Sydney Sweeney, Christy Martin Reunite for Sports Illustrated Cover [WATCH]

Actress Sydney Sweeney and former world champion boxer Christy Martin appeared together on the December cover of Sports Illustrated, marking another collaboration following the November release of their biographical sports drama, Christy, as reported by The New York Post.

The magazine issue, released Tuesday, features the pair discussing their preparation for the film and their experience bringing Martin’s life story to the screen.

Sydney Sweeney & Christy Martin grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. pic.twitter.com/31eDqSMUiV

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 9, 2025

The cover shoot placed Sweeney, 28, in a white tank top and American flag–themed boxing shorts as she sat in a ring-side stool, while Martin, 57, leaned over her shoulder in a coordinating outfit.

Additional photos from the feature showed Sweeney leaning against the boxing ring ropes with red Superare hand wraps.

Sydney Sweeney for Sports Illustrated. pic.twitter.com/F0UUY78aNL

— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) December 9, 2025

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Other images highlighted a contrast between athletic and formal looks, including Sweeney in a gold Marchesa gown with her hand on Martin’s shoulder while Martin wore a matching blazer, blouse and pants with Marc Fisher shoes.

Sydney Sweeney with Christy Martin for Sports Illustrated December cover page ✨#SydneySweeney pic.twitter.com/KnQN6OeTkJ

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Sweeney described her first meeting with Martin after signing on to the film last year. “I was very surprised I didn’t know who she was,” she told Sports Illustrated.

Rapid fire questions with Sydney Sweeney pic.twitter.com/bDRQZ0FBsE

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 10, 2025

“When I actually got to meet her and get to know her, it’s so inspiring to see how caring and delightful and full of happiness and joy that she is, even though she’s overcome so much.”

Martin became a major figure in women’s boxing after proving herself as a super welterweight champion in 2009.

In November 2010, she survived a violent attack by her then-husband and manager, Jim Martin, in Apopka, Florida.

Jim Martin was later arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Christy Martin married her current partner, Lisa Holewyne, in 2017.

Reflecting on Martin’s resilience, Sweeney said, “The person she is now — it reminds me that no matter what happens, if you always lead with kindness, then you’re on the right path. I definitely felt the weight of the importance of Christy’s story.”

To prepare for the role, Sweeney gained 30 pounds and relocated temporarily from Los Angeles to Idaho for training.

Sydney Sweeney details how she put on 35 lbs. for ‘Christy’ role pic.twitter.com/zYd24LMG3G

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 9, 2025

“I knew that if I kept training in LA or anywhere else, people would start taking photos of me,” she said.

“I wanted to go home. I could disappear, not worry about the outside world and just fully immerse myself in it.”

Christy, directed by David Michôd, earned a reported $2 million on a $15 million budget after its Nov. 7 release. Despite the underperformance, Sweeney defended the film and emphasized its deeper themes.

In a message posted to social media Tuesday, she wrote, “This is the most important film I’ve ever made. For 20 years, Christy Martin was one of the strongest women in the world inside the ring. But at home, she was abused and nearly killed by the man who claimed to love her.”

“Her story isn’t just about boxing,” Sweeney said. “It’s about identity, survival, and the unimaginable strength it takes to reclaim your life after someone has taken everything from you.”

She closed with, “Thank you for watching. Thank you for sharing. I hope Christy stays with you long after the credits roll. It has for me.”

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