Sydney Sweeney's 'Christy' North American Release... Depicts the Survival Story of a Legendary Boxer

The true story-based boxing drama 'Christy', starring actress Sydney Sweeney, was released in theaters across the U.S. on November 7. Directed by David Michod, the film portrays the tumultuous life of Christy Martin, the most famous female boxer in America during the 1990s.

Contract with Don King, Featured on 'Sports Illustrated' Cover

The film begins in 1989 when Christy, a college basketball player, participates in a local boxing tournament. After meeting her coach James Martin, who recognizes her talent, she marries him and begins her path to success by signing a contract with promoter Don King.

Christy became the star of the first women's boxing match broadcast on pay-per-view in 1996 and gained fame as the first female boxer to grace the cover of 'Sports Illustrated'.

Tragedy Behind Success and 25-Year Sentence

However, behind the success was the physical abuse and financial exploitation from her husband James. In 2010, when Christy tried to end the relationship, James attempted to stab her and shoot her to death. Miraculously, Christy escaped the house and saved her life, while James was sentenced to 25 years for attempted second-degree murder due to this incident.

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5 and received mixed reviews from critics, with a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Sydney Sweeney prepared for her role by meeting the real Christy Martin, and the film has a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes and is rated R.

Currently, Christy Martin is included in the group of the first female boxers inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and is active as a boxing promoter and domestic violence advocate.