Sydney Sweeney Will Step Into The Ring As Trailblazing Boxer And Domestic Abuse Survivor Christy Martin

The currently untitled project will tell the true story of Christy Martin’s rise to become America’s most well-known female boxer in the 1990s—a “female Rocky," as described by the film’s producers.

Martin's life was equal parts inspiring and tragic, as one can deduce from this ESPN headline:

"Christy Martin was a bona fide boxing superstar who fought on [Mike] Tyson cards and headlined in Madison Square Garden. Then her husband tried to kill her..."

Martin's life as an up-and-coming fighter took a dark turn in 1989 when she met her much older manager, Jim Martin, and married him two years later. She became the first woman to sign with iconic promoter Don King, and the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, but she was suffering intense physical and psychological from Jim Martin abuse behind the scenes, which culminated in his attempt to murder her after twenty years of marriage.

Under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker David Michôd, known for his "visceral" storytelling in films like Animal Kingdom and The King, this biopic will delve into Christy Martin's remarkable resilience both in and out of the ring. Given Sweeney's love for boxing and mixed martial arts, she has a solid foundation for the role.

"I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old," Sweeney told Deadline. "I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, and there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”

"Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes, and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse," Sweeney added. "I’m passionate about the fighting world, Christy’s story shines a light on her incredible rise to the top while showing the struggles of fame behind the curtains. 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.”

Michôd told Dateline that he'd "been wanting to make a film about a woman with a ferocious energy inside her. 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.

"Sydney’s performance in Reality knocked my socks off," he added. "She has been ferociously sporty since she was a kid, and has a taste for the fight game.”

Sweeney's enthusiasm for the role, coupled with Michôd's visionary direction, promises a compelling portrayal of Martin's extraordinary life, and fans are excited.

Additional casting is underway and production is scheduled to start this fall.

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