The series draws inspiration from real-life figures, with characters like Mary Carr and Hezekiah Moscow rooted in historical research by Sarah Elizabeth Cox. The setting of 1880s East London, rife with boxing culture, is characterized by a mix of entertainment and criminality, revealing a community that thrives amidst squalor. Historians David Olusoga and Cox stress the importance of depicting diverse, working-class narratives, countering traditional portrayals focused on the affluent. Their insights highlight the significance of location, as London, particularly the East End, plays an integral role in shaping the characters and stories within the show.
In East London in the early 1880s, there were many pubs with boxing rings, supporting a community where boxing nights combined grim life with entertainment.
David Olusoga emphasizes that the series portrays working-class characters from diverse backgrounds, giving a voice to those often excluded from mainstream narratives.
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