Sydney Sweeney and Christy Martin are making waves together once again, this time gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated’s December issue.
The duo sat down with the iconic sports magazine to discuss their collaboration on the biopic “Christy,” which hit theaters last month.
Their chemistry jumps off the page in a stunning photo shoot that alternates between raw athletic energy and Hollywood glamour.
But beyond the beautiful images lies a powerful story about survival, transformation, and one actress’s complete physical dedication to honoring a boxing legend’s journey.
A Cover That Captures Two Worlds
The Sports Illustrated cover shoot perfectly encapsulates the dual nature of Martin’s story. Sweeney appears in a white tank top tucked into American flag boxing shorts, perched on a stool in a boxing ring as Martin leans in from behind wearing a similar outfit.
Another image showcases the “White Lotus” star leaning into the ropes with red Superare hand wraps and glistening hair—a snapshot of athletic intensity frozen in time.
The shoot didn’t stay strictly in the gym, though. Additional photos feature both women dressed to the nines, with Sweeney wearing a stunning gold Marchesa gown while resting her hand on Martin’s shoulder.
Martin stands confidently with arms crossed in a matching blazer, blouse, and pants paired with Marc Fisher shoes—a reminder that strength comes in many forms.
Meeting Her Match: Sweeney’s First Impression
The 28-year-old actress didn’t mince words when discussing her initial reaction to taking on this role.
I was very surprised I didn’t know who she was.
That admission speaks to a larger issue: how many groundbreaking female athletes remain unknown despite their monumental achievements in their respective sports.
Once Sweeney actually met Martin after signing onto the project last year, everything changed. The “Anyone But You” star found herself inspired by something unexpected.
When I actually got to meet her and get to know her, it’s so inspiring to see how caring and delightful and full of happiness and joy that she is, even though she’s overcome so much.
The Story Behind the Story
Christy Martin’s life reads like a Hollywood script—except it’s devastatingly real. After establishing herself as a super welterweight champion in 2009 in what was then an overwhelmingly male-dominated sport, Martin’s personal life nearly ended in tragedy.
In November 2010, her manager-turned-husband Jim Martin stabbed and shot her in the chest at their Apopka, Florida, home. The attack was brutal and calculated.
Martin survived against staggering odds. Jim was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
The retired boxer’s story didn’t end in darkness, though. She married her current partner, Lisa Holewyne, in 2017—a testament to her resilience and ability to reclaim joy after unimaginable trauma.
Leading With Kindness After Surviving Darkness
What struck Sweeney most powerfully wasn’t Martin’s athletic prowess or survival story alone—it was who she became afterward.
The person she is now — it reminds me that no matter what happens, if you always lead with kindness, then you’re on the right path.
That perspective shaped how the “Euphoria” star approached every aspect of bringing Martin’s story to life on screen.
I definitely felt the weight of the importance of Christy’s story.
Disappearing Into Idaho: Sweeney’s Transformation Journey
Sweeney gained 30 pounds to portray Martin authentically in David Michôd’s film—but her physical transformation required more than just changing her body. It demanded complete immersion away from prying eyes.
The actress made a strategic decision to leave Los Angeles for her home state of Idaho during training.
I knew that if I kept training in LA or anywhere else, people would start taking photos of me. I wanted to go home. I could disappear, not worry about the outside world and just fully immerse myself in it.
This choice reveals something important about preparing for physically demanding roles: sometimes privacy isn’t luxury—it’s necessity for authentic transformation.
Box Office Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story
“Christy” earned approximately $2 million against its $15 million budget following its November 7 release—numbers that would typically signal disaster in Hollywood terms.
But Sweeney refuses to let commercial performance define the film’s value or impact.
Shortly after her Sports Illustrated cover story dropped on Tuesday, the actress took to Instagram to defend the project and articulate exactly why this film matters regardless of ticket sales.
“The Most Important Film I’ve Ever Made”
In a passionate Instagram Story post, Sweeney made her position crystal clear about what “Christy” represents to her personally and professionally.
This is the most important film I’ve ever made. For 20 years, Christy Martin was one of the strongest women in the world inside the ring. But at home, she was abused and nearly killed by the man who claimed to love her.
The actress went further, emphasizing themes that extend far beyond sports or entertainment.
Her story isn’t just about boxing. It’s about identity, survival, and the unimaginable strength it takes to reclaim your life after someone has taken everything from you.
A Story That Stays With You
Sweeney concluded her social media message with gratitude and hope—hope that audiences will carry Martin’s story with them long after watching.
Thank you for watching. Thank you for sharing. I hope ‘Christy’ stays with you long after the credits roll. It has for me.
For the 57-year-old Martin, having her story told by someone who approached it with such reverence and physical commitment represents validation that transcends any box office number.
Their Sports Illustrated cover serves as a powerful reminder that some stories deserve to be told not because they’ll make millions, but because they illuminate truths about resilience, identity, and survival that audiences desperately need to hear.