Sydney Sweeney gained over 30 pounds to play boxer Christy Martin in biopic: ‘I was so strong, like crazy strong’

Apple TV+’s “Echo Valley” New York Special Screening — Photo by Joy Malone/Variety via Getty Images

Sydney Sweeney has played numerous roles throughout her career but the 27-year-old Emmy nominated actor had to put her body through some serious changes to play boxer Christy Martin.

The biopic that still doesn’t have a name based on Martin’s life features Sweeney in the lead role and she jumped head first into the part, which included a rigorous training schedule so she could look and perform like a championship boxer. Sweeney ultimately gained more than 30 pounds for the role while also taking boxing lesson to ensure she pull off all facets for the role.

“I loved it,” Sweeney told W magazine. “I came onboard to play Christy, and I had about three and a half months of training. I started eating. 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.”

The dramatic transformation was recognized immediately when Sweeney posted a photo on social media showing off what she looked like as Martin.

During her boxing career, Martin only stood about an inch and half taller than Sweeney but she primarily competed between 147 to 168 pounds during her career. A multi-time champion, Martin was one of the first women ever inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Sweeney wanted to make her proud while playing the part in the movie.

“My body was completely different,” Sweeney said. “I didn’t fit in any of my clothes. I’m usually a size 23 in jeans, and I was wearing a size 27. My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! I was like, Oh my god But it was amazing: I was so strong, like crazy strong.”

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She may be playing a boxer in her upcoming film but Sweeney actually has a long history with combat sports.

Sweeney has made numerous appearances at UFC events over the years and that speaks to her original discipline when she trained Brazilian jiu-jitsu for six years when she was a teenager.

“My mom told me from a very young age to fall in love with as many things as possible,” Sweeney said. “And so I did fall in love, again and again: I love sports. I love being outside. 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. I was the only girl at the dojo. I trained there from 13 until about 19. I fought all guys. I liked to think that if shit went down, I might be able to step up.”

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Filming the biopic about Martin’s life took a real physical toll on Sweeney but she speaks glowingly about the part and her excitement for the film to be released.

Immediately after production wrapped, Sweeney had to shift gears yet again and drop all the weight and muscle she put on to play Martin within seven weeks as she prepared to go back to her familiar role as Cassie on the hit HBO series Euphoria.

There’s no word yet when the biopic starring Sweeney hits theaters but she’s obviously proud of her work and hopes she made Martin proud with her portrayal.

Sydney Sweeney gained over 30 pounds to play boxer Christy Martin in biopic: ‘I was so strong, like crazy strong’

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