In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter boxing trainer Frankie Dunn has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time--then Maggie Fitzgerald walks into his gym. In a life of constant struggle Maggie's gotten herself this far on raw talent unshakable focus and a tremendous force of will. But more than anything she wants someone to believe in her. The last thing Frankie needs is that kind of responsibility-- let alone that kind of risk--but won over by Maggie's sheer determination he begrudgingly agrees to take her on. In turns exasperating and inspiring each other the two come to discover that they share a common spirit that transcends the pain and loss of their pasts and they find in each other a sense of family they lost long ago. Yet they both face a battle that will demand more heart and courage than any they've ever known.