A top-ten heavyweight boxer who trains to fight champion Muhammad Ali. Though he scores a knockdown, he is ultimately knocked out in round 15. The fight makes him a local hero and inspires an award-winning film. Fame leads to cocaine abuse and infidelity, causing his marriage to fail. After prison, he marries Linda, rebuilds his life as a sober liquor salesman, reconciles with his brother, and successfully sues Sylvester Stallone for fair compensation.