The challenge it is to get in boxing shape is nothing to play with, and Jake Gyllenhaal now knows firsthand how difficult a boxer’s life can be due to his transformation into his “Southpaw” character Billy “The Great” Hope.

“Southpaw” has released some brand new, never-before-seen footage of the type of training regimen Gyllenhaal had to undergo to get the proper fighting physique. Not only did he get his body in shape, but he got his mind geared towards fighting as well. At the end of the journey, Gyllenhaal was fully immersed in the life of a light heavyweight champion within a few months. The clip is below the post; check it out and then decide if you could go through that kind of rigorous training.

“Southpaw” is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Kurt Sutter. Along with Gyllenhaal, the film stars Rachel McAdams, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Clare Foley, Miguel Gomez, Victor Ortiz, Rita Ora and Naomie Harris. The film follows a boxer who is facing the challenge of his life. The only way to get his life back is to head back into the ring.

“From acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY) and screenwriter Kurt Sutter (“Sons of Anarchy “), SOUTHPAW tells the riveting story of Billy “The Great” Hope, reigning Junior Middleweight Boxing Champion of the World (Academy Award® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal). Billy Hope seemingly has it all with an impressive career, a beautiful and loving wife (Rachel McAdams), an adorable daughter (Oona Laurence) and a lavish lifestyle. When tragedy strikes and his lifelong manager and friend (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) leaves him behind, Hope hits rock bottom and turns to an unlikely savior at a run-down local gym: Tick Willis (Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker), a retired fighter and trainer to the city’s toughest amateur boxers. With his future riding on Tick’s guidance and tenacity, Billy enters the hardest battle of his life as he struggles with redemption and to win back the trust of those he loves.”

“Southpaw” comes to theaters July 24.

jake-gyllenhaal-southpaw

By Monique Jones

Monique Jones blogs about race and culture in entertainment, particularly movies and television. You can read her articles at Racialicious, and her new site, COLOR . You can also listen to her new podcast, What would Monique Say.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *