Sydney Sweeney and Christy Salters Martin — Best of Sports Illustrated Photos

Sydney Sweeney stars as Christy Salters Martin in Christy, a heroic tale covering the women’s boxing pioneer’s rise, peak celebrity and post-ring triumphs over adversity as a domestic violence survivor. In the latest Sports Illustrated digital cover, Stephanie Apstein looks at how the film offers Sweeney a chance to alter her star persona and portray a harrowing story of survival, in and out of the ring.

Clay Patrick McBride/Sports Illustrated

Behind the Scenes With Sydney Sweeney and Christy Salters Martin

Sports Illustrated handpicked Trinity Boxing Club in New York City as the site of the Sweeney-Salters Martin cover shoot, a school of grit and perseverance overseen by owner and master tutor in the sweet science, Martin Snow. | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

Against the sweat-spattered background of Trinity’s basement walls, two-time Emmy-nominated actress Sweeney discusses her portrayal of Salters Martin, one of women’s boxing’s pioneers. | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

Sweeney herself is no stranger to the hard work and costs of operating in the ring—trained in jujitsu and kickboxing as a teenager, she both drew blood and suffered a concussion during the making of the film, “Christy.” | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

As a woman well-acquainted with the power dynamics present on a film and photo set, Sweeney is self-assured and focused on the curation of her brand. | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

The warmth and affection between Christy and Sydney was palpable on set. | Clay Patrick McBride/Sports Illustrated

For the growing circle of those who know Salters Martin’s story, there’s no question she has earned a little pampering and glam time. | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

Anyone who has worked with Sweeney knows she's not afraid to give her all on set or in the ring. | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

While both women share the common experience of being in the spotlight at a young age, some of the most endearing moments on the SI set occurred when Sweeney’s sweetly deferential attitude toward Christy, and Salters Martin’s protective instinct around Sydney, were on display. | Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

— Captions by James Cecil, Special to Sports Illustrated

On Sydney Sweeney
• Hair by Glen Oropeza at PRTNRS using Kerastase
• Makeup by Melissa Hernandez for A-Frame using Armani Beauty
• Styling by Molly Dickson
• Boxing look: Top by Under Armour; Boxing shoes by Virtuos; Hand wraps by Superare; Necklace by Brilliant Earth;
• Gown look: Gown by Marchesa; Necklace by Brilliant Earth

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More Photos on SI Full Frame

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Sydney Sweeney and Christy Salters Martin — Best of Sports Illustrated Photos.