Martin finding the spotlight
Nov. 5, 1996

Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield won't be the only attractions at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Christy Martin will be fighting in the Women's Pound-For-Pound Championship. Martin's record is an impressive 30-1-2, including 24 KOs in seven years. Her only pro defeat came to Andrea Deshong, who Martin then beat in a rematch.

A lot of people are starting to take notice. At Martin's last fight on Sept. 7, TV star Roseanne told Showtime that she was one of Martin's biggest fans. When Martin heard this, she told her public relations person to arrange a meeting.

Not only did Martin meet Roseanne, but the boxer also appeared as a guest star on Roseanne's show to play a hike leader at a spa. Martin did the guest spot with Roseanne's support, but says acting is too nerve-racking for her.

REGARDLESS, MARTIN IS RECEIVING lots of acting offers. She has been offered starring roles in four feature films and a TV movie, all of which she has turned down (for now) to concentrate on boxing. Beside the movie deals, she has had a few book offers. Martin will soon be seen in milk ads (the milk mustache) and on ESPN SportsCenter.

Tyson is among her favorite fans. He often gets copies of her fights and enjoys playing them over and over on his VCR. Another fan, Don King, has signed a contract to promote Martin. As a matter of fact, Mike and Don like her so much they just bought her a BMW.

A little of this and a little of that

Watch for Chicago Bulls forward Scottie Pippen on VH-1 on Nov. 7th. He'll guest host a show that allows celebrities to play their favorite videos. Look for Scottie to play videos from two of his favorite singers, Anita Baker and Whitney Houston. No, he doesn't play any of Shaq's rap videos on the program ... Gold medalist Lisa Leslie will guest star on UPN's "Moesha" airing Nov. 5th. She plays -- surprise! -- a basketball player. ... Dennis Rodman and RuPaul have joined hands to open a nightclub in Dallas called "The Starck Club."