portrait series draws inspiration from muhammad ali and rocky balboa for everlast’s menswear campaign

The king has returned! In new photography spread for IM Agency in Amsterdam as apart of their Everlast X Ports1961Menswear Influencer Campaign, Philly’s own Marcus Branch used inspiration from Malcolm Ali’s famed underwater shoot as well as the culture of boxing that Philly is known for because of the Rocky franchise. In addition to still images, Marcus created a motion portrait video for the ongoing portrait series to capture some of the magic behind the scenes. In regards to the inspiration and execution, Marcus said that, “I wanted to make sure the boxing influence was present as a nod to the classic film as well as show my Philly Pride! Exhibiting strength, determination, & work, I aim to express the internal fight of striving to transcend one’s current self into the self one works towards becoming.” Check out these portraits as well as the video below!

By T. McLendon, AFROPUNK Contributor

Photos courtesy of Marcus Branch