Sydney Sweeney is closing out a major year in her career, and she is marking it with a bold new Sports Illustrated cover. The actress stars in the lead role in Christy, a biopic about legendary boxer Christy Martin, a role that has pushed her into intense physical preparation. As part of promotions for the film, Sports Illustrated chose her for a boxing-themed cover that highlights strength, discipline, and the athletic focus she has embraced while training for the film. The result is striking, but Sweeney’s Sports Illustrated cover has sparked mixed reactions online.
Fans react to Sydney Sweeney’s SI cover
In the cover image, Sydney Sweeney sits inside a boxing ring wearing a white tank top, American-flag shorts, red wraps, and lace-up boots. Her hair is tousled for a gritty, training look. Christy Martin stands behind her in matching athletic gear, resting a hand on Sweeney’s shoulder to emphasize their connection in the film.
When PopCrave posted the cover on X (formerly Twitter), reactions came fast. Many viewers praised the collaboration and the symbolism behind the image. One user wrote, “Sydney’s elegance meets Christy’s power — perfect balance.” Another added, “It’s a great tribute to the strength of female boxing.” Supporters appreciated how the shoot honoured both the sport and Martin’s legacy. However, some users were less enthusiastic. A few felt certain poses looked awkward or didn’t match their expectations of a boxing-themed shoot. Others said the styling leaned more fashion-forward than athletic.
According to The New York Post, the magazine aimed for a cinematic feel rather than a literal boxing portrait. This vision explains the stylised gloves, bold poses, and sharp editorial lighting that sparked such varied opinions. The goal was to merge film promotion with editorial storytelling, not replicate a realistic fight scene.
As the conversation continues, the Sweeney’s cover shows how a single image can generate excitement and debate around a biopic.
