Selma Blair’s Inspiring Journey: From MS Diagnosis to Boxing with Freddie Roach

Introduction to Selma Blair’s Courageous Path

Selma Blair, the 52-year-old actress known for her roles in Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde, has been on an inspiring journey since her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in 2018. In a recent and exciting development, Blair has taken up boxing training under the guidance of legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach. Us Weekly exclusively followed Blair as she stepped into the ring at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, marking her fourth day of training with the iconic coach. Blair’s decision to embrace this new challenge is not just about physical fitness—it’s a testament to her resilience, determination, and desire to push boundaries despite her health struggles.

Blair, who is still in the early stages of her boxing journey, is taking her training very seriously. “It is great,” she told Us Weekly. “Obviously, I couldn’t be more novice, but I take it really seriously and I really want to be a good fighter.” Her humility and dedication are evident as she works with Roach, a 64-year-old boxing legend who has trained some of the sport’s biggest names, including Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, and Oscar De La Hoya. For Blair, this partnership is about more than just learning to box—it’s about finding strength, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The Motivation Behind Blair’s Boxing Journey

Blair’s decision to start training with Freddie Roach stems from her admiration for his resilience and expertise. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 27, Roach has defied expectations and continued to thrive in the boxing world. His determination and success resonate deeply with Blair, who has been navigating her own health challenges. “There’s something about Freddie Roach, knowing that he is such a fighter and has done really well with himself, neurologically,” she explained. “Just staying in his presence and staying in his strength, and to be able to learn something from someone who’s a true master. To even get to play in this as who I am and get to feel like I really want to do this. You know, he gets it.”

For Blair, training with Roach is not just about physical exercise—it’s a mental and emotional challenge as well. She credits Roach with helping her see improvements in her skills after just a few sessions, which has boosted her confidence. “I love surprising people and surprising myself,” she shared, reflecting on her motivation to take up boxing. This journey is about pushing her limits, proving to herself that she is capable of more than she ever imagined.

Family Ties and Personal Growth

Blair’s decision to pursue boxing has also been inspired by her 13-year-old son, Arthur, whom she shares with her ex-partner, Jason Bleick. She described her son as “so tough” and revealed that their close relationship has been a source of motivation for her. “We’ve always been so close and wrestled, because I was kind of like Mom and Dad—and then Dad was like Mom and Dad when he was with him. He really was tough on me. Seeing how strong he is, how good he is at things, it was inspiring. Like, I used to be like that. I want to take this seriously.”

Blair’s desire to train with Roach is also driven by her broader goals of improving her overall health and well-being. She hopes that boxing will help her build stamina, regain balance, and strengthen her body and mind. “I want to be in good shape, good emotionally, redo some balance and learn how to use my arms in tandem with the rest of me that’s getting stronger. So, it’s really about stamina and trying to increase being awake for all the things I have to do,” she explained. For Blair, this journey is about reclaiming her strength and living life to the fullest, even in the face of her MS diagnosis.

Selma Blair’s MS Journey: Learning to Thrive

Blair has been candid about her MS journey since her diagnosis in 2018. She has spoken openly about the challenges she has faced, from navigating the physical symptoms of the disease to rebuilding her sense of identity and purpose. “Learning to stand up for myself is like a new language,” she said, reflecting on the emotional and psychological aspects of her journey.

Despite the obstacles, Blair is currently in a positive place. “I’m a late bloomer,” she remarked. “I have so much going on. I kinda cleaned house in my life. I’m excited. I’m excited for the first time.” Blair has been relapse-free for some time now, which has given her the confidence to pursue new challenges like boxing. “I gotta keep going,” she said. “It’s just been inspiring for me to say, ‘Yeah, I can do it.’ I’m safe now. I am relapse-free right now. I’m at [this] stage long enough with me being relapse-free that I’m just kind of living in the fumes of some old damage. I feel confident that I’m not gonna fall apart if I push myself. And that’s just confidence.”

Conclusion: Selma Blair’s Unstoppable Spirit

Selma Blair’s decision to take up boxing with Freddie Roach is more than just a new hobby—it’s a symbol of her resilience and determination to live a fulfilling life despite her MS diagnosis. With the support of her trainer, her son, and her own unyielding spirit, Blair is proving that she is capable of overcoming any obstacle. Her journey is an inspiration to anyone facing challenges, showing that it’s never too late to pursue new passions, push boundaries, and find joy in the process of growth.

As Blair continues to train and grow in the boxing ring, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and the unbreakable human spirit. With her trademark wit, courage, and optimism, Selma Blair is redefining what it means to live with MS and proving that she is unstoppable. For more on her boxing journey and her inspiring journey with MS, check out the exclusive video above.