Skip to main contentSkip to footer
Christy Martin© Getty Images

WOW! Is that her?

Sydney Sweeney unrecognizable as she transforms into ex-boxer Christy Martin

The actress gains 30 pounds and ditches her signature blonde look to embody the trailblazing boxer in TIFF-bound film, “Christy”


JULY 24, 2025 8:13 PM EDT

Sydney Sweeney is stepping into the ring and taking on a bold new role as she transforms into legendary boxer Christy Martin for the upcoming biopic, Christy. 

The 27-year-old actress dramatically alters her appearance, shedding her bombshell image for a ferocious, brown-haired fighter’s edge. The film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2025.

Sydney Sweeney unrecognizable as she transforms into ex-boxer Christy Martin
Sydney Sweeney transformed into ex-boxer Christy Martin

"Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all."

Sydney Sweeney

The movie chronicles Martin’s rise in the 1990s as America’s most prominent female boxer. This fierce competitor broke barriers in a male-dominated sport and became the first woman to share a fight card with heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

It also delves into the harrowing chapter of her personal life, when in 2010, her then-husband and manager, James Martin (Jim), brutally attacked her in an attempted murder plot.

Christy Martin prepares for a training session with her then husband and trainer Jim Martin© MediaNews Group/The Oakland Pres
Christy Martin prepares for a training session with her then husband and trainer Jim Martin

 Christy was stabbed multiple times, shot in the torso, and left for dead, but survived. Following the attack, James was arrested and hospitalized after stabbing himself. He was later taken to Orange County Jail in Florida and charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

In 2012, Christy publicly came out as gay and later married her former sparring partner, Lisa Holewyne, in 2017.

To embody the role, Sweeney underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining 30 pounds and committing to an intense fitness regimen. She trained with an hour of weightlifting in the morning, two hours of kickboxing midday, and another hour of lifting at night.

Sydney Sweeney unrecognizable as she transforms into ex-boxer Christy Martin© IG: Sydney Sweeney
Media Image

Over the past few months, i’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman, a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring."

Sydney Sweeney

Speaking to W magazine’s Summer 2025 issue, Sweeney reflected on the physical shift, “My body was completely different. I didn’t fit in any of my clothes. I’m usually a size 23 in jeans, and I was wearing a size 27. My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! I was like, Oh my god. But it was amazing: I was so strong, like crazy strong.”

Christy is directed by David Michôd, 52, and co-written with Mirrah Foulkes, 44.

Related Video

The cast also features Ben Foster, 42, Merritt Wever, 44, Ethan Embry, 47, Katy O’Brian, 36, Jess Gabor, 28, and Chad L. Coleman, 57.

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.