People often discuss which Hollywood star could play them in a movie about their life. For the legendary boxer Christy MartinThe actor turned out to be Sidney Sweeney. Sweeney has turned into Christie, which hits theaters November 7th.
Before Martin's story was told on the big screen, she sat down with 48 Hours in 2020 to share her story. Encore “Christy Martin – The Fight of Her Life” airs Saturday, November 8th at 9/8c on CBS and Paramount+.
Martin, who grew up the daughter of a coal miner in a small town in West Virginia and became a world champion boxer, made headlines as a pioneer of women's boxing. But few knew about the personal battles she had to face outside the ring.
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The episode “48 Hours” details Martin's struggles with identity, acceptance, drug addiction and domestic violence at the hands of her ex-husband and coach Jim Martin. “The same story that you guys tell, Sydney is putting out there for people to see and get inspired by,” Martin recently told 48 Hours.
Sweeney spent months preparing for the role, including intense boxing training to recreate Martin's real fights. In addition to physical training, Sweeney spoke to 48 Hours about the research she did to play Christy. “I mean, I had a lot of things to take advantage of and walk away from. She had her book, there was 48 Hours Special … There were interviews and footage of battles. So I had a lot of preparation to do before I met Christy, and then I had Christy in my corner so I could ask her questions and keep her close to me and watch her.”
Martin asked the writers not to “Hollywoodize” her life when writing the script. Martin said writer Mirra Fowlkes responded, “You have enough crazy shit in your life without us having to.”
As her story of survival continues to reach more and more people, Martin hopes it can help inspire others. “We show the way out of a situation of domestic violence. We show how important it is for parents, relatives, friends to accept someone who is a little different… But I am a total loser… If you can believe it, you can achieve it. Dream big. My dad told me to dream big, and I think I did.”
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact National Domestic Violence Hotline by phone 1-800-799-7233 [SAFE].
