The True Story Behind The Fire Inside

Written by Barry Jenkins and directed by Rachel Morrison, The Fire Inside is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, played by Ryan Destiny. Shields is arguably the greatest female boxer of all time.

The Challenges Claressa Shields Faced Outside the Ring

Dealing with her mother’s addiction and lack of necessities, Shields was a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan. Her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, played by Brian Tyree Henry, helped her push past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.

The Lasting Legacy of Claressa Shields

But even at the pinnacle of success, Shields has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun. Getting recognition for being the greatest female boxer beyond the ring was a challenge in itself. The movie takes you on her roller coaster ride from learning to box and finding fame in the ring to facing poverty and difficult living conditions after the 2012 Olympics.