The boxing world and Hollywood collided this week after former professional boxer Christy Martin publicly defended Sydney Sweeney following criticism from actress Ruby Rose over the portrayal of Martin in the biopic Christy. Martin, who the film chronicles as she rose to prominence in women’s professional boxing, expressed unwavering support for Sweeney, who stars as the legendary athlete in the movie.

Christy Martin Stands by Sydney Sweeney

On November 12, 2025, Martin took to Instagram to voice her support for Sweeney. “I’ve always been a fighter. My life reflected that in every way and now I fight for others. The past few days I have seen some people attack my friend Sydney Sweeney,” Martin wrote alongside a photo of herself with Sweeney.

Martin, 57, praised Sweeney, 28, for her dedication to authentically telling Martin’s story. “Syd not only worked her ass off for this film, she worked her ass off for me. For my story. For so many others suffering in silence. So I want to be clear about who Syd is. She is my friend and ally!”

Ruby Rose Criticizes the Biopic

The defense came shortly after Ruby Rose, 39, publicly criticized the film on social media. In a November 11 post, Rose described Sweeney as a “cretin” and stated that Christy “deserved better.” Rose, known for her roles in Batwoman and John Wick: Chapter 2, had initially been slated to participate in the project as Rosie, a fictional character inspired by Martin’s high school girlfriend, Sherry Lusk.

“Most of us were actually gay,” Rose commented on her early involvement, reflecting on the original script. She went on to criticize Sweeney’s casting and the film’s promotional messaging, claiming it misrepresented the intentions of the story’s subjects.

The Biopic’s Reception

Directed by David Michôd, Christy premiered on November 7, 2025, and depicts Martin’s rise in women’s professional boxing alongside her personal struggles, including the domestic abuse she endured during her marriage. Despite the emotional weight and historical significance of the story, the film’s opening weekend grossed just $1.3 million, ranking it among the lowest-performing wide releases according to Box Office Mojo.

Despite mixed commercial reception, Sweeney emphasized the film’s purpose beyond box office numbers. On Instagram, she wrote, “If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded. So yes, I’m proud. Why? Because we don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact. And Christy has been the most impactful project of my life.”

Christy Martin’s Enduring Support

Even before the film’s wide release, Martin spoke about her bond with Sweeney. “You can feel someone’s energy. Either they have it or they don’t. She felt very down-to-earth to me. As big of a star as she is, she still felt grounded. She’s in this for the same reason that I want to share my story. She understood that it was going to really make a difference,” Martin told PEOPLE magazine.

The heartfelt defense from Martin highlights the strong personal and professional bond between the boxer and the actress portraying her, emphasizing that the biopic is a testament to her life, her struggles, and her advocacy for survivors of domestic violence.

The Legacy of ‘Christy’ and Its Impact

While the film has faced both praise and criticism, its core mission remains clear: to honor Christy Martin’s legacy as a trailblazer in women’s professional boxing and to inspire awareness around domestic violence. The story of Martin’s courage—both inside the ring and in her personal life—continues to resonate, demonstrating that impact is measured not only in commercial success but in the lives it touches.