Sydney Sweeney is gearing up to take on a challenging role in her upcoming film about boxer Christy Martin. The actress recently posted behind-the-scenes images from the set on her Instagram, revealing her excitement about the project.
In her post, Sweeney acknowledged that details about the film are starting to emerge, partly due to paparazzi. She expressed her dedication to portraying the story of an extraordinary woman who has faced significant challenges both within and outside the boxing ring. Sweeney shared that she has been training extensively for the role and feels honored to represent Martin’s story of resilience, strength, and hope.
The film, which is currently untitled, is directed by David Michôd and focuses on Martin’s journey to becoming one of the most prominent female boxers in the United States during the 1990s. The cast includes Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, Ethan Embry, and Katy O’Brian alongside Sweeney.
Christy Martin began her boxing career in 1989 after meeting her manager and future husband, Jim Martin. She continued to compete until 2012 and made history as the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
However, Martin’s life has been marked by significant adversity. In 2010, she suffered a serious attack from her husband, who stabbed her multiple times and shot her. Despite the life-threatening injuries, she managed to escape and seek help from a passerby. Her husband was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison for the attempted murder.
In an interview with CBS News, Martin spoke about the various forms of abuse she endured during their relationship, including emotional and sexual abuse. She described the manipulation she faced, including being coerced into drug addiction, and the impact of these experiences on her life. Martin reflected on the complexities of her relationship with Jim Martin, who was also her coach, revealing the trust she placed in him which was ultimately betrayed.