They Fight

Reformed ex-convict Walt Manigan returns home to rebuild his family with the love of his life, Ketta. His path leads him to a boxing gym inside a D.C. youth recreation center about to be closed. There, he works under the wise coach Slim to mentor a group of boys to train for the junior national boxing tournament, all leading to a showdown between best friends Quincey and Peanut as they battle for a spot on the U.S. Junior Olympic Team.

Critics found a sincere but uneven sports drama whose social perspective and performances are stronger than its familiar storytelling.

• The adolescent boxers represent Southeast Washington DC while pursuing national titles as a group.
• Walt is a formerly incarcerated coach whose personal history informs his relationship with the young boxers.
• The plot follows a group of adolescent boxers traveling together to defend their national titles.
• The young athletes pursue national competition through training and mentorship in a challenging community context.

• The Fightershared sports drama structure, underdog athletes, mentorship, and community resilience
• Southpawshared boxing focus, troubled personal histories, disciplined training, and emotional redemption
• McFarland, USAshared youth sports, disadvantaged communities, determined mentorship, and uplifting competitive stakes

Director

Sheldon Candis

Release Date

2026-06-08

Runtime

95 min

Rating

4.6 / 10 (5)

What is They Fight about?

Young boxers and a formerly incarcerated coach fight to preserve their championship legacy while carrying the hopes of their Washington, DC community.

What is They Fight like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of They Fight as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is They Fight violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in They Fight as moderate.

What did critics think of They Fight?

Critics found a sincere but uneven sports drama whose social perspective and performances are stronger than its familiar storytelling.

Which films are like They Fight?

Films with a similar feel include The Fighter, Southpaw, and McFarland, USA.

How long is They Fight?

They Fight runs 95 minutes.

Where can I watch They Fight?

In United States, They Fight streams on Hulu.