Sydney Sweeney ready to 'transform' her body for most physically demanding film role yet
Sydney Sweeney is set to star in a grizzly new biopic directed by David Michôd.
The project, which is yet to be given a title, will depict the real-life story of one of America's most notorious female boxers.
Christy Martin - who was the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated - was an incredibly talented fighter and found fame when she signed with promoter Don King.
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Speaking to The Guardian about her success as a female boxer, Martin said: "We were all just struggling to get a break. And for whatever reason, I was just lucky and in the right place at the right time.
"Jesse Robinson, who was training fighters for Don King, saw me training in a gym in Daytona Beach, Florida. And after a while he told me, 'I’m gonna take you to Don.' I’m thinking, 'Sure you are.'
"But then I get a call one day and Jesse says, 'Don wants to see you.' I jumped in the car, drove down to Deerfield Beach and signed the contract."
But behind her boxing persona, Martin struggled with substance abuse, domestic violence and was almost killed in a devastating attack.
On November 23, 2010, Martin was approached in her bedroom by her husband at the time, Jim, who was armed with a knife and gun.
Despite being stabbed four times and shot in the chest, Martin miraculously survived.
Speaking to Deadline, Sweeney explained she's ready to take on the challenge of telling Martin's story.
“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. 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," she said.
“Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes, and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse.
"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.”
Director Michôd added: "I have a history of making movies about damaged men and I’d been wanting to make a film about a woman with a ferocious energy inside her.
"When I came across the Christy Martin story two years ago I knew I’d found it. Her ferocity is intelligible and justifiable and audiences will crave it because of the circumstances she was forced to endure."
Topics: Celebrity, TV and Film, Sydney Sweeney
Lucy Devine