The transformation of Sydney Sweeney into Christy Martin was marked by intense effort, with plenty of physical challenges but few emotional moments. David Michôd’s film focuses on the groundbreaking boxer who brought women’s boxing into the American spotlight during the 1990s. The film vividly portrays Martin’s actual fights, highlighting that Sweeney, despite her fame, gets repeatedly hit in the head during these scenes.
“Oh yeah, they were all real. Every fight that you see, we’re hitting each other,” Sweeney, 28, shared enthusiastically. She admitted to experiencing concussions and bloody noses while filming. The actress illustrated her experience with an anecdote about her co-star, who played Laila Ali—Muhammad Ali’s daughter—who was an actual professional boxer and delivered impactful blows. Sweeney felt the thrill of boxing, exclaiming, “I think I won that round!” during breaks between takes.
During the filming, Sweeney had the freedom to navigate her boxing scenes largely without interference, as Michôd remarked on the collaboration between her and the stunt team. To portray Martin accurately, Sweeney gained weight to match the boxer’s fighting stature of “135 to 137 lbs.” She shared her favorite snacks, Uncrustables, with co-star Ben Foster, who also indulged in burritos to reflect Martin’s husband’s figure. Foster humorously recalled a moment when Sweeney touched his chin, mistaking it for a prosthetic.
Though Sweeney’s physical changes drew headlines, the film intricately explores Martin’s abusive relationship with her husband and manager, Jim. Michôd found it vital to delve into how such coercive relationships operate, admitting he initially couldn’t grasp why Martin wouldn’t leave him. Martin’s real-life persona, now known as Salters, was heavily involved in the film’s production, despite some skepticism regarding Hollywood’s portrayal of her story.
Sweeney was initially unaware of who Christy Martin was when she received the script, expressing disappointment at her lack of knowledge. However, she recognized the parallels between their lives, viewing her own struggles in both her personal and professional spheres—especially in understanding complicated relationships and women’s challenges in society.
To portray Christy, Sweeney balanced a sympathetic yet tough character—from her humble basketball-playing beginnings, through her boxing career, to becoming a celebrated fighter who wrestled with her public image. Despite her success, Martin’s persona reflected a disconnect from feminism, presenting a conflicting image of femininity. Sweeney argued that Martin was not anti-feminist; rather, she prioritized her passion for boxing over societal expectations.
After filming, Sweeney transitioned back to her previous roles, facing the challenge of shedding the weight she gained for Christy. The film juxtaposes moments of inspiration against harrowing depictions of Jim’s increasingly abusive behavior, showcasing a spectrum of emotions and emphasizing the complexities of personal relationships. Ultimately, Sweeney emphasized that her priority was ensuring Christy felt represented in the film, rather than pursuing accolades.
