In the compelling biographical drama The Fire Inside, Ryan Destiny delivers a knockout performance as Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, the trailblazing boxing phenom from Flint, Michigan. The film, which is now streaming on Prime, dives into Shields’ inspiring journey from adversity to Olympic glory—and the unflinching grit it took to stay there.
The Fire Inside, directed by Rachel Morrison and written by Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins, is more than just a sports film. It’s a raw, emotionally charged portrait of a woman battling both in and out of the ring. Claressa Shields’ story burns with intensity, showing her rise from hardship to Olympic glory—and leaving a lasting impact long after the final scene.
Ryan Destiny brings serious fire (and some serious punches) to the role. To prepare, she trained extensively and consulted directly with Shields to accurately portray her fierce attitude and athletic prowess. In our interview, Ryan Destiny opened up about the challenge of stepping into Claressa Shields’ fierce fighting shoes—especially since she’d never thrown a punch before. “The physicality of it was really challenging for me because I’m really not athletic,” she shared. “I did not play sports, so I train with my amazing boxing trainer. He treated me like a fighter and not an actor.”
Watch Our Interview With Ryan Destiny
Originally released in winter 2024, The Fire Inside continues to make waves—especially now that it’s available to stream. The film continues to gain momentum, and Oscar buzz followed Destiny closely after its release. Critics praised her transformation and emotional depth, calling it her most commanding role yet.
But The Fire Inside does more than tell a rags-to-riches story. It highlights a glaring issue in sports: the lack of recognition for female athletes. One powerful scene shows Shields standing in front of shelves lined with cereal boxes. Each one features a male athlete. The moment highlights the lack of media and marketing recognition for women in sports—even champions like Claressa.
On another note, the fire surrounding Shields hasn’t been limited to the silver screen. Off-screen, the boxing champ has made headlines due to public drama involving Remy Ma and rapper Papoose. Social media lit up with rumors and accusations, including claims that Remy Ma blamed Shields for interfering in her marriage. While the drama continues to unfold, both Shields and Destiny are staying focused. They’re keeping the spotlight on Shields’ career and legacy—not the gossip.
Destiny’s recent tweets drive that point home even more.
More than a biopic, The Fire Inside is a mood. It’s a powerful shoutout to resilience, realness, and a woman who carved her own path in a man’s world.If you’re all about the raw grind, Ryan Destiny’s top tier performance, or a story that packs a serious punch, this film doesn’t just play—it rules. Check it out now on Prime Video!
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