Tommy Riley has moved with his dad to Chicago from a 'nice place'. He keeps to himself, goes to school. However, after a street fight, he's noticed and quickly falls into the world of illegal underground boxing — where punches can kill.
Acting
Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ossie Davis elevate every scene.
Practical Effects
Pre-CGI boxing — every hit looks like it hurt.
Director
Rowdy Herrington
James Marshall
Tommy Riley
T.E. Russell
Spits (Leroy)
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Abraham Lincoln Haines
Robert Loggia
Pappy Jack
Brian Dennehy
Jimmy Horn
Ossie Davis
Noah
Cara Buono
Dawn
John Heard
John Riley
Jon Seda
Romano
Vonte Sweet
Tidbits
Debra Stipe
Charlene
Francesca P. Roberts
Miss Higgins
Cie Allman
Alexa - Ring Card Girl (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
James Marshall broke his hand during filming but kept shooting; you can spot the swelling in later fight scenes.
Released the same year as Unforgiven, this helped kill the glossy '80s boxing film — ironically, it's now forgotten while Gladiator (2000) stole its thunder.
