LONDON, Oct 18, 2025 — Acclaimed actress Sydney Sweeney has taken on one of her most transformative and emotionally charged roles yet, portraying boxing legend Christy Martin in the upcoming biographical film “Christy”, directed and co-written by David Michôd (The King, Animal Kingdom).

Premiering at the London Film Festival, the film explores Martin’s meteoric rise to fame in the 1990s as one of the first women to break into professional boxing, while also confronting the dark realities of her personal life, including domestic abuse and struggles with identity.

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A Champion’s Journey from the Ring to Resilience

“Christy” chronicles two decades of Martin’s life — from her unexpected entry into boxing to her time as one of the most recognizable and successful female fighters in the world. Known for her fierce punches and aggressive fighting style, Martin became the first woman signed by legendary promoter Don King and fought professionally from 1989 to 2012.

However, behind her triumphs lay a painful and complex relationship with her coach and husband Jim Martin (played by Ben Foster). The film delves into the harrowing control and abuse that defined their marriage — a topic both Sweeney and Michôd approached with deep care and responsibility.

“Honestly, it’s a really heavy weight to carry,” Sweeney said at the premiere. “I feel the importance of her story and what it means to other people. Christy is such a huge advocate, and she inspires me to be one too.”

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An Intense Physical and Emotional Transformation

To embody Christy Martin authentically, Sydney Sweeney underwent a rigorous three-month transformation. She trained intensively with a boxing coach, strength trainer, and nutritionist — gaining 35 pounds (16 kg) to match the fighter’s powerful physique.

“It was a very intense physical transformation. I felt so strong,” Sweeney revealed. “The fight scenes were so realistic — I actually got a concussion and might have broken someone else’s nose.”

Sweeney’s dedication brings a visceral realism to the film’s boxing sequences, ensuring that the physical and emotional toll of Martin’s journey is felt in every punch.

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A Story Beyond Boxing — Power, Pain, and Empowerment

Co-writer Mirrah Foulkes emphasized that the movie goes beyond sports drama:

“We set out to make a film that’s about many things, not just boxing,” Foulkes explained.

Director David Michôd added that the narrative dives into the psychology of coercive control — an issue that affects countless relationships worldwide.

“I wanted to understand how these relationships function,” Michôd said. “They happen all too commonly, often with horrific consequences.”

The film also sheds light on Martin’s resilience after leaving her abusive marriage and her ongoing advocacy through Christy’s Champs, a nonprofit organization supporting survivors of domestic violence.

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Christy Martin’s Enduring Legacy

Now 57, Christy Martin remains a symbol of strength and survival — not just in sports, but in life. Her involvement in the film’s production added authenticity, as she frequently visited the set and worked closely with Sweeney and Michôd to ensure her story was told truthfully.

“Christy” celebrates her legacy as a pioneer for women in boxing, while shining a light on broader issues of domestic abuse, identity, and empowerment.

The film opens in global theaters on November 7, 2025, with critics already predicting awards buzz for Sweeney’s deeply committed performance.