Nick lets the whiskey simmer on his tooth to numb the shooting pangs while Heath discusses boxing with Thadeus O'Rafferty (Lee Krieger), manager and trainer of champion boxer Jack Kilbain (Larry Pennell). He is anxious to promote the Fight of the Century to the town folk between his client and Sam Driscoll (Hal Baylor). He offers five dollar to anyone who will accept to be Jack's sparring partner, adding a gold piece to the man who can remain standing three rounds with the champion.

           

Less than thirty minutes later, Nick and Heath show up at the boxing ring to witness Kilbain licking the floor with his sparring partner. Heath admits his joke to Nick and begs him not to go through with this when he sees the loser wobble out of the room.

           

After receiving a few punches, Nick's temper flares up. He ignores Heath's plea to forfeit and instead drives a final jab in Kilbain's blind side which aggravates an old brain injury.

           

In view of the recent events, O'Rafferty decides to cancel the fight, saying that he won't be party to his client's demise. Kilbain argues that he's fine and insists on facing Driscoll in the ring.

     

When the tension mounts between the couple, Nick steps in and offers the boxer a temporary job and a place to stay at the ranch to allow him to weigh the pros and cons of throwing in the towel for good.

The next day, Kilbain reports for his first day at work. In spite of Nick's and Heath's teachings, it's plain to see that the man lacks the necessary skills to make it as a true rancher.

           

In town, Driscoll and his men can't resist the urge to taunt Kilbain. Fortunately Nick intervenes before the dispute degenerates into a street brawl. However the altercation was enough to convince Kilbain to move back in town and resume his training.

At the ranch, Kilbain and his family are getting ready to move out when Nick proposes to take his place in the ring in order to win the prize money for him,. When Kilbain turns down his offer, Nick insists on becoming his manager and trainer. A foolish idea that Kilbain nevertheless accepts for his family's sake.

           

At night over a game of pool, Heath and Jarrod worry that Nick may be taking on more than he can chew, knowing that if Kilbain is hurt, Nick will shoulder the guilt. But they assure their brother that they intend to back him up no matter what.

Mary makes one last attempt at convincing her husband to forfeit the fight, threatening him to leave with Johnny if he refuses.

           

Mary drops by the ranch to thank Victoria for her gracious hospitality. She informs her that she's leaving her husband for good.

     

           

           

     

The method proves successful and Kilbain is declared the victor under cheers from the audience and hugs and kisses from his wife and son.