Sydney Sweeney Gains 30 Pounds to Play Boxing Icon Christy Martin in Gritty Upcoming Biopic
Los Angeles, June 10 (The Trending People): Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney, known for her standout roles in Euphoria and Reality, is stepping into the boxing ring—literally and figuratively—in a forthcoming biopic based on the life of legendary U.S. female boxer Christy Martin. In what is arguably her most physically demanding role yet, Sweeney underwent an intense transformation, gaining over 30 pounds to portray the woman who changed the face of women’s boxing in the 1990s.
Speaking to W Magazine, Sweeney and director David Michôd opened up about the extensive preparation behind the role, highlighting a journey of mental immersion and grueling physical training. The biopic, which remains untitled, is set to release later this year.
A Physical and Emotional Transformation for the Role
Christy Martin, often referred to as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” broke barriers as the first female boxer to achieve mainstream recognition in the male-dominated sport. She graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, fought on Mike Tyson’s undercard, and became a symbol of perseverance and courage—both in and out of the ring.
To capture that intensity, Sydney Sweeney radically altered her physique.
“I loved it,” Sweeney said, recounting her months of prep.
“I started eating. I weight-trained in the morning for an hour, kickboxed midday for about two hours, and then weight-trained again at night for an hour.”
The Emmy-nominated star not only bulked up but also wore brown contact lenses and a brunette mullet-style wig to closely resemble Martin’s look during her peak career years.
“My body was completely different. I didn’t fit in any of my clothes,” she shared.
“I’m usually a size 23 in jeans, and I was wearing a size 27. My bs got bigger. And my b got huge. It was crazy! I was like, ‘Oh my god.’ But it was amazing: I was so strong—like crazy strong.”
Honoring a Fighter’s True Story: Boxing, Trauma, and Survival
The upcoming film delves into the multi-dimensional life of Christy Martin, chronicling her rise in the boxing world and the abuse she endured at the hands of her then-husband, Jim Martin, who was also her trainer and promoter.
In a harrowing real-life turn, Christy Martin survived an attempted murder by Jim Martin, who is now serving a 25-year prison sentence for the 2010 attack. Her story became a tale not only of sporting greatness but also of domestic abuse survival and resilience.
Director David Michôd, known for The King and Animal Kingdom, co-wrote the screenplay with Mirrah Foulkes, aiming to deliver a narrative that balances athletic glory with raw, emotional truth.
“Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope,” Sweeney wrote in a social media post during filming.
“I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all.”
Behind the Scenes: Sydney Sweeney Shares First Look as Christy Martin
Last year, amid production, Sweeney offered fans a first glimpse of her boxing transformation, posting black-and-white stills in full costume on Instagram. The gritty, sweat-drenched images instantly gained traction online, signaling the film’s serious tone and commitment to authenticity.
Sweeney’s fans and film critics alike have praised her willingness to take risks and evolve as an actor, with many expecting this role to push her further into the spotlight during awards season.
Who Was Christy Martin?
Born in 1968 in West Virginia, Christy Salters Martin began her boxing journey in a sport long closed off to women. Her aggressive style and resilience in the ring earned her contracts with powerhouse promoter Don King and fights on some of boxing’s biggest stages.
Career Highlights:- First woman boxer to sign with Don King
- Record: 49 wins (31 by knockout), 7 losses, 3 draws
- Sports Illustrated cover star (1996)
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020
Outside the ring, Martin's story was one of personal struggle—navigating her identity, surviving abuse, and ultimately becoming a champion for survivors of domestic violence.
Reader Takeaway
Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of Christy Martin is more than a boxing movie role—it’s a tribute to a fighter in every sense of the word. The physical transformation, emotional vulnerability, and narrative of survival converge in what promises to be one of 2025’s most powerful biographical dramas.
As conversations around women’s sports, body image, and abuse survival continue to grow globally, this biopic arrives at a pivotal cultural moment. For Sweeney, it marks a bold new chapter in her career. For audiences, it’s a chance to rediscover one of the most important—and perhaps under-celebrated—figures in American sports history.