Sydney Sweeney, known for her beauty and captivating performances, is stepping out of her comfort zone in a new biopic where looks take a backseat to character depth.
The Euphoria star will portray legendary boxer Christy Martin, and recent images from the set in Charlotte, North Carolina, show her looking nearly unrecognizable.
In these on-set photos, Sweeney ditches her signature blonde hair and glamorous figure. Instead, she sports a curly brown wig, a blue scarf, and loose clothing, embodying Christy Martin in her prime during the 1990s.
Who Was Christy Martin?
Christy Martin is a pioneer in women’s boxing, widely regarded as one of the greatest female boxers in history. In 1996, she became the first woman inducted into the Hall of Fame. Dubbed ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter,’ a nod to her father’s occupation, Christy’s career and personal life were marked by triumph and turmoil.
Born in Mullens, West Virginia, in 1968, Christy turned professional at age 21. After a rough start—losing two of her first four fights—she went on to win 34 of her next 35 bouts. Her career spanned from 1989 to 2012, ending with a record of 49 wins (31 by KO), 7 losses, and 3 draws. Christy also made history as the first female boxer to sign with the famed promoter Don King.
However, Christy’s life off the ring was just as dramatic. Her marriage to Jim Martin, who was also her coach, turned abusive. In a notorious 2010 incident, Jim brutally attacked Christy in their Florida home, stabbing her and shooting her in the chest. She later recounted, “Every time I tried to get up, blood was gushing out of the stab holes. My calf had come off the bone and was hanging. Then he shot me in the chest.”
Christy also struggled with drug addiction, a habit fueled by Jim, who supplied her with cocaine. In addition to the abuse, Christy, who is gay, endured emotional and physical torment during their marriage.
Taking on the role of Christy Martin will undoubtedly be a challenging task for Sydney Sweeney. However, given her talent and dedication, there’s no doubt she’s up to the task of portraying such a complex and inspiring figure.
