Stoker Thompson, an aging, down-on-his-luck boxer, hopes for a comeback despite concerns from his loyal wife, Julie. She fears for his health and urges him to quit the brutal sport. Stoker remains determined, clinging to the belief that he's just one fight away from reclaiming his former glory. Set in a gritty, post-WWII American town, the narrative unfolds over the course of a single night, leading up to what could be Stoker's last chance in the ring. His manager and trainer secretly strike a deal with a local gangster to throw the fight, confident that Stoker's defeat is inevitable due to his declining skills.

As the match begins, tension builds both inside and outside the ring. Julie struggles with her anxiety watching from the shadows, while shady characters converge around the arena, waiting for the outcome that could seal Stoker's fate. With each passing round, Stoker's resilience and desire to prove himself keep him fighting against overwhelming odds. The atmosphere crackles with suspense as the boxer's internal battle intertwines with the external pressures bearing down on him. The story's climactic moments are a testament to human endurance and the relentless pursuit of dreams, even when faced with betrayal and dashed hopes.