Who is Christy Martin? Boxing champ Sydney Sweeney plays in new film

Sydney Sweeney has revealed on Instagram that she will star as professional boxer Christy Martin in her next film role.

The 27-year-old actress – who rose to prominence starring in Euphoria and last year’s romcom Anyone But You – shared the news, alongside behind-the-scenes images of her physical transformation with her 22 million Instagram followers on Wednesday. Appearing almost unrecognisable with a short brunette haircut, Sweeney can be seen flexing her impressive biceps in the images.

“Well the cats out of the bag thanks to some paps in bushes so here’s a little bts from my film im working on right now,” the actress wrote. “Over the past few months, i’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman - a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring.”

“Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all.”

Who is Christy Martin and why is she famous?

Martin has been hailed as one of the most prominent female boxers in the United States. She began her career in the late 80s and went on to become the first woman signed by historic boxing promoter Don King, and also became the first female boxer to appear on the front cover of Sports Illustrated. In one of her most famous matches, she took on Irishwoman Deirdre Gogarty in a 1996 fight which is said to have put female boxing on the map.

While her boxing career was a success, Martin was suffering in her personal life at the hands of her abusive ex-husband (and trainer) Jim Martin. After stabbing and shooting his wife, in 2012, he was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for attempted second-degree murder and manslaughter.

Now a boxing promoter, Martin has married fellow former boxer Lisa Holewyne and, in 2020, was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

What do we know about the new Sydney Sweeney fim?

Directed by David Michôd, the untitled biopic will follow Martin’s rise to fame, career success and the personal demons she faced at the hands of her ex-husband. “I have a history of making movies about damaged men and I’d been wanting to make a film about a woman with a ferocious energy inside her,” the director told Deadline.

“When I came across the Christy Martin story two years ago, I knew I’d found it. Her ferocity is intelligible and justifiable, and audiences will crave it because of the circumstances she was forced to endure.”

Sweeney told the publication: “Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.

“I feel compelled to tell a story about a woman who faced so much adversity and didn’t allow it to defeat her. It’s powerful and emotional.”

Speaking with TMZ, Martin said of Sweeney’s casting: “I think she is young, hot, talented and about to make a movie that, in 20-plus years, fathers will watch with their daughters to make them aware of domestic violence.”

When is the new Sydney Sweeney film out?

A release date for the film is yet to be announced although, as the film is in production, it’s expected to be released next year.