

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
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.