Sydney Sweeney reveals how the true-crime show 48 Hours became her secret weapon in preparing for her intense transformation into boxing legend Christy Martin.

A Powerful Starting Point

November 7, 2025: To prepare for her upcoming biopic Christy, Sydney Sweeney turned to the 48 Hours episode that chronicled the life of legendary boxer Christy Martin. The 2020 segment provided early insight into Martin’s rise from a small-town fighter in West Virginia to a groundbreaking figure in women’s boxing.

Sweeney revealed that before she met Martin, the documentary helped her connect with the fighter’s story: “There was the ‘48 Hours’ special … There were interviews and fight footage. So there was a lot I could prepare with before I met Christy.”

The Training Behind the Transformation

After studying the documentary, Sweeney immersed herself in intense physical and mental training to authentically portray the boxer.

She spent nearly three and a half months preparing, dedicating hours each day to weightlifting, boxing drills, and kickboxing. Her regimen included early-morning strength workouts, two to three hours of boxing practice in the afternoon, and evening conditioning.

To embody Martin’s athletic build, Sweeney reportedly gained around 30–35 pounds, following a structured plan guided by professional trainers and a nutritionist. Christy Martin was present during filming, mentoring Sweeney through the process and sharing insights about her life both inside and outside the ring.

Why 48 Hours Was Key

The 48 Hours episode served as more than background research — it was a roadmap to Martin’s world.

Narrative Depth: It presented an emotional overview of Martin’s achievements and personal struggles, from championship wins to her survival of domestic abuse.

Physical Reference: Sweeney analyzed Martin’s movements and energy through real fight footage, perfecting her posture, punches, and stance.

Emotional Connection: The story highlighted Martin’s resilience, giving Sweeney a chance to explore the boxer’s psychological strength, not just her athletic power.

By the time Sweeney met Martin, she already understood the nuances of her personality and past, allowing their collaboration to feel authentic and respectful.

Bringing Christy Martin’s Legacy to Life

Sweeney’s dedication underscores her commitment to storytelling rooted in truth. “I try to lose myself completely,” she said about her preparation process — a mindset evident in her portrayal of the fighter’s determination and vulnerability.

With Christy, Sweeney isn’t just reenacting a sports story; she’s channeling a woman who defied expectations and redefined boxing history. Through discipline, research, and empathy, Sweeney ensures Martin’s legacy packs the same emotional punch outside the ring as it did within it.