Popular actress Sydney Sweeney took the role in her latest film Christy — a biopic of the legendary female boxer Christy Martin– very seriously, training so vigorously for the role she packed on 35 pounds and went to work using those big guns to learn the sweet science of professional boxing. The film is due for release on November 7. However, audiences could potentially see Sweeney, 28, get in the squared circle for real. Not to launch a career in combat sports, but for a special charity event.
During a recent interview with SportsCasting, Sweeney went in-depth about how her training led to her falling in love with boxing, dropping hints she might get in the ring for a charity boxing match. “There was a moment in the middle of filming where I was like, ‘Should I give it all up and fight because I love this?’” she said, revealing that Martin, 57, offered to sign her up for a bout.
“So, this isn’t as hypothetical as you actually think it is,” Sweeney added. “I’d totally do a charity bout, that’d be so sick.” When the Euphoria actress was asked who she’d like to face-off against, she replied, “It’s a surprise, you’ll have to wait, I’m serious. You gotta stay tuned for the pay-per-view and you’ll see it.”
Martin, who became the first female boxer ever elected to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, worked as a consultant on the biopic, which was directed by David Michod. Other notable cast members for the film include Ben Foster, Merritt Weaver, and Katy O’Brian. The film tells the story of how Christy rose to fame in the combat sport during the 1990s along with her experiences with domestic abuse.
“Fueled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband,” the film’s official synopsis says. “But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it—confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death. Based on remarkable true events, Christy Martin’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the fight to reclaim one’s life.”
According to a report from the Epoch Times, Christy was a trailblazer for women’s combat sports, going on to become the WBC female super welterweight title holder in 2009. The very next year, she faced her greatest challenge when her then-husband James Martin tried to kill her.
James Martin was later found guilty of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm in 2012, which earned him a 25-year sentence behind bars. He passed away in 2024 while serving his sentence at Graceville Correctional Facility in Florida. Sweeney, in a post published on Instagram last weekend said,
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“Christy, your story has completely changed me, and as we get closer to sharing this film with the world, I wanted to share something. One of the first things I watched when I got this role was this video. Her powerful testimony at her ex-husband’s hearing. The man who tried to kill her. I hope this film helps so many others,” the actress concluded.
Featured Image: screenshot taken from embedded video