During the Great Depression, newcomer Chaney (Bronson) shows up and participates in an underground bare-knuckle fight, where there are few rules and gamblers bet on the outcome. He wins easily, and Speed (Coburn) becomes his manager. Chaney takes out ever tougher opponents until finally they go to New Orleans, where he defeats the longtime champ, Jim Henry (Robert Tessier). Chick Gandil (Michael McGuire), Henry's boss, wants to manage Chaney, but Chaney turns him down.
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Chaney and Speed eventually have a falling out. Meanwhile, Gandil imports Street, a formidable fighter from up North. Gandil nabs Speed and threatens to have him killed unless Chaney fights Street. To Speed's surprise, Chaney shows up and risks all the money he's earned. Street is very tough, but Chaney finally knocks him out. Then, having made as much as he needs, Chaney leaves as enigmatically as he arrived.
Best part of story, including ending:
It's a tough, gritty fight film.
Best scene in story:
When one fight organizer refuses to pay off, Chaney comes back later and gets it, then proceeds to wreck the welsher's establishment.
Opinion about the main character:
Chaney reveals almost nothing about himself, and the audience never learns what he wants the money for.
