Sydney Sweeney has revealed the brutal reality of filming for the Christy Martin biopic, where she sustained genuine injuries during fight sequences.
The actress suffered concussions and bloody noses whilst shooting boxing scenes that featured actual punches rather than staged choreography.
“I got concussions and bloody noses, there was a fine line between the girls as to whether we were allowed to hit each other,” she said.
The Hollywood star emphasised that viewers will witness real impact in the film.
Sydney Sweeney revealed the injuries suffered in the film ‘Christy’ are real
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REUTERS/BLACKBEAR
“That is why in these scenes, you get to watch the fighting, you see my face getting hit because it is actually happening.”
The intensity of the boxing scenes became apparent when Sweeney found herself facing professional fighters during production.
She described the experience as “very intimidating being in there with a pro boxer.”
Among her opponents was US Boxing’s Naomi Graham, who portrayed Laila Ali in the film’s recreation of Martin’s famous 2003 defeat. The actresses weren’t holding back during their scenes together.
“We were going at it, it was crazy and all the girls wanted to go at it,” Sweeney revealed.
Sydney Sweeney portrays Christy Martin, an American boxer with an incredible story
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PA
Sydney Sweeney stepped into the ring with Christy Martin herself
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PA
The commitment to authenticity meant that what audiences will see on screen captures genuine boxing exchanges rather than carefully choreographed movie magic.
Sweeney’s preparation went beyond working with professional fighters – she actually stepped into the ring with Christy Martin herself.
The boxing legend, who secured 32 of her 49 career victories by knockout, proved a daunting sparring partner for the actress.
“I kept saying to her ‘Is this a real round? I don’t want to get hit by you’,” Sweeney recalled.
Despite her nerves, she described the session as “fun and playful” whilst acknowledging its importance for her performance.
The experience helped Sweeney master Martin’s distinctive boxing style. “I had to train myself to move and box like her, so that was a big part of my training for sure.”
Sydney Sweeney had to undergo a strict diet and fitness regime
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BLACKBEAR
The physical transformation required for the role proved equally demanding.
Sweeney put on 35 pounds over three months through an intense regime that saw her training daily with both a boxing coach and nutritionist.
“It was a lot of hard work,” she explained. The actress consumed “calories after calories” alongside her training schedule, downing protein shakes constantly throughout the preparation period.
This military-style operation transformed Sweeney into a convincing representation of a world champion boxer in her prime.
“I managed to get through it,” she said of the gruelling process that prepared her to authentically portray Martin’s story on screen.