The next big knockout boxing film has been announced.
Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney will feature in an as yet untitled sports biopic about the life of boxing champion Christy Martin – dubbed ‘the female Rocky’ by the film’s producers.
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Sweeney has previous experience in MMA and boxingCredit: Getty
Christy Salters Martin was a trailblazing boxer who paved the way for female fighters, becoming the first woman to sign with iconic promoter Don King and the only female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Christy was a superstar in the 1990s and held the WBC Super Welterweight Championship in 2009.
Martin also stole the spotlight away from a prime Mike Tyson on his undercard in 1996 against Deidre Gogarty, gripping fans in a fight which Sports Illustrated said had ‘more action and better boxing’ than Tyson’s fight with Frank Bruno.
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She was later inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and inspired Laila Ali to follow her father, Muhammad, into the squared circle.
However, Martin’s personal life was fraught with tragedy and trauma and her life transformed in 1989 when she met her manager, and later husband, Jim Martin.
Their toxic relationship was highly publicised and deteriorated as Jim Martin became more vindictive – recording Christy in compromising positions and situations, reading her emails and texts and belittling her intellect and appearance.
Christy was stabbed multiple times and shot by her ex-husband whilst sitting on their bed at their Florida home in Apopka on a Tuesday evening in 2010.
He was subsequently found guilty of attempted second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Martin later remarried.
In the years after the sickening attack, she suffered with PTSD and did not enjoy going into the shower for fear of being watched and even jumped in fear when her wife, Lisa Holewyne, pulled out a knife to chop food.
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Martin held the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009.Credit: Getty
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She suffered in a toxic relationship with husband and trainer Jim MartinCredit: Getty
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Martin is the CEO of Christy Martin Promotions, a boxing promotion companyCredit: Getty
The duo married in 2017, but actually fought in 2001 on the undercard of Lennox Lewis’ rematch with Hasim Rahman at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Martin now promotes fighters after trying, yet just failing, to reach 50 career wins before retiring in 2012.
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Sweeney will have big shoes to fill when she steps into the role but her experience in boxing and MMA means she’s well prepared.
The actress told Deadline: “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 continued: “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.”
