Kaylah Walton
Sydney Sweeney has undergone a dramatic transformation, trading her usual glamorous attire for a more rugged look, leaving fans surprised. The Euphoria actress is currently filming in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she has taken on the character of boxing pioneer Christy Martin.
Normally recognized for her iconic blonde hairstyle and curvy figure, the 27-year-old was nearly unrecognizable in a curly brunette wig, complemented by a blue bandana and oversized attire that reflects Martin’s style from the 1990s.
Clad in a brown shirt, hoodie, and joggers with minimal makeup, Sweeney perfectly embodied the essence of Martin, who broke barriers in women’s boxing, contrasting sharply with her usual glamorous image.
This biopic, directed by David Michôd, explores Christy Martin’s journey, known as “The Coal Miner’s Daughter,” reflecting her heritage from West Virginia. She made history in women’s boxing with her pivotal match against Deirdre Gogarty at MGM Grand in 1996, although her personal life was filled with struggles.
A marriage that nearly took her life
Despite her public success, Martin faced intense emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her then-husband and trainer, James “Jim” Martin. Their tumultuous relationship escalated tragically in 2010 when he violently attacked her, stabbing and shooting her before abandoning her to perish. Remarkably, Christy survived, and in 2012, Jim was sentenced to 25 years behind bars for his actions.
Now, Christy Martin has reclaimed her life, marrying Lisa Holewyne, a former boxing rival. She is active in boxing promotion and expressed her enthusiasm for Sweeney’s portrayal, describing her as “young, hot, and talented.” Martin even offered her expertise for training in preparation.
Sweeney, who has a background in MMA and kickboxing, stated she’s eager to take on the challenges of the role, saying, “I’ve been itching to get back into the ring and transform my body.”
The film’s deeper message
Martin believes the film will resonate widely, highlighting issues beyond boxing and shining a light on domestic violence and personal identity. She articulated, “It’s about more than boxing; it’s about survival, identity, and resilience.”
Although Martin has yet to meet Sweeney, she is optimistic about the project, suggesting a potential cameo. She mentioned, “This movie will be something fathers can watch with their daughters to raise awareness of domestic violence,” emphasizing its profound emotional impact.
Fans are already buzzing about Sweeney’s remarkable transformation ahead of the film’s premiere at Cannes, eager to see her take on the role of a groundbreaking athlete and evolve in more ways than just her appearance.
