Sydney Sweeney is set to star in an upcoming biopic where she'll portray legendary former boxer Christy Martin. The movie set to be helmed by The King's David Michôd is being described as "female Rocky".

The biopic chronicles Martin's journey to becoming the "female Rocky", elevating herself through the ranks to become one of the most recognizable fighters of the '90s and the first female boxer to sign with polarizing promoter Don King. The movie is expected to tackle her rise to fame, meeting her manager and later husband, Jim Martin, personal demons and a near-fatal incident, all as she ascended to become the welterweight champion.

This is ripe material for Sweeney given the Euphoria and White Lotus star’s passion for boxing and MMA. The actress told Deadline: "I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old. I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself."

She continued: "Christy Martin not only legitimized female boxing, she overcame gender stereotypes, and fought through emotional, physical, and financial abuse. I’m passionate about the fighting world, Christy’s story shines a light on her incredible rise to the top while showing the struggles of fame behind the curtains. I feel compelled to tell a story about a woman who faced so much adversity and didn’t allow it to defeat her. It’s powerful, and emotional."

Director Michôd told us: "I have a history of making movies about damaged men and I’d been wanting to make a film about a woman with a ferocious energy inside her. When I came across the Christy Martin story two years ago I knew I’d found it. Her ferocity is intelligible and justifiable and audiences will crave it because of the circumstances she was forced to endure".

Source: Press Release