CELEB NEWS

Thriving in a sport that places limitations on those who are perceived to be less fortunate requires more than just a natural athleticism. The new sports biopic, The Fire Inside, which chronicles the origin story of boxer Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, showcases how she embraced both her strengths and limitations to become an Olympic gold medal-winning athlete.

The Fire Inside marks the feature film directorial debut of Black Panther cinematographer, Rachel Morrison. The new drama was penned by Oscar-winning screenwriter, Barry Jenkins. The scribe served as a producer, while Morrison and Shields acted as executive producers, on the movie.

The Fire Inside tells the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields (played by Ryan Destiny in an Independent Spirit Award-nominated role). She has become considered by many to be the greatest female boxer of all time.

Claressa, a high school junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield (portrayed by Brian Tyree Henry in a Gotham Award-nominated performance), pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.

Amazon MGM Studios will distribute The Fire Inside in theaters on December 25, 2024. To help promote the biopic’s release, Morrison, Destiny, Henry and Shields generously took the time recently to talk about the feature and the boxer’s career during an press conference over Zoom.

Q: Rachel, The Fire Inside marks your directorial debut and what a story to start with. What was it about Claressa’s journey and her story that made you tap in and say, “This is the story that I want to tell”?

Rachel Morrison: I think it started with the fact that I didn’t know it. Claressa is such a badass force and an incredible athlete, and I follow sports. So for me to not know it, it felt like there was something wrong in the universe. I think Barry (Jenkins) had the same response, which s what inspired him to take on the project as well

I’d been reading for a long time and looking for something that felt meaningful and additive in the universe and that I could be additive to. There were things that I saw from my experiences being a female DP (Director of Photography) that I could put into it, as well. But really it’s just Claressa’s story deserved to be out there.

Q: Ryan, where were you in the world when The Fire Inside came to you? What was that audition process like? Why did you say, “I have to be a part of this film?”

Ryan Destiny: I think I was in L.A. I was working on another project at the time, and this one came in just like any other project does with your team to audition. So I just went in for it and I did my self-tape. I didn’t think too much of it because I just knew how competitive it would be. I knew how special the project was and how incredible everyone was that was behind it.

So it was just a thing where I was like, let’s just see how this goes and let’s see what happens. So it was fairly normal, just like any other thing you do. Then the callbacks came and I was really shocked that that even happened itself. So it was really cool. But I was out in L.A. during that time in my life.

Q: Was this a story that you were familiar with, too, or was it a lot of new information for you?

Ryan Destiny: It was a lot of new information. So you know, I think for all of us, it was just unbelievable that we didn’t know much about the story. I think that that’s also for other people who need to really see this film and get familiar with, and understand, the history that she’s made and how iconic she is. So it was just interesting to learn so much more when I had to audition.

BOXING

‘Robbery!’ – Daniel Dubois crashes Oleksandr Usyk interview after Tyson Fury fight to demand ‘revenge’

Daniel Dubois crashed Oleksandr Usyk’s celebration speech to demand a rematch with the Ukrainian after his victory over Tyson Fury. The British challenger, who lost to Usyk in August 2023, infiltrated the interview and grabbed the mic from Usyk to demand his “revenge.” Usyk beat Fury 116-112 in their rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday to retain his heavyweight titles.

Daniel Dubois crashed Oleksandr Usyk’s celebration speech after the latter’s victory over Tyson Fury, demanding a rematch with the Ukrainian.

Usyk was fresh from winning a unanimous decision victory over Fury in the long-anticipated rematch between the two, retaining his heavyweight titles in Riyadh with a 116-112 scorecard.

Dubois, who picked up the IBF title by beating Filip Hrgovic in June, was in attendance at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia.

“Usyk! I want my revenge. I want my revenge Usyk,” Dubois said after grabbing the mic.

“Well done on tonight, well done on tonight, god bless. I want my revenge for the robbery last time. Let’s get it. Let’s go.

“Where’s Frank? Make it happen.”

Usyk beat Dubois in August 2023 in Poland, stopping the young Brit in the ninth round of a bruising fight.

