United Kingdom, Oct. 30 -- Sydney Sweeney identifies with the struggles of boxer Christy Martin.

The 28-year-old actress plays the pioneering fighter in her upcoming film Christy, and made comparisons between their lives and struggles as she accepted an award at Variety's Power of Women event - saying she knows what it feels like "to be underestimated".

Speaking at the Beverly Hills Hotel Sydney took the stage to receive her honour from Sharon Stone and reflected on her role as Christy, saying her story - as a gay woman in boxing who was victimised by her husband and trainer - had resonated deeply with her.

Sydney said: "I'm not a fighter in the ring, but I recognise something of myself in (Christy Martin.)

"I know what it feels like ...