Claressa Shields, one of the greatest female boxers of all time, will have her life story brought to the big screen this Christmas in “The Fire Inside.”
The film, written by Oscar-winning producer Barry Jenkins (Moonlight) and directed by Oscar nominee Rachel Morrison (Fruitvale Station), stars singer and actress Ryan Destiny (Grown-ish) as Shields, with Academy Award nominee Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) playing her coach, Jason Crutchfield.
Shields, a 2x Olympic Boxing Gold Medalist, 15x World Champion, and 3x undisputed champion, has achieved extraordinary success despite humble beginnings in Flint, Michigan.
She started boxing at age 11, and her relentless drive propelled her to the pinnacle of the sport. Shields made history as the first American woman to win Olympic gold in boxing and was named the 2023 ESPY Boxer of the Year.
The film, “The Fire Inside,” captures her journey from a high school junior in Flint to becoming a world champion.
Shields shared her excitement for the film, praising Ryan Destiny for her portrayal, noting the intense preparation and training that brought her character to life.
“Pressure makes diamonds, and I’m definitely one of those diamonds,” said Shields about the resilience that defines her story.
This inspiring film promises to shed light on Shields’ determination, grit, and the challenges she overcame to become a boxing legend.
