Christy Martin built a legendary career in boxing over 24 years, becoming a Hall of Famer and super welterweight champion with 49 wins out of 59 fights, most by knockout. She was promoted by Don King and shared fight cards with stars like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Julio César Chávez.

Seeing Sydney Sweeney portray her in the film Christy left Martin speechless. “If you see anybody do that, it’s one thing. But you see Sydney Sweeney doing that? It was a whole ’nother level of ‘wow,’” Martin said.

Sweeney, who trained in kickboxing and grappling from age 12 to 19, brought that experience to the role. “I’ve been hit before. I’ve been choked out. I’ve been stuck in triangles I can’t get out of,” she said. “Being able to jump back into it with my family cheering me on was just a great experience.”

Preparing for the role involved reading Martin’s autobiography, watching her documentary, analyzing interviews, and reviewing old fight footage. Sweeney followed a rigorous routine of weight training, boxing, slalom skiing, hiking, and eating “tons of food,” ultimately gaining 35 pounds.

Martin, nicknamed the “Coalminer’s Daughter,” grew up in rural West Virginia and began boxing after winning local “Toughwoman” contests. Her trainer, Jim Martin, became both her mentor and husband, though their relationship involved abuse and challenges.

Sweeney said she was deeply moved by Martin’s story. “I knew I had to be part of making sure every single person knew who Christy Martin was,” she said. She temporarily moved back home to Idaho, converting her grandmother’s garage into a gym, and trained for two and a half months, sometimes twice a day, under a boxing trainer and nutritionist.

Martin noted that Sweeney had fully captured her mannerisms by the time they met on set. “By the time I got on set with her, she was already walking like me, talking like me,” Martin said.

For Martin, the film goes beyond her boxing achievements. She hopes it inspires women facing domestic violence or questioning their sexuality to find courage and acceptance. “It’s just an inspirational story, my life,” she said.

Sweeney, meanwhile, stayed focused on her work amid public scrutiny, emphasizing self-awareness and staying true to her values. “I know who I am. I know what I value,” she said. “I don’t let other people define who I am.”