Black Cloud, a young Navajo man, must take a journey of personal growth to prepare himself for a chance at boxing in the Olympics.

When Eddie returns to town with the rodeo and wants to rekindle his relationship with Black Cloud's girlfriend Sammi.

Black Cloud rejects the offer initially believing that it would be unjust to "fight for the White Man".

He gets back into training for the tournament of the Golden Gloves which is coming up, and decides to take up the scout's offer if he wins.

The day before the tournament, his best friend is seriously injured in a fight with Eddie and a set of other cowboys which Cliff refuses to arrest.