Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney has revealed an unexpected ambition that emerged from her latest film role: stepping into the boxing ring for real competitive bouts.
The actress, known for her performances in “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus,” recently underwent an intensive transformation to portray professional boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic. According to Sweeney, the experience of training like an elite athlete has sparked a passion for the sport.
In discussing her preparation for the role, Sweeney explained the rigorous commitment required to authentically embody a champion boxer. The training regimen demanded months of dedication, with the actress immersing herself in the technical aspects of the sport, from footwork and combinations to conditioning and ring strategy.
What began as professional preparation has evolved into something more personal. Sweeney has expressed serious interest in testing her skills in actual competition, suggesting that the discipline and challenge of boxing has resonated with her in ways she didn’t anticipate when she first signed on to the project.
Sweeney recently expressed her interest in an interview with Sportscasting: “There was a moment in the middle of filming where I was like, ‘Should I give it all up and fight because I love this?'”
Additionally, Christy Martin’s enthusiasm made the idea feel much more real than fans initially assumed. “Christy (Martin) said sign me up so this isn’t as hypothetical as you actually think it is. Yeah, I’d totally do a charity bout, that’d be so sick.”
When asked who she might step into the ring against, Sweeney stayed coy. “It’s a surprise, you’ll have to wait, I’m serious. You’ve got to stay tuned for the pay-per-view and you’ll see it.”
Christy Martin, often credited with legitimizing women’s boxing in the 1990s, was known for her aggressive style and willingness to engage in exchanges inside the ropes. While many actors undergo fight training for roles, few express genuine interest in pursuing the sport competitively afterward.
What may surprise some, however, is that Sweeney isn’t new to combat sports. Sweeney claims that she grew up training in kickboxing and grappling, though she admits that transitioning to boxing required a completely different level of discipline.
Detailing her intense preparation, she explained, “For about two-and-a-half months, I would weight train in the morning for an hour, box three hours in the middle of the day and then another hour of weight training at night.”
She continued, “I put on 35 pounds and it was hard. I started losing weight once I upped my boxing time and had to find that balance. I was just continually pounding more and more protein shakes.
“I loved it. I worked hardest on that left hook and I think what would get me through a fight is that I can take a punch. I wouldn’t quit.”
The biopic itself focuses on Martin’s groundbreaking career and her impact on women’s sports.
