"If he didn't come up with it then no 'Rocky,' no 'Creed.'"
Charles emphasized that boxing serves as a universal storytelling framework. "Fight films, fight stories, they are a metaphor for our own struggle," he said.
"That's why boxing is so big and always will be I think because people can relate to a greater or lesser degree."
Ayorinde described her character's situation inside the lavish criminal ecosystem built by her husband.
"Kingsley has created this life for her that's almost like a beautiful prison," she said.
Despite the constraints, Ayorinde highlighted that Joy's understated presence allows her to navigate dangerous dynamics effectively.
Boxing promoter Bobby Harrison noted that blending organized crime with boxing mirrors actual historical reality. "In the 30s, 40s, maybe even 50s, you had the organized crime element.
Gangs were involved, especially in the East Coast," he said.
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"People always like gangster stuff when it comes to TV and movies and at least back then boxing was closely related to organized crime."
