 |
| Where Was Undercard Filmed? All the Shooting Locations Behind the 2025 Boxing Movie. (Photo: IMDb) |
Undercard (2025) wasn’t just powered by emotional punches and gritty ring scenes — its filming locations played a massive role in shaping the film’s raw, sun-drenched atmosphere. Shot primarily in Puerto Rico, the movie blends intense boxing drama with tropical backdrops that quietly elevate the storytelling. While not every exact address was revealed during production — partly to avoid on-set disruptions — we now have a clearer picture of where this mother-and-son fight story came to life.
Starring Wanda Sykes in her first major dramatic film role as former two-time champion Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart, the film follows her character’s attempt to reconnect with her son Keith (played by Bentley Green) while training him for a World Championship bout. Directed by Tamika Miller, Undercard began principal photography in July 2024, marking another big-scale production for Catalyst Studios on the island.
Confirmed Filming Locations of Undercard (2025)
1. Puerto Rico (Primary Filming Base)
Principal photography officially began in Puerto Rico, and much of the movie was filmed across the island. The production was overseen locally by producers Frances Lausell and Andres Ramirez.
 |
Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island territory of the United States, is known for:
-
Warm tropical weather
-
Mountain ranges and coastal cliffs
-
Historic Spanish-era architecture
-
Vibrant street culture
Though the film’s storyline doesn’t heavily lean on tourism visuals, the island’s atmosphere subtly frames the emotional intensity of Cheryl and Keith’s journey. From humid gym interiors to wide open coastal training sequences, Puerto Rico’s natural lighting gives the film a grounded, almost documentary feel.
Not all specific neighbourhoods were publicly disclosed at the time of filming — reportedly to avoid crowds interfering with production. Still, several key areas have been identified.
San Juan – The Cultural Core
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is widely believed to have served as a backdrop for several urban scenes.
 |
Why San Juan?
-
Colourful colonial buildings
-
Historic forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro
-
Dense urban streets perfect for gritty sports drama aesthetics
San Juan’s layered history — Spanish, African and Indigenous Taíno influences — mirrors the film’s themes of legacy, struggle and survival. The city’s older districts likely provided authentic gym exteriors and street-training sequences that feel lived-in rather than staged.
Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets and pastel-toned buildings are often used in productions filming on the island. Even if only used for passing sequences or atmospheric shots, it adds cultural depth to any project set there.
Luquillo Beach – Emotional & Reflective Scenes
One confirmed filming spot is Luquillo Beach, located on the northeast coast, about 45 minutes from San Juan.
 |
Why Luquillo?
-
Soft golden sand
-
Calm, shallow waters
-
Palm-lined coastline
Luquillo Beach is known for its peaceful, cinematic vibe — the kind of place that works beautifully for reflective character moments. While Undercard is a boxing drama, quieter scenes between Cheryl and Keith likely used this location to contrast the chaos of the ring with moments of vulnerability.
Nearby & Related Spot: El Yunque National Forest
Close to Luquillo, El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. While not officially confirmed as a filming site, its proximity makes it a strong candidate for scenic transitional shots or training montages that require lush greenery and elevation.
Local Boxing Gyms Across Puerto Rico
 |
Though exact gym names were not published, it’s understood that local boxing gyms on the island were used for training and fight-preparation sequences.
Why this matters:
-
Adds authenticity to the boxing scenes
-
Supports local businesses and sports communities
-
Avoids over-polished Hollywood-style sets
The film was described as following in the tradition of Raging Bull, Million Dollar Baby, and Creed, but uniquely told from the trainer’s perspective. That emotional lens required real-feeling environments — not glossy studio builds.
Why Puerto Rico Was the Perfect Choice
Puerto Rico offers:
-
Financial production incentives
-
Experienced local crews
-
Diverse scenery within short driving distances
For a film centred on struggle, redemption and resilience, the island’s mix of urban grit and coastal beauty creates an organic contrast. It doesn’t overpower the story — it supports it.
Catalyst Studios has ramped up productions in the past two years, and Undercard marks its sixth project within that period. Choosing Puerto Rico again reinforces the island’s rising status as a filming hotspot for major US productions.
As soon as behind-the-scenes photos surfaced online, reactions were mixed but curious.
Some fans loved the tropical twist:
-
“Didn’t expect a boxing drama to look this cinematic.”
-
“Puerto Rico as a fight backdrop? That’s fresh.”
Others were surprised the film wasn’t shot in traditional US boxing cities like Philadelphia or New York:
-
“Thought this would be set in the mainland.”
-
“Interesting choice, but it works.”
Travel-loving viewers quickly turned the conversation into holiday plans:
-
“Lowkey want to visit Luquillo Beach now.”
-
“Adding Puerto Rico to my bucket list.”
There’s clearly growing interest not just in the story, but in the setting itself — which proves the location strategy worked.
Can You Visit These Locations?
Yes — most of the listed places are open to the public.
Tourists, both local and international, can:
-
Visit Luquillo Beach freely
-
Explore San Juan and Old San Juan
-
Experience the island’s coastal and cultural landmarks
If you’re a fan of Undercard, travelling to Puerto Rico could feel like retracing Cheryl and Keith’s emotional journey — minus the championship pressure.
Would You Step Into the Ring?
Undercard (2025) proves that a boxing drama doesn’t need grey city skylines to feel powerful. With Puerto Rico as its canvas, the film delivers grit wrapped in sunlight, struggle framed by ocean breeze.
As we continue digging for more confirmed filming spots, we’ll keep updating. So the question is — would you actually fly out to Puerto Rico and walk the same beaches and streets featured in Undercard? Or are you just here for the drama inside the ring? Drop your thoughts — and if you’ve spotted another filming location we missed, let’s talk.