Sydney Sweeney recently teamed up with boxing legend Christy Martin for a striking Sports Illustrated cover. The issue, set against the gritty backdrop of Trinity Boxing Club in New York, celebrates both women's boxing legacy and Sweeney's significant transformation for the role.
Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney took her commitment to embodying Martin's world seriously. During months away from the spotlight, she immersed herself in an intense training regimen. "I weight trained in the morning for an hour, kickboxed midday for about two hours, then weight trained again at night for an hour," she explained about her routine. The disciplined workouts led her to gain more than 30 pounds of muscle. It went so far that she found herself physically unrecognizable, no longer fitting into any of her regular clothes.
Sweeney expressed her dedication through rigorous preparation that included boxing workouts and nutritional discipline. While filming action-packed scenes, she experienced real injuries like concussions and bloody noses but found satisfaction in achieving such authenticity in her role.
Christy Martin stands as a cornerstone of this tribute. Known as a trailblazer, Martin first rocked the Sports Illustrated cover back in 1996. Over her career with Don King’s promotion, she notched up an impressive 32 wins including many knockouts. Her presence on this latest cover highlights both her enduring impact and Sweeney’s commitment to honoring it.
The newly released Sports Illustrated cover powerfully juxtaposes past and present by featuring Sweeney seated confidently within a boxing ring with Martin poised right behind her. Their shared image pays homage to women’s boxing achievements while recognizing Martin's remarkable journey [chronicled moments](https://www.si.com/boxing/2019/06/20/christy-martin-life-after-boxing-domestic-violence) post-boxing.
Together, these powerful women bring renewed attention to women's boxing, celebrating its history while looking towards the future—a testament to their strength and influence both inside the ring and beyond.
