Ice Cube was originally cast as coach Jason Crutchfield in 2020. However, Cube left the project over a year later after refusing to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Brian Tyree Henry eventually got the part.
Universal Pictures was originally going to make the movie, and after he first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, it was moved to MGM.
Before filming began, Ryan Destiny had never boxed before and did not even considered herself to be athletic. She trained for nearly seven months with a boxing coach, although her sparring time was limited because producers did not want her seriously hurt before filming.
Claressa Shields admitted at first that she didn't think Ryan Destiny was a good choice to play her. After meeting with Destiny and seeing her act, Shields reportedly told Destiny, "You're the only one who can play this part."