The fifth round saw Dubois drop Usyk to the canvas with a punch on the beltline that was ruled as a low blow.

After being given four minutes to recover, Usyk drew on his superior experience and determination to beat Dubois into submission.

When asked about a fight with Dubois, Usyk simply said: “Yeah, no problem.

“I am ready, next fight no problem. Now I wanna (go) back home, a little bit of rest, and I’m ready.

“Your excellency, make me a fight with Daniel Dubois.”

‘Thank you God’

Prior to Dubois’ interruption, Usyk was asked his thoughts on the judge’s scorecard for his rematch with Fury, which he won 116-12.

“I win. It’s good,” he said in the ring. “I’m not a judge, I’m a sportsman, I’m a athlete. It’s not my deal. I win, thank you God.

When asked how he keeps improving even as he approaches his 38th birthday, he joked, “I don’t know. Maybe I am training, preparing well. My wife helped me.

“It’s a very happy day. My sons won competitions too in judo. My son talked to me ‘Hey papa, you’re next.’ I say ‘Okay, I try’.”

Talking about Fury, who did not stay in the ring for an interview after the fight, the 37-year-old said:

“He is a great fighter, he is a great opponent. An unbelievable 24 rounds for my career. Thank you so much.”

While speaking in Ukrainian, he added: “I want to devote this victory to my mother. She’s worrying about me all the time and I want to say to her thank you very much for everything you’ve done for me,

“I give all this to her and all mothers of Ukraine.”

BOXING

Mike Tyson hints at the return everyone has been waiting for after abandoning it for Jake Paul

Iron Mike gives one-word verdict on Hotboxin’ podcast future

Almost 257 episodes later and a journey spanning almost five years, the Hotboxin’ podcast saw its closure earlier this year

The beloved podcast hosted by Mike Tyson had everything you would have liked: celebrity guests, unfiltered conversations and your favorite “Iron Mike“. But since it closed, fans have been wondering if there will be another edition of the show. Will the podcast return? The former world champion has dropped an important hint.

Will Mike Tyson’s Hotboxin’ be reborn?

Tyson, 58, had to end Hotboxin’ due to his other commitments. But his scheduled fight with Jake Paul was like a death sentence

He was finding it difficult to juggle his business ventures and the Hotboxin’ podcast. The added burden of training had a knock-on effect on the recording of the podcast. He stated earlier this year:

So when Tyson, 50-7, appeared in an interview with FOX, the co-hosts were excited about the recent commercial success of the Paul vs. Tyson fight. They also wanted to know if the new popularity could help revive Hotboxin’. To this, Tyson explained how the podcast started. He said: “This is something fun. My wife got me into this. Yeah, it’s not that it doesn’t drive me crazy, I don’t love it. I love it like crazy. But I’m really good at it, yeah.”

After this, Brooklyn gave his one-word response as to whether fans could expect anything from the podcast soon. He continued: “Yes.” But will former co-host Eben Britton also return? We’re not sure. Before the podcast is dated, one might expect Tyson to appear in another Netflix venture: his docuseries.

Mike Tyson returns to the spotlight on Netflix

Thank you for watching

The three-part docuseries will recall Tyson’s famous and infamous accolades and acts, which made him one of the most popular faces of all time. In the same conversation, he addressed the subject and added: “We’re working on it right now. We’re doing everything that’s about to come out of my new show. It will be on Netflix.”

When the series was announced, Tyson told Netflix: “Most people are too afraid to look at their lives objectively, wanting to paint themselves as the hero of their own story… Having the opportunity to share my story through the thoughtful lens of my growth and maturity… will be a challenging, but very welcome journey.”

You can expect three-hour-long episodes, which will consist of interviews with Tyson, his confidants and colleagues, and will give you an insight into his personal life and how he and his close friends saw his illustrious life unfold.

What do you think of these comments from Mike Tyson? Do you think fans will get another edition of Hotboxin’?

BOXING

Gervonta Davis And Ryan Garcia Both Want Rematch But Can’t Agree On One Term: “Stop The Talk”

Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia remain rivals despite their blockbuster fight a couple of years ago.

