Jerome Blair is a boxer with dreams that extend beyond the ring. He lacks the killer instinct necessary to be a great fighter. Jerome hopes to become a doctor and escape life in the inner-city. Mired in poverty and surrounded by crime, though, college seems impossible. However, a new boxing tournament that guarantees the winner a professional contract could be his ticket out. With his mother's support and the guidance of his manager, Jerome must enter the ring to carve a place for himself in this world with his fists. Jerome must overcome his weakness as a fighter, while standing toe-to-toe against the issues of race and class. Against the ropes, in the fight of his life, with his future on the line, can Jerome go the distance?