Actress Sydney Sweeney’s boxing body transformation for the Christy Martin biopic has left both Hollywood insiders and fans in awe as she prepares to portray the legendary boxer. In her quest to capture Martin’s strength and legacy, Sweeney took on an intense physical regimen, marking one of the most striking changes of her career.
Transforming for the Role of Christy Martin
Sydney Sweeney, recognized for her roles in “Euphoria” and “Anyone But You,” committed fully to playing Christy Martin, a trailblazer inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. To embody Martin’s power and prowess, Sweeney adopted a training routine far beyond typical movie fitness preparations. She dedicated several hours each day to rigorous workouts, resulting in a gain of over 30 pounds of muscle.
“But it was amazing: I was so strong, like crazy strong.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
Sweeney’s regimen included morning and evening weight training, as well as hours of midday kickboxing. She completely changed her approach to nutrition, increasing her caloric intake to fuel the dramatic gains needed for the role. This extreme commitment led to noticeable changes, including a jump in her jeans size and a total overhaul of her wardrobe. Her figure became almost unrecognizable, even to herself—her newly muscular frame stunned fans and colleagues alike.
“I weight-trained in the morning for an hour, kickboxed midday for about two hours, and then weight-trained again at night for an hour,”
she said.
“My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! I was like, ‘Oh my God.’”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
Director David Michôd, who worked closely with Sweeney, observed her transformation firsthand. He praised her relentless attitude and positivity throughout production.
“She trained her butt off to play the part. The beauty of Sydney is that she turned up to work every day with her tail wagging, ready to go. No matter how tough it was, she was like a ray of sunshine.”
—David Michôd, Director
Sweeney didn’t stop with the physical transformation. To capture Martin’s look, she wore brown contacts and even sported a retro 90s mullet haircut throughout filming.
A Foundation in Athletics from an Early Age
While Sydney Sweeney’s boxing body transformation for the Christy Martin biopic broke the internet, her athletic roots run deep. As a child and teenager, Sweeney’s life revolved around sports. She thrived on outdoor activities and was deeply involved in competitive teams and high-intensity training.
“I was on the ski team, and I wakeboarded. I slalom ski on water. I was on the soccer team and the softball team. And then my parents got me into grappling, which is like wrestling, and kickboxing.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
Sweeney trained in martial arts from ages 13 to 19, holding her own as the lone girl at her dojo and often sparring with boys.
“I was the only girl at the dojo.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress. Her grit and willingness to face tough challenges underscore her approach to demanding roles and contributed to her ability to embrace the punishing boxing training required for this film.
“I trained there from 13 until about 19. I fought all guys. I liked to think that if s— went down, I might be able to step up.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
Production on the boxing biopic proved challenging, but Sweeney was no stranger to pushing herself both physically and mentally. When the boxing shoot wrapped, she faced a new challenge—rapidly reverting her body to film Season 3 of “Euphoria” with Zendaya, underscoring her devotion to her craft.
Director Michôd was taken aback by the dramatic swing in Sweeney’s physical appearance, remarking on her happiness during the demanding shoot.
“I was stunned by the change in her appearance. Sydney was happiest when she was in the ring… It was shocking to see her being so glamorous.”
—David Michôd, Director
The Actress Looks Ahead to New Projects
Sweeney’s momentum shows no sign of slowing. She remains engrossed in upcoming ventures, from new roles—including the film “The Housemaid” and the highly-anticipated return of “Euphoria” season 3 alongside Zendaya—to entrepreneurial endeavors. Recently, Sweeney revealed her latest project: launching a soap brand, showing her versatility beyond acting and athletics.
In her personal life, Sweeney shared updates with fans, confirming her single status in recent interviews. Her work ethic remains her focus as she juggles a packed schedule.
“I’m happiest when I have a million things going on.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
With a reputation for fearlessness and passion, Sydney Sweeney’s boxing body transformation for the Christy Martin biopic sets a new standard for dedication in Hollywood. As she transitions from the ring to fresh challenges, both on screen and off, fans continue to be inspired by her relentless drive and versatility.