It was one of the most anticipated fights of the year when Davis and Garcia squared off at the Barclays Center in New York in April 2023.

‘Tank’ took full control of the bout in just the second round when he dropped Garcia, before then earning another knockdown in the seventh after a big body shot, with ‘King Ry’ unable to recover and beat the count, handing Davis the victory.

While several years may have passed since their first meeting, both men appear keen to step back into the ring once again, although there are differing terms for how they want it to play out.

It began when Garcia laid out on social media that he would want the fight to be at a catchweight between super-lightweight and welterweight, after their first fight was held at a 136lb catchweight and ‘King Ry’ felt he was weight drained in the bout.

“Everyone wanna talk about the little stupid Tank. Let’s fight. Enough of that funny talk. Come see me at 144 and let’s stop the talk.

Davis has since responded whilst speaking to ESNews, insisting that the fight would have to take place at the official super-lightweight weight class of 140lbs.

“Yeah [it’s a massive fight]. But not at 143 [or 144], why 143? Probably at 140, that’s the next weight class up from 135, it’s the weight class he fights at. Let’s do 140 and he can rehydrate back up to 150, or the most 152, I’m 135 brother.”

If a Garcia rematch can’t be made, another potential option for Davis is a showdown against Shakur Stevenson, and ‘Tank’ has discussed the prospect of the fight happening.

BOXING

Floyd Mayweather breaks records with most expensive rental of luxury apartment in New York

The multimillionaire former boxer found a passion in real estate

After a long search, Floyd Mayweather Jr found a luxurious apartment in Manhattan. The former world boxing champion already has another passion in real estate investment, and would be paying the figure of $100,000 per month for this residence.

“Money” assures that she moves from place to place for commercial reasons, as most of her money is invested in New York and she needed to settle in those lands

By the way, it is not the first property he has near that county, according to several media reports, Floyd has a huge room in the Baccarat Hotel and Residences.

All the details of the luxury apartment

Apparently, this residence was in the power of Travis Kalanick, former CEO of Uber.

The apartment has a rooftop pool. It is practically a huge 30-story building, it was built in 2016 by the Italian architect, Renzo Piano

It seems that it was quite a challenge for Mayweather to find the perfect place, as he also took a look at a building with furniture at $95,000 per month on Leonard St, Tribeca and a five-bedroom penthouse worth $80,000 per month near the same location, but in the end he decided to go for another option.

Is Floyd returning to boxing in 2025?

On the other hand, it is said that in Saudi Arabia they want to convince “Money” to participate in the Riyadh Season with an exhibition boxing match. According to some reports, his opponent could be Mario Barrios, and the card could have a legends theme and the idea is that it will take place in March 2025

If the money is right, it seems that Floyd Mayweather Jr. would return to the ring with an exhibition, something that happened during 2024 with his fights with John Gotti III.

BOXING

Terence Crawford Summed Up How A Fight Against Floyd Mayweather Would Go In Just 3 Words

Terence Crawford is currently 41 fights undefeated, nine off Floyd Mayweather‘s incredible record of 50-0.

The switch hitter from Omaha, Nebraska is a four-weight world champion with 31 stoppages to his name. He most recently won the WBA World Title in the super-welterweight ranks with a decision win over Israil Madrimov. That was the fourth division in which Crawford has won belts. He has also been undisputed in two – one of only three men to achieve that in the four-belt era.

As Crawford continues to stake his claim as the best of a generation, fans are debating how he fares compared to the all-time greats. One intriguing fantasy match-up is against the last dominant American, Floyd Mayweather.

‘Money’ Mayweather famously retired undefeated in 2017 as one of the most lucrative stars the sport of boxing has ever seen. The defensive master beat the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Manny Pacquiao, Shane Mosley and Oscar De La Hoya. Would Crawford be on that list if the pair had crossed paths?

Asked on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast how he would do against Mayweather, Crawford didn’t hesitate to back himself.

Crawford’s trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre shares the same prediction, though he admits he is, like Crawford, biased.

“There are two things. For one, Crawford is like my son, so I’m going to always go with him.

“Terence has that dog in him.”Terence didn’t get to where he is now overnight, it’s taken years and years.

