Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney is stepping into the boxing ring, in a movie as she transforms into Christy Martin, the iconic boxer who changed women’s boxing in the 1990s. The Emmy-nominated Euphoria star has taken on the lead role in a biopic based on Martin’s inspiring life, and the physical transformation she went through is nothing short of intense.
In an interview with W Magazine, the film’s director David Michod shared that Sweeney gained more than 13 kilos (about 30 pounds) to fully become the athlete. Christy Martin was not only a pioneer in female boxing but also fought on Mike Tyson’s undercard and even appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Sydney Sweeney Wrestling Movie
Sweeney revealed that she underwent three and a half months of extreme preparation for the role. Her daily schedule included weight training in the morning, two hours of kickboxing in the afternoon, and another hour of weight training at night. The changes to her body were dramatic, but the actress embraced it completely.
She even changed her appearance by wearing brown contact lenses and a brunette wig styled into a mullet, mirroring Christy Martin’s real-life look from her boxing days. Sweeney said her body felt completely different, stronger, more powerful, and nothing like before.
Actor Shares Experience
Speaking about the transformation, Sweeney admitted it shocked her how much her body changed. She could no longer fit into her usual clothes, shifting from a size 23 in jeans to a size 27. “My butt got huge, my chest got bigger, everything changed,” she said. Despite the shock, she called it an “amazing” experience and felt stronger than ever.
During filming, Sweeney also gave fans a first glimpse of her transformation by sharing a picture from the set. In the post, she praised Christy Martin’s courage, calling her a “true champion” who faced battles both inside and outside the ring.
Biopic Shares Powerful Story
The biopic, which is still untitled, is written by David Michod and Mirrah Foulkes. It will follow Christy Martin’s rise as the first breakout female boxer in the U.S. The film will also touch on her troubled personal life, including the abuse she suffered from her then-husband, who later attempted to kill her.
This emotional and powerful film is expected to release later this year and aims to inspire viewers with a story of strength, survival, and determination. Sweeney’s physical and emotional dedication shows how seriously she takes the role of honoring Christy Martin’s legacy.
