Actress Sydney Sweeney paid a moving tribute to Christy Martin at the 2025 Variety Power of Women event held at The Beverly Hills Hotel. The “Euphoria” star dedicated her recognition to the trailblazing boxer, calling Martin “a hero and an ultimate underdog.” Sweeney’s speech celebrated Martin’s remarkable journey of survival, resilience, and advocacy. The emotional moment received a standing ovation and has since gained wide praise online for highlighting women’s strength in the face of adversity.
At Thursday’s Variety Power of Women ceremony, Sydney Sweeney used her platform to honor Christy Martin, the former professional boxer who broke barriers in a male-dominated sport. Sweeney spoke passionately about Martin’s struggles both inside and outside the ring — from enduring gender discrimination to surviving a violent attack by her ex-husband in 2010.
The event spotlighted influential women across entertainment and advocacy, with Sweeney’s tribute standing out for its emotional depth and real-life inspiration.
Quotes and Audience Reactions
During her speech, Sweeney said, “Christy’s strength isn’t just in her punches — it’s in her heart.”
She described Martin as “a fighter who kept standing when life tried to knock her down.”
The audience at The Beverly Hills Hotel responded with long applause.
Variety reported that attendees and fellow honorees called the speech “empowering” and “one of the most heartfelt moments of the night.”
Social media reactions echoed the sentiment, with fans commending Sweeney for using her spotlight to celebrate a real-life survivor’s courage.
Why This Tribute Matters
Sweeney’s speech not only honored Christy Martin’s legacy but also drew attention to the broader issues of domestic violence and women’s empowerment in sports.
Her dedication gained additional significance as she is set to portray Martin in the upcoming biopic “Christy,” which will explore the boxer’s rise in the 1990s and her subsequent recovery after the 2010 attack.
The project reinforces Sweeney’s commitment to telling stories that merge athletic achievement with human resilience.
Upcoming Project and Awareness
Production for “Christy” is expected to begin in early 2026, with Sweeney starring as Christy Martin and producing under her Fifty-Fifty Films banner.
Industry insiders believe the film could bring renewed recognition to Martin’s groundbreaking boxing career and her advocacy for survivors of domestic abuse.
As the buzz grows following Sweeney’s tribute, both fans and sports enthusiasts are looking forward to how this story will unfold on screen.
Sources
Variety
Associated Press
Reuters
