American actress Sydney Sweeney portrays former professional boxer Christy Martin in the new biopic “Christy,” which chronicles the celebrated athlete’s life in and out of the ring.
The film, directed and co-written by David Michod, premiered at the London Film Festival and tracks two decades of Martin’s life. It follows her journey from an unlikely start in boxing to becoming one of the most successful female fighters of the 1990s, driven by raw talent. Central to the story is her tumultuous relationship with her coach and husband, Jim Martin, played by Ben Foster, whose control over her career and personal life led to devastating consequences.
Martin, now 57, was the first woman signed by promoter Don King and was known for her aggressive style and powerful punches, competing from 1989 to 2012. She was closely involved in the film’s production and frequently visited the set.
Sweeney, known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “Anyone But You,” underwent a significant physical transformation for the part, spending three months with a boxing coach, weight trainer, and nutritionist. “I put on 35 pounds and it was definitely a very intense physical transformation, but I felt so strong,” she said. The fight scenes were intensely realistic, with Sweeney adding, “I got a concussion. I might have broken someone else’s nose.”
Beyond celebrating Martin’s athletic achievements, the film explores themes of domestic violence and sexual identity. “We set out to make a film that’s about many things, not just boxing,” said co-writer Mirrah Foulkes. Michod added that he wanted to explore the dynamics of coercive relationships, stating, “I wanted to understand how they function, because they function all too commonly all over the world and often with horrific consequences.”
Speaking at the premiere, Sweeney acknowledged the weight of portraying Martin, who went on to found “Christy’s Champs,” a non-profit supporting victims of family abuse. “Honestly, it’s a really heavy weight to carry,” Sweeney said. “I feel the importance of her story and what it means to other people. She’s such a huge advocate, and she inspires me to also be an advocate as well.”
“Christy” is set for a global cinematic release beginning November 7.
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