Christy: Official trailer
A teaser for one of Sydney Sweeney’s newest films dropped just days ago and has already set tongues wagging amongst fans.
The preview showcases the Euphoria and The Housemaid star in a completely different character.
She’s set to portray Christy Martin in a biographical drama centred on the renowned athlete’s extraordinary journey.
The film’s official description reveals: “Christy Martin (Sweeney) never imagined life beyond her small-town roots in West Virginia until she discovered a knack for punching people. Fuelled by grit, raw determination, and an unshakable desire to win, she charges into the world of boxing under the guidance of her trainer and manager-turned-husband, Jim (Ben Foster).
“But while Christy flaunts a fiery persona in the ring, her toughest battles unfold outside it. Confronting family, identity, and a relationship that just might become life-or-death. Based on remarkable true events, Christy Martin’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the fight to reclaim one’s life.”
Christy went on to marry her former rival Lisa (Image: Netflix)
Read more: Netflix star’s thriller perfect for crime addicts ‘better than the book’
Read more: New look at John Wick creator’s Netflix series with ‘perfect choice’
However, who exactly is Christy Martin? What happened with her husband? And what are her thoughts regarding the biographical film? Here’s everything you need to understand.
Who is Christy Martin?
Christy Martin stands as an iconic pugilist who blazed a trail for women within the sport. She acquired the moniker “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” owing to her father’s profession, reports the Mirror.
Fighting professionally from 1989 to 2012, she claimed the WBC female super welterweight championship in 2009.
Her professional boxing journey commenced at 21 years old with a six-round stalemate against Angela Buchanan in 1989. In 1993, Christy made history as the first woman to be signed by promoter Don King.
This led her to fighting on undercards of some of the biggest stars in men’s boxing, including Julio César Chávez vs. Frankie Randall and Mike Tyson vs. Frank Bruno.
Christy Martin was a legendary boxer (Image: Getty Images)
Christy retired in 2012, after suffering multiple injuries. Her record stands at 49 wins, with 31 knockouts.
She now works as a boxing analyst and motivational speaker as well as running her own boxing promotion company.
She was inducted into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014. Two years later, she became the first woman to be inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
She was also included in the International Boxing Hall of Fame once it began to allow women on the ballot in 2019.
Who was Christy Martin’s husband?
Christy married her trainer James ‘Jim’ Martin back in 1991. She was 22 years old at the time while he was 47.
Christy has referred to the marriage as one of convenience and that he was emotionally and physically abusive throughout their relationship.
In early 2010, Christy told her husband she wanted a divorce. In November that year Jim stabbed Christy several times and shot her at least once, leaving her for dead.
She survived the attack and Jim was convicted of attempted second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison but died behind bars in 2024.
Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin (Image: DiscussingFilm)
Is Christy Martin married?
The former pugilist has since wed her one-time boxing adversary Lisa Holewyne. The duo clashed in the ring on numerous occasions.
Following the discovery of the assault on Christy, Lisa reached out and maintained contact with her. Their bond gradually blossomed into romance.
Christy previously revealed to The Guardian: “A few months after everything happened, and the trial with Jim, she (Lisa) started to call and check on me. And then she came to one of my fights that I was promoting in Charlotte and we’ve been together since.” The couple tied the knot in 2017.
Christy has nevertheless opened up about difficulties she has encountered regarding her sexuality, stating: “I just wanted to make my family happy. It’s never been about making me happy until I married Lisa. I called my mother and I told her that we were getting married and she said, ‘No, you’re not,’ like I was 12 years old. I said, ‘I lived 20 years making you happy. I’m going to live the next 20 years making me happy.'”.
Christy has since remarried (Image: Getty Images)
Why are they producing a film with Sydney Sweeney?
Christy stays engaged across social media platforms and posted a brief clip expressing gratitude to supporters following the film trailer’s launch.
She also provided a heartfelt explanation for the production’s creation.
She addressed her audience: “Good morning and thanks everybody for all of the love and support that we’re getting from everywhere regarding the movie. The trailer was just released this week and it seems like it just getting more and more stronger and more and more momentum.
“Sydney Sweeney and Ben Foster, they did a great job. Everybody on the movie put their heart into it. I think this is going to be something that lasts for a long time and we’re sharing my story.
“As I like to tell people not for sympathy but for inspiration for others. I don’t need your sympathy, I don’t want your sympathy. I want you to gain strength from me sharing my story. Have a great day…I’m going to see you everywhere because we want to share this movie with you.”
Christy will be in cinemas from November 28.