There are moments in “Champion” that truly shine, such as the delicate, steamy chant that oddly yet perfectly brings to mind Griffith’s abusive cousin’s weird island cult. In many ways, it’s like baking a cake with the wrong ingredients, yet somehow producing a delicious, albeit unexpected, result.

If “Champion” were a person, it would be that friend who tells amazing stories, but takes forever to get to the point. The music swells and fills like a movie soundtrack, making scenes drag on while it gives you the side-eye, urging you to appreciate it more. To his credit, conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin does his best to keep the audience from falling asleep with an occasional nudge of the pace.

When comparing “Champion” to “Fire,” it’s like looking at siblings who have just enough resemblance to make you wonder if they’re secretly competing. “Fire” has arguably richer, more diverse music, unafraid to incorporate a jazz quartet into its orchestral mix. Meanwhile, “Champion” plays it safe, relying on sturdy, if somewhat uninspired, musical moments.

The plot of “Champion” feels more grounded, but this does mean it has fewer points for poetic beauty. In contrast, “Fire” has characters like Destiny and Loneliness inexplicably doubling as both metaphorical figures and real people, guaranteeing a hearty chuckle at the over-the-top nature of it all.

Director Robinson’s approach to “Champion” is akin to an Instagram filter, splashing gorgeous images of mid-century New York onto Allen Moyer’s easily adaptable set. The boxing sequences are a delightful mix of frenzy and slow-motion, serving as a much-needed change of pace.

Camille A. Brown, whose choreography in “Fire” was so essential she was dubbed its co-director, brings her magic touch to “Champion.” Unlike the show-stopping step dance of “Fire,” Brown’s choreography is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the scenes, creating memorable moments like a wild St. Thomas carnival, a testosterone-fueled boxing gym, and steamy encounters in a gay bar that could almost fog up your glasses./n/n Serious news: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/11/arts/music/review-champion-blanchard-met-opera.html