Unpretentious Walter Hill-David Giler film which doesn't have the tightness of Hill's works during his golden period (late 70s early 80s) but is enjoyable. It has the benefit of a strong "what if" idea - what if the heavyweight champion of the world was sent to prison for rape and had a fight with the local champion?
It helps that the stars look as though they can box - Ving Rhames and Wesley Snipes. There must have been a lot of pressure to cast white leads - as was the case in the direct to video sequels - but it was worth the effort: it helps sell the reality of the film. Excellent support cast: Peter Falk, Fisher Stevens, Wes Studi, Michael Rooker.
Aspects are flabby - I can't think of a more appropriate word. The script feels as though it could have done with another complication - I had the same feeling about an earlier Hill boxing movie, Hard Times, which this resembles every now and then (e.g. the boxer being honourable and refusing to cheat).
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