In a revealing People interview, Sydney Sweeney detailed the dramatic physical transformation she undertook to portray boxing legend Christy Martin in David Michôd’s upcoming biopic. Over just 3½ months, Sweeney gained more than 30 pounds—bulking up with sunrise HIIT sessions, two-hour midday kickboxing workouts, and evening weight training—rising from a size 23 to a size 27 in jeans. “My boobs got bigger—and my butt got huge,” she laughed. “I didn’t fit in any of my clothes… but I was so strong, like crazy strong.” people.comew.com
Christy Martin’s Trailblazing Legacy
Martin broke barriers in women’s boxing as the first female fighter featured on Sports Illustrated and amassed a record of 49 wins (7 losses, 3 draws) from 1989–2012. The film explores her rise to stardom and the 2010 near-fatal domestic violence attack by her then-husband, James “Jim” Martin, who was later convicted of attempted murder nypost.com. Martin has publicly endorsed Sweeney’s casting, praising her dedication to honoring Martin’s tenacity both in and out of the ring.
Behind the Scenes of the Biopic
Directed by Michôd (known for The King), and co-written with Mirrah Foulkes, the film stars Sweeney as Martin alongside Ben Foster (Jim Martin), Merritt Wever, Katy O’Brian and Ethan Embry nypost.com. Principal photography wrapped in early 2025, with Sweeney swiftly shedding her added weight to resume her role on HBO’s Euphoria, showcasing her remarkable versatility.
What’s Next?
Expect gritty, sweat-soaked fight sequences that capture Martin’s “take no prisoners” style, interwoven with intimate glimpses into her personal battles both inside and outside the ring. The biopic is slated for a late-2025 release. For fans of sports dramas and true-life resilience, Sweeney’s powerhouse performance promises to be a knockout.
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