“But, if you put ‘Bud’ in there in his prime with Mayweather in his prime, then of course Mayweather is gonna be the smarter one, but I think ‘Bud’ will have more dog in him.”

Whether or not ‘Bud’ could break the famed defences of Mayweather down will always be resigned to debate. Meanwhile, Crawford chases his own fight with Canelo which would require him to jump up a further two weight classes.

CELEB NEWS

Simone Biles’ Parents’ Latest Decision Threaten’s Gymnast’s Major Paris Olympics Memorabilia

Simone Biles definitely had a Paris Olympics campaign to remember. The gymnast arrived in the French city with a point to prove after her withdrawal from Tokyo left many doubting her potential to compete again at the big stage. But, when odds stack up against someone who is absolutely brilliant at their job, that’s when they shine through even more. Simone ended up winning four medals in Paris with three golds and one silver.

Thus, the gymnast can look back and remember Paris quite fondly. To help her do this, Simone Biles even brought herself a soft toy version of the Olympic mascot called the Phryges. The mascot, which is meant to represent liberty, one ideal of the French Revolution, was not liked by the audience when it was first introduced. But it eventually grew on them, with many praising the red anthropomorphic cap and buying it, which led to huge sales of it in the country.

Thus, Simone Biles had also bought one herself to keep as a memento. However, her toy seems to be threatened by the arrival of a new member of the Biles family. On December 24th, Simone posted a photo on her Instagram story introducing the world to her parent’s new puppy. She captioned the story, saying, “My parents got a new puppy.” While this generated its fair share of buzz, it was the next story that caught fan’s attention.

Simone Biles posted another story of the dog after that, showing her keeping the Paris Olympics mascot by her side while she chews on a different toy. It seemed that the mascot was also about to have the same fate, seemingly worrying the gymnast. She captioned the story, saying, “& her favorite toy is Mr. Paris. ‘I will not freak out. I will not freak out.” Thus, it will take some time for Simone to get used to the animal. But the gymnast has always had a connection with dogs.

In fact, during the Olympics, Simone Biles and team USA had taken a therapy dog with them named Beacon, who had been introduced to them during the trials. He had been a source of comfort to the whole team, including the gymnast, and benefited their mental well-being.

The ‘Goodest Boy’ of the US team also highlighted the modern-day struggle of mental health for athletes, which might affect their performances. Of course, the biggest example here is Simone’s Tokyo campaign itself. Thus, there is quite a good chance that Beacon’s presence in the team might have played a role in Simone Biles’ extraordinary performance. This shows that she has always been deeply connected with dogs.

Simone Biles wanted a dog during her childhood

BOXING

3x Undisputed Boxing Champion Claressa Shields Left Tearful on Christmas Day for a Surprising Reason

Two-division undisputed champion Claressa Shields, who is set to face Danielle Perkins on February 2 in pursuit of becoming undisputed in a third weight class, was moved to tears by the overwhelming support her movie ‘The Fire Inside’ is receiving upon release on Christmas Day. So, the undefeated ‘GOWAT’ of boxing has taken to social media to express her gratitude.

Shields, who proudly refers to herself as a three-division undisputed champion on her X bio, first watched the movie based on her life in January 2024. The film chronicles her inspiring journey from her upbringing in Flint, Michigan, to her rise as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and boxing icon.

The Flint, Michigan native has already declared the movie “very accurate,” having played a hands-off role in the making of the film—reports reveal she had just OK’d the script. Shields also seems to have had lengthy conversations with producer Barry Jenkins to ensure she was fine with sharing intricate and personal details of her life through the movie.

‘T-Rex’ secured gold in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, which made her the first American boxer, regardless of sex, to win gold in back-to-back Olympic Games. The movie’s main premise explores Shields’ road to London, concluding as she starts training for Rio. Regardless, with the movie ready to hit the theaters tonight—Shields preemptively thanked her fans.

“I’m crying my eyes out,” she wrote on X. “All the support for ‘The Fire Inside’ is so touching! Changing so many hearts & lives! Everyone who got tickets thank you so much. It means the world!” Meanwhile, Claressa Shields has revealed what she wants the movie to do for her fans!

