50 Cent Steps Into the Ring with Boxing Drama 'Fightland'

Starz's new drama "Fightland" plunges viewers into the gritty world of British boxing, centering on Maduka "Duke" Kilroy, portrayed by Howard Charles. Duke's journey to the pinnacle of the sport is shattered by tragedy, igniting a quest for vengeance against those he holds responsible.

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I think it goes all the way back to Rome. It’s the gladiators, it’s our modern-day version of it.

Adding star power and industry insight is Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, who executive produces the series. Jackson brings a personal connection to the sport, having ventured into boxing promotion with his company SMS Promotions from 2012 to 2015. He views boxing as a modern-day gladiator sport, emphasizing the intense discipline and unique individual struggle inherent in the competition.

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it’s the only sport that you can’t pass anyone the ball.

"Fightland" premieres Friday, tapping into a long-standing American fascination with boxing narratives. This renewed interest is further fueled by the buzz surrounding the forthcoming Sylvester Stallone biopic, "I Play Rocky." When asked about his preference between the original "Rocky" and its sequel "Creed," Jackson unequivocally chose "Rocky," praising Stallone's self-made success during that era.

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To me with Stallone, what he did in that period was so incredible because sometimes we gotta make it, we gotta come up with it ourselves and make it. If he didn’t come up with it then no ‘Rocky,’ no ‘Creed.’

Howard Charles, who embodies Duke, sees fight stories as powerful metaphors for life's struggles. "To live is to fight," he stated, reflecting the show's core theme. "We're all fighting for something, be it love, money or whatever." This sentiment resonates throughout the series, with co-stars like Deborah Ayorinde and Nicholas Pinnock highlighting how every character grapples with internal or external battles, making the drama relatable to both boxing aficionados and general audiences.

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Fight films, fight stories, they are a metaphor for our own struggle. That’s why boxing is so big and always will be I think because people can relate to a greater or lesser degree.