There’s a new biopic on the way that’s already turning heads – and fists. Sydney Sweeney is stepping into the ring to play Christy Martin, one of the most famous female boxers in history – a woman who helped put women’s boxing on the national stage long before it was taken seriously. Her real-life story isn’t just about the epic battles in the ring; it’s also about surviving the violence that was happening behind closed doors with her then-husband.
Yes, Sydney Sweeney has been wrapped up in recent controversy, but that shouldn’t take away from the real focus here – Christy Martin’s legacy as a fighter, a survivor, and a pioneer for women in sport deserves the spotlight.
So who exactly is Christy Martin, and why are people so eager to see her life on screen? Here’s everything you need to know before the film drops (spoiler: later in life, Christy came out publicly and married former boxer Lisa Holewyne) – from her groundbreaking boxing career to the shocking and deeply human story that’s finally being told.
Who is Christy Martin?
Why is her story being made into a movie now?
What is Christy the movie about?
Is Christy based on a true story?
When is Christy the movie coming out?
What was Christy Martin’s boxing record?
What is Christy Martin doing now?
Who is Christy Martin’s partner now?
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Who is Christy Martin?
Christy Martin is a retired American boxer who made history in the 1990s by becoming one of the first women to sign major televised boxing contracts. She’s a six-time world champion and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020.
Beyond her titles, Martin’s story is one of survival. She endured years of abuse from her then-husband and trainer, surviving a near-fatal attack in 2010. Since then, she’s rebuilt her life and career – and come out publicly as gay, marrying her wife, Lisa Holewyne, in 2017.
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Her legacy? She punched through not just opponents but cultural ceilings – showing that women, and especially queer women, could command a global spotlight in one of the toughest sports on earth.
Why is her story being made into a movie now?
Women’s sport and queer representation are both having major moments in pop culture, and Christy’s story sits right at that intersection. Her journey has already inspired a Netflix documentary (Untold: Deal with the Devil), but this new feature film – starring Sydney Sweeney – promises to bring it to a much wider audience.
It’s arriving at a time when authentic queer storytelling in sport still feels rare, and when audiences are craving strong female characters with depth, grit, and vulnerability. Christy’s story ticks all three.
What is Christy the movie about?
The film, titled Christy, tells the true story of Martin’s rise to fame, the violence she endured, and her comeback – both personally and professionally. It’s directed by David Michôd (Animal Kingdom, The King), with Sweeney undergoing an intense physical transformation to take on the role.
Is Christy based on a true story?
Yes – Christy is inspired by the true story of boxing legend Christy Martin. The film follows her rise from small-town fighter to global sports icon, as well as the darker reality of the domestic abuse she faced behind the scenes. While some moments are likely dramatised for storytelling, the core of the film is rooted in real events.
Martin herself was involved in the production and has spoken about revisiting her past through the process – adding authenticity (and emotional weight) to a story that’s as real as it gets.
When is Christy the movie coming out?
The movie Christy is out now in some selected UK cinemas, having been released on September 5th, 2025. However, some sources state a later cinema release date of November 28th, 2025, so it’s best to check local listings. For those who cannot find it in a local cinema, it is available for streaming on platforms like Apple TV.
What was Christy Martin’s boxing record?
Christy Martin fought 59 professional bouts over the course of her career – an incredible run that helped bring women’s boxing into the mainstream. She won 49 fights, with 31 victories by knockout, drew 3, and lost 7.
Known for her aggressive style and knockout power, Martin became one of the most recognisable figures in the sport through the 1990s and early 2000s, often appearing on major pay-per-view cards previously reserved for men. Her success not only made her a star but also helped legitimise women’s boxing on a national stage.
What is Christy Martin doing now?
After surviving a near-fatal attack in 2010 at the hands of her then-husband and trainer, Christy Martin rebuilt her life both personally and professionally. Today, she’s channelling her passion for boxing into mentoring and promoting the next generation of fighters through her company, Christy Martin Promotions.
She’s also become an advocate for survivors of domestic abuse, using her platform to speak openly about recovery, resilience, and reclaiming your life after trauma.
Now living in Florida with her wife, former boxer Lisa Holewyne, Christy continues to attend boxing events, give motivational talks, and champion women’s sport from outside the ring.
Who is Christy Martin’s partner now?
Christy Martin is married to Lisa Holewyne, a former professional boxer and one of her former opponents in the ring. The two first fought each other back in 2001 – Christy won that match – but reconnected years later after both had retired from boxing.
Their friendship eventually turned into something more, and the pair married in 2017. Together, they now live in Florida, where they continue to support women’s boxing and advocate for survivors of domestic abuse.
It’s a full-circle love story – from rivals to partners, both in and out of the ring.
We’ll be watching closely – literally. We’re at the screening next week, then chatting with Christy herself to dig into how it felt seeing her life on screen, and what she hopes queer audiences will take away from it.
Whether you’re into sport, queer stories, or just great cinema, Christy looks set to deliver all three.
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
