said about Salazar even with questionable decisions after
some of her fights, "Salazar always setting the example of good
sportsmanship, veteran leadership and skills that only a seasoned boxer
could have."
Salazar's career as a professional boxer and world champion was cut
short when she had a medical issue that would ultimately end her career
within the ring. But with all that said, nothing has stopped this
warrior in the ring and mentor, trainer, role model, and the list goes
on to continue to support the sport. During all this Salazar and
Gutierrez to this day, continue to develop a fantastic program, shows
featuring the Beautiful Brawlers, and making it into a strong force in
women’s boxing.
Salazar not only became an ambassador for the Beautiful Brawlers but the
WBC contacted had contacted her and asked her to be an ambassador for
WBC Cares. Salazar stays active in the boxing community through WBC
Cares.
Through the Beautiful Brawlers. It's a lifetime of boxing. It's a
lifestyle and Martha Salazar not only reached the top but is making the
best of her life through boxing with the amateurs she helps and mentors.
This is why I want to nominate Martha the Shadow Salazar. "She is a
true champion. I am at work right now but no writing can put into words
the love, commitment, the honor she brings to the sport of boxing. An
example of someone who never gives up, fights the best of the best and
lends her knowledge to all those who sit to learn and listen. Martha
"The Shadow" Salazar my champ.
Martha also coached and mentored, always sparring and never leaving the
sport just going let's say, undercover for five years.
