Sydney Sweeney looked unrecognizable as she transformed into boxer Christy Martin to film David Michôd’s new biopic in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday.
The Anyone But You star, 27, who is known for her blonde bombshell look and hourglass curves, sported a brunette curly wig, blue bandana and baggy clothing to channel Martin’s 90s’ heyday – years before her husband James attempted to kill her.
She covered up her famed curves in a brown shirt, blue hoodie and joggers and wore minimal make-up as she was escorted to set.
Known as ‘The Coal Miner’s Daughter’ thanks to her father’s job, Christy, 56, originally from West Virginia, is credited with putting women’s boxing on the map after taking on Deirdre Gogarty in front of a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 1996.
She graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, appeared on talk shows and even made guest appearances on US sitcoms.
Sydney Sweeney looked unrecognizable as she transformed into trailblazing boxer Christy Martin to film biopic Black Bear in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday
Christy Martin is seen in March 1996 – after defeating Deirdre Gogarty of Ireland during their WBC Championship Boxing Lightweight fight
Yet her life away from the cameras was anything but glamorous. Christy has spoken to the Daily Telegraph about how she spent 20 years suffering abuse at the hands of her husband, James ‘Jim’ Martin, who was also her trainer.
On November 23, 2010, he stabbed Christy stabbed several times and shot her at least once in her torso, leaving her for dead.
The attack reportedly occurred after an argument at home – Christy survived the assault.
In June 2012 Jim was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of attempted second-degree murder and manslaughter.
Christy now works as a promoter and has been married to Lisa Holewyne, a fellow former boxer who she used to meet in the ring, since 2017, after coming out as a lesbian in the wake of her marriage ending.
In May Martin revealed she was ecstatic over the actress taking on the challenge of playing her and said she would also be eager to help her train for the role.
While speaking about the project, which will be directed by filmmaker David Michôd, she told TMZ that she is thrilled about the casting, especially considering Sweeney’s experience in MMA and combat sports.
The Emmy-nominated actress said she was ready for the ‘physically and emotionally demanding’ part in the biopic, which will be put on the market at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Anyone But You star, 27, who is known for her blonde bombshell look and hourglass curves (right in March), sported a brunette curly wig, blue bandana and baggy clothing
She covered up her famed curves in a brown shirt, blue hoodie and joggers and wore minimal make-up as she was escorted to set
Sweeney wore Martin’s signature bandana as she strolled to set – Martin seen right in 1993
Sweeney covered up her famed curves in the baggy ensemble
On November 23, 2010, husband James stabbed Christy stabbed several times and shot her at least once in her torso, leaving her for dead – pictured 1996
Sweeney showed off her head-to-toe transformation for the film
Sweeney wore minimal make-up as she strolled to set
The star wore 90s sport attire for the film
The Hall of Fame boxer gushed over Sweeney and also wholly refuted the claims that the Euphoria star ‘is not pretty and she can’t act’ as previously stated by a top Hollywood producer.
‘I think she is young, hot, talented,’ she said about the leading lady.
She added that Sweeney is ‘about to make a movie that in 20+ years, fathers will watch with their daughters to make them aware of domestic violence.’
Martin also explained the importance of the biopic because it’s about more than just her boxing career and journey.
‘I want this movie to bring awareness to domestic violence, the challenge of sexuality and overall underdog story,’ she said.
‘I am a coal miner’s daughter from a small town in southern West Virginia that made an impact in a sport that wasn’t taken seriously — women’s boxing.’
And although Martin was not involved in the casting and has not spoken to Sweeney yet, she said she was honored that the Euphoria alum will be taking on the role.
She added that she would love to help her with boxing training, which Sweeney has experience in already.
Christy, 56, originally from West Virginia , is credited with putting women’s boxing on the map after taking on Deirdre Gogarty in front of a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 1996 – pictured with Jim in 1996
Yet her life away from the cameras was anything but glamorous. Christy has spoken to the Daily Telegraph about how she spent 20 years suffering abuse at the hands of her husband, James ‘Jim’ Martin, who was also her trainer
In May Martin revealed she was ecstatic over the actress taking on the challenge of playing her and said she would also be eager to help her train for the role; seen in August 2020
Sweeney previously said that she ‘grappled and did kickboxing from 12 to 19 years old.’
‘I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body,’ she told Deadline.
Additionally, Martin added that she would love to make a cameo as a nod to her fans.