Sydney Sweeney went all out to play boxer Christy Martin. She trained hard for months, eating differently and working out with weights and boxing every day. Sweeney gained over 13 pounds to get the look and moves of a champion boxer.
She loved the challenge. “I had about three and a half months to train,” Sweeney said. “I started eating differently and trained with weights in the morning, then boxed in the afternoon.”
Sweeney posted a photo on social media, showing off her new look as Martin. The transformation was drastic.
Martin was a multi-champion who competed at 67-76 kilograms. She was one of the first women to enter the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Sweeney wanted to do her proud by playing her role in the film.
Sweeney’s body was completely different after training. “I was so strong!” she said. She didn’t fit into any of her old clothes.
After filming, Sweeney had to change direction again. She lost all the weight and muscle she had gained to go back to her role as Cassie in the hit HBO series Euphoria.
Training was tough
Sweeney trained with weights for an hour in the morning, then boxed for two hours in the afternoon. She went back to weight training for another hour at night. This routine helped her gain the strength and look she needed for the film.
Martin’s story
Martin was a target of a murder attempt by her ex-husband, James, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012. Sweeney wanted to honor her story by getting it right in the film.
Sweeney’s transformation was impressive, and she was dedicated to playing Martin’s role. She gave it her all, and it showed in her performance.