SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) Synopsis: THE FIRE INSIDE is the inspirational true story of Claressa Shields, arguably the greatest female boxer of all time. Claressa, a high school Junior from Flint, Michigan, aided by her tough-love coach, Jason Crutchfield, 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..
Claressa Shields (Ryan Destiny) was met with opposition at every turn inside and outside of the boxing ring. The U.S.A. wasn’t a women’s boxing powerhouse. It would never be a woman’s boxing powerhouse. There’s no point in trying. Besides, girls should be in the kitchen, not the gym. Even her coach, Jason Crutchfield Brian Tyree Henry) wasn’t particularly interested or optimistic about training a female boxer. Claressa endured and fought with more than just a chip on her shoulder. She carried the weight of every woman who wanted to lace up a pair of boxing gloves.
And then success. How do you know when you’ve achieved it? Is it a metal or a trophy? Or is it a bank account brimming with endorsement money? When you are a trailblazer is burning the path enough?
