For Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), boxing is a family affair. His tough-as-nails mother acts as his manager, while his half-brother, Dicky (Christian Bale), who was once a promising boxer himself, is Micky's highly unreliable trainer. Despite his hard work, Micky is on a losing streak, and, when his latest fight nearly kills him, he follows his girlfriend's advice and splits from his family. However, after Micky becomes a contender for the world title, he, and his family, earn a shot at redemption.