Claressa Shields on Ryan Destiny portraying her in the movie

“I want them to see everything wasn’t easy,” the undefeated boxer said in a conversation with ESPN. “It was hard mentally and physically and emotionally and it took a lot to overcome those things, but I wanted those things to be in there, because I’m not ashamed of them, and I think it’ll help somebody else.”

BOXING

AI Predicts Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua in 2025

If Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua were to fight in 2025, what could we expect? Well, we have taken it upon ourselves to ask ChatGPT to predict the superfight should it take place in the new year. Taking into consideration their strengths and weaknesses, and also analysing what position they will be in in 2025, AI has come out with a winner, so let’s dive in and take a look.

Everyone knows the strengths of Fury. The Gypsy King has incredible agility for a man of his size (6’9″, 270+ lbs), exceptional boxing IQ, and the ability to switch tactics during a fight. With only two defeats on his record, both coming against, arguably, one of the greatest boxers of all time, Tyson poses a threat to boxers like not many can. In comparison to Fury, Joshua is an elite athlete with incredible physical power (6’6″, 240-250 lbs). His fundamentals — jab, straight right hand, and combination punching — are solid, and when he boxes intelligently, he’s hard to beat. His ability to hurt opponents with just one punch is a significant asset.

Weaknesses

Despite their glaring strengths, both fighters have weaknesses that can be exposed. Despite his size and agility, Fury’s occasional lapses in focus, especially in earlier rounds, have been seen. His stamina and ability to stay focused over 12 rounds have also been questioned, especially in tough, gruelling fights. Joshua, meanwhile, has shown some vulnerability to pressure fighters who can push him into uncomfortable situations, like Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk. He’s been criticised for lacking the aggressive, relentless streak that would enable him to break down a champion like Fury. He also struggles under sustained pressure, especially if he’s rocked or hurt early in a fight.

State of Fighters in 2025

Depending on when the two meet inside the ring, Fury could be 37 and Joshua could be 36. The former has been one of the most active top-tier heavyweights, but there will be questions about his longevity. He may have slowed down slightly in terms of reflexes, but his experience and ring generalship will still be formidable. Assuming he’s still at the top of his game, he could enter the fight as the favourite due to his ability to box at long range, avoid damage, and adapt in real time. If AJ has successfully rebuilt himself after his loss to Daniel Dubois and improved his mental game and tactical discipline, he could come in sharper and more confident than in previous years. His form will depend heavily on his ability to regain his composure and mindset after the setbacks he’s faced.

BOXING

Frank Warren hits out at ‘bulls*’ claims after Tyson Fury accused of breaking rules against Oleksandr Usyk

Frank Warren has hit out at ‘bullsh*t’ claims after Tyson Fury was accused of breaking the rules in his fight against Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Usyk in Saturday’s rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The scoring angered the Brit, who slammed the verdict in new backstage footage.

His long-time promoter Warren also made his feelings clear as he gave an astonishing post-fight interview in the ring, with the scorecards in his hands.

A couple of days removed from the world championship showdown, Warren has launched an outburst at claims Fury broke the rules before the bout.

Boxing fans had accused the self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ of having his shorts pulled up too high for his bout against Usyk.

But the 72-year-old has jumped to Fury’s defence, passionately refuting the suggestion that his fighter’s kit was illegal.

“One of the journalists talking about him wearing his shorts up to underneath his nipples… bullsh*t is it,” he told Box Nation.

“The referee came in the dressing room before the fight. The way he wore them was legal. Did you hear one complaint about that from the other side?

“None at all… some idiot in there who knows nothing about boxing coming out with that and it’s just, I don’t know, I just find it ridiculous some of this stuff.”

Frank Warren alongside Tyson Fury for a press conference. Image: Getty

Warren also shared his thoughts on Fury’s beard, which came under scrutiny ahead of his rematch.

But the legendary promoter described the situation a ‘non-issue’ in yet another rant.

“A non-issue,” he replied when asked about Fury’s beard. “A total lot of crap and a non-issue. If it was illegal, then they wouldn’t have allowed him to wear his beard.