HUNTINGTON -- Pearl Dotson hopes Tri-State boxing fans turn out to learn what he already knows about Christy Martin.

If that happens, it could peak interest even more for the "Coal Miner's Daughter Comes Home" fight show Aug. 1 at Veterans Memorial Field House.

"She's a former world champion. She's been to the big show," Dotson said of Martin, 47-5-3, a West Virginia native regarded as a pioneer in women's boxing. "There's going to be some big people here watching her. It's an honor to be on the undercard."

Dotson, 32-year-old heavyweight from Barboursville, is scheduled to fight Alexis Cruz Medina on the undercard. It's scheduled for four rounds. Dotson is 7-2-1 (one KO) and Medina is 0-6-1.

This show is billed as a homecoming for Martin. Now 41, Martin, who grew up in Mullens, W.Va., has fought just once in the Mountain State since she began her pro career in 1989. She's a former WBC and WBA champion and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996.

Unlike Martin, all of Dotson's fights have been close to home. Dotson's last fight was Oct. 13, 2007, when he won a six-round majority decison over Eric Starr in South Charleston. Dotson's last field house action was October 2001.

"Those (Huntington) fight nite shows were awesome," Dotson said. "It's a great atmosphere at the field house. I hope we can get that again. Fans will see a good night of fights."

Tom Hanshaw, Ashland Boxing Club/PAAL coach, got the ball rolling for this show when he met Martin during the National Golden Gloves last March in Salt Lake City. She said put a show together and she'd be there. Hanshaw and his wife, Mindy, did just that. There will be be amateur bouts and other pro fights before the main event.

"This feels good. It might be my last go 'round," Dotson said. "I'm not going to let promoters use me up. I'll know when it's time."

Dotson spent the past few days on vacation in Savannah, Ga., with his wife, Michelle, and their sons, Anthony and Christopher. He said he's getting in his road work. Before he left, and once he returns, Dotson will spar with Chris Brown and Dan Harvison.

"I'm always trying to improve my speed," Dotson said. "I'm working to improve my defense, too."

Dotson, who works at National Wood Works in Huntington, has been researching information on Medina. Dotson said he'll weigh between 215 and 220 pounds while Medina is likely to come in 240 or higher.

"I hear he's real tough and throws a lot of punches," Dotson said. "I'll see what he's got and go from there. If he's relentless, that means he'll keep coming and I have to slow him down. I don't want to take shots anymore. I don't want my wife and kids to see me beat up."

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