Ryan Destiny has always been known for her poised, captivating performances, but her latest role as boxing legend Claressa Shields in The Fire Inside required her to dig deeper than ever before—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The film, which chronicles Shields’ rise from a high school junior in Flint, Michigan, to becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing, is a story of unrelenting determination. For Destiny, it was a transformative experience that reshaped her understanding of grit and resilience.

“She’s the epitome of hard work and self-belief,” Destiny reflects on Shields. “Claressa is a living, breathing example of what happens when you believe in yourself more than anyone else does. I think we all know the importance of determination and mental toughness, but witnessing her story brought it into sharp focus for me.”

Portraying Shields wasn’t just about physical preparation—though Destiny underwent intense boxing training to embody the fighter’s movements and stamina. It was also about understanding the mental fortitude required to thrive in a sport that demands as much psychological strength as it does physical power. Destiny discovered parallels between the boxing ring and her own experiences in Hollywood.

“In both spaces, you have to fight for yourself,” she explains. “It’s not easy to thrive in a space where you don’t see a lot of people who look like you. The tunnel vision Claressa had—that unwavering focus—was something I really connected with. Starting so young and pushing through barriers that hadn’t been broken before... it reminded me of the perseverance and self-belief I want to pour into myself.”

The discipline required to portray a world champion boxer extended beyond the physical. Destiny found herself confronting her own vulnerabilities and pushing past limits she didn’t know she had. “Boxing taught me a lot about mental endurance,” she says. “You can’t fake it in the ring. You have to be present, focused, and willing to push past what you think your limits are. It’s a lesson that applies to so much more than boxing—it’s about life.”

Through her portrayal of Shields, Destiny gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience it takes to achieve greatness. For her, the experience wasn’t just about telling Shields’ story; it was about honoring the boxer’s legacy while finding her own strength in the process.

“Claressa’s journey is so inspirational because it’s about more than just winning medals,” Destiny explains. “It’s about proving to yourself that you’re capable of anything, no matter the odds. That’s a mindset I’ve tried to carry with me—whether I’m in front of the camera, writing music, or navigating life in general.”

Destiny hopes that audiences will walk away from The Fire Inside inspired by Shields’ story and reminded of the power of self-belief. “When you watch her journey, you realize how much potential we all have when we push through fear and doubt. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me forever.”

Destiny’s performance in The Fire Inside is a testament to her dedication—not just to her craft, but to the lessons she’s learned along the way. In every punch, every tear, and every triumph, she channels the grit and heart of a champion. The Fire Inside hits theaters on Christmas Day, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience that lies within us all.