December 11, 2024 – Actress Sydney Sweeney appears on the new digital cover of Sports Illustrated. She is not in a glamorous look this time. Instead, she shows a tough, athletic side. She poses with boxing legend Christy Salters Martin.
The cover promotes Sweeney’s new movie, Christy. In the film, she plays Martin. Martin was a pioneering female boxer.
The photo shoot took place in a boxing ring. Both women wear athletic gear. The image highlights strength and survival. These are the central themes of the biopic.
A Major Physical Transformation
Sweeney trained hard for this role. She already knows jujitsu and kickboxing. For this film, she gained about 35 pounds of muscle. It was a dramatic change to her body.
She has called this film the “most important film I’ve ever made.” She says Christy Martin’s story is about more than boxing.
A Story of Survival Beyond the Ring
Sweeney shared a powerful message on Instagram. She wrote about the real Christy Martin’s life.
“For 20 years, Christy Martin was one of the strongest women in the world inside the ring,” Sweeney said. “But at home, she was abused and nearly killed by the man who claimed to love her.”
Sweeney explained the film’s main goal. It aims to reach survivors of domestic abuse.
“Her story isn’t just about boxing,” Sweeney wrote. “It’s about identity, survival, and the unimaginable strength it takes to reclaim your life after someone has taken everything from you.”
She ended her message with a promise. “We’re here to stand with survivors. And if this film helps even one person feel seen, understood or less alone, then we’ve done something that matters.”
The film Christy will tell the full story of the boxer’s fight both inside and outside the ring.