Hollywood starlet Sydney Sweeney will return to the big screen to play former WBC super welterweight champion and boxing hall of famer Christy Martin, a new biopic from Black Bear Pictures directed by David Michôd.
“I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old. I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body,” Sweeney told Deadline. “Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”
Producers have referred to Martin as “the female Rocky.”
In addition to her trailblazing run throughout the 1990s, which included a coveted spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated (it was a big deal back then), Martin had a tumultuous personal life, surviving a murder attempt by her then-husband in 2010.
“Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes, and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse,” Sweeney continued. “I’m passionate about the fighting world, Christy’s story shines a light on her incredible rise to the top while showing the struggles of fame behind the curtains. I feel compelled to tell a story about a woman who faced so much adversity and didn’t allow it to defeat her. It’s powerful, and emotional.”
The untitled project is expected to begin shooting this fall.