By Alanah Nichole Davis
Special to the AFRO
“They Fight,” a coming-of-age boxing drama, made its streaming debut on Hulu and on Andscape via Disney+ on July 17. The film was released on the same day the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, in partnership with the SNF Parkway Theatre and others, hosted a Baltimore premiere to celebrate the film.
The movie is directed and written by Baltimore native Sheldon Candis, best known for his 2012 crime drama LUV, also set and filmed in Baltimore. While “They Fight” was filmed in Charm City, it centers on a boxing program in Washington, D.C. The film follows Walt Manigan, a returning citizen who, upon coming home, must get back on his feet, reconnect with his love of boxing, grapple with love, addiction and show up for his community, all while confronting a series of barriers, in a story that underscores the impact of mentorship.
In addition to Walt’s storyline, there’s Quincy, played by Toussaint Francois Battiste and Peanut, played by Anthony B. Jenkins. Throughout the film Walt finds himself growing as he coaches his mentees through not only boxing, but life as young boys navigating everything from love to school and loss.
On the red carpet for the premiere, Candis told this writer the film was written with a special purpose.
“I learned how to swim in the YMCA Reservoir Hill,” said Candis. “I feel like it’s a thing where our mentors are in those spaces. This is a love letter to the old school rec centers of our neighborhoods and communities.”
The film has been released just as Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s continues to prioritize rec centers. As of June 2026, Scott’s administration has opened eight new or renovated recreation centers in addition to renovating several of the city’s more than 20 public pools. The investment is part of “Rec Rollout,” Scott’s $120 million initiative, launched in 2023, to revitalize, rebuild and upgrade recreation centers and playgrounds so that every neighborhood has access to modern facilities.
Wendell Pierce, known for his role as Detective Bunk Moreland in “The Wire,” returned to Baltimore for the screening of the “They Fight,” which adds to his 40-year career. Pierce plays Slim, a character he says stood out to him as an amalgamation of the men who taught him throughout his life, including his grandfather, father and other mentors. Pierce said he’s glad to be back in Baltimore.
“Before I came here, I had like a half dozen crabs,” said Pierce. “I’m from New Orleans, so I love my seafood. We’re cousins. Baltimore is like a second home to me. I love Baltimore, and so I love coming back here. I love being here. It’s really great to be here on North Avenue, you know, once again.”
Other well-known actors, like André Holland, Samira Wiley and J. Alphonse Nicholson,all appear in “They Fight.” Baltimore-based actors and actresses who were part of the project include the likes of Rebecca L. Hargrove, who plays a doctor in the movie and is starring in a play set to debut at Baltimore Center Stage called “Bocking,” and Morgan Dixon, who plays a waitress in “They Fight.”
Dixon, who has had her SAG card since 2015, shared insight for up-and-coming talent looking to star in movies or television coming out of Baltimore.
“Create your own opportunities,” said Dixon. “If I had to do it all over again from the very beginning, I still would have been auditioning for other people’s projects, but I would have been creating my own and just working … doing the thing. Don’t wait for anybody else to give you permission to do the thing. Just do it. Don’t wait for anybody else. Just do the thing.”
In addition to featuring several local actors, the film includes local rapper Lonnie Moore co-producing the score and contributing new music to “They Fight,” Nefertiti Powell as head hair stylist, and Emmy-nominated, two-time NAACP Image Award-winning makeup artist Ngozi Olandu Young as head makeup artist for the production.
