Charlie "Kid" Davis (Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini) is a small-time boxer who yearns for a chance to prove he's worthy of a shot at a major title. To achieve his lifelong goal, he heads for Reno with his pal, Tiny (Michael Chiklis), by his side. Charlie finally makes it big, but on his way to the top, he thoughtlessly tosses off the people who care about him, until he's ultimately left with no one -- not even his true self.