A teenage boxer learns how to fight dirty—in and out of the ring

As soon as the bell chimes, Steven knows he's in trouble. Del Toro is stronger, faster, and in better shape; he's by far the better boxer. But Steven has been learning to fight dirty. He steps on Del Toro's toes, whips his head into the bigger man's chin, and throws a straight right just wide enough to send his elbow crashing into his nose. It isn't pretty, and it isn't honest, but it works. In the boxing ring, and in life, Steven is never afraid to cheat.

Invited to San Diego for a prestigious Golden Gloves West Coast tournament, Steven needs $600 to make the trip. A friend convinces him to get the money the easy way—by robbing a liquor store, and Steven soon learns there are fights where throwing in the towel means death.