Kaylah Walton
TMZ recently captured Sydney Sweeney in a boxing ring with Christy Martin, an iconic figure in the sport. This encounter is part of Sweeney’s preparation for a biopic where she portrays Martin.
The US media reports that it’s not certain whether this boxing session will be incorporated into the film or if it was merely a promotional event.
The biopic featuring Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin, along with actors Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Jess Gabor, and Ethan Embry, is set for release in May 2025.
Sydney Sweeney undergoes significant transformation to embody Christy Martin
Sydney Sweeney recently shared her journey of transforming into Christy Martin with her 23.4 million Instagram followers as she preps for the biopic focusing on the boxer’s challenging life.
The 27-year-old actress expressed that she has dedicated months to intense training to portray an astonishing woman—a true champion who overcame numerous struggles both inside and outside the boxing ring.
Sweeney previously discussed her motivation for this physical change: “I wrestled and did kickboxing from ages 12 to 19. I wanted to return to the ring to prepare and reshape my physique. Christy’s life is no easy topic; it’s a challenge both physically and mentally, but I’m drawn to take on such challenges… I’m passionate about sharing the story of a woman who faced immense hardships and triumphed.”
Christy Martin: A boxing pioneer with a turbulent past
Christy Martin, celebrated as one of the top female boxers and a key figure in women’s boxing history (the first female inductee into the Hall of Fame in 1996), has her remarkable life portrayed in a long-awaited biopic starring Sydney Sweeney.
In the Netflix documentary ‘Untold: Deal with the Devil’, Martin shares her experiences with personal demons, abuse, and potential murder threats, recounting her turbulent relationship with Jim Martin.
Birthed in 1968 in Mullens, West Virginia, Christy Martin began her boxing career despite her trainer Jim Martin’s reluctance, who infamously pushed her and later became her husband.
She started fighting professionally at 21, overcame obstacles to achieve an impressive record of 49 wins (31 by knockout), 7 losses, and 3 draws, remaining active from 1989 to 2012. Notably, she was among the first female fighters to sign with renowned promoter Don King, who labeled her ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter’.
The harrowing story of abuse by her ex-husband
Jim Martin, who was both Christy’s trainer and husband, subjected her to severe abuse, including stabbing and shooting her in a brutal attack on November 23, 2010, while she was a welterweight champion.
Christy recollects the terrifying assault: “Every time I lifted myself, blood poured from the stab wounds. When he shot me in the chest, I collapsed back down.” Her ex-husband was later convicted of attempted murder.
Christy survived this evening of horror when Jim left her bleeding and unconscious on the floor after the violent attack.
Overcoming childhood abuse
In her memoir ‘Fighting for Survival: My Journey through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder, and Resurrection’, Christy reveals that she was a victim of sexual abuse at the age of six, struggled with cocaine addiction (introduced by her ex-husband), and described Jim as “truly evil,” often threatening her life for years.
She accentuated her narrative: “My life story encompasses themes of sexuality, domestic violence, and childhood sexual abuse—showing resilience amid struggling conditions. After all, I am a coal miner’s daughter from a tiny town.”
A new chapter: Love and marriage
In 2017, Christy Martin found love again with fellow boxer Lisa Holewyne, a former competitor she fought against in 2001.
Reflecting on her happiness, Christy remarked, “I never truly prioritized my happiness until I married Lisa.”
