What makes it different from others?

Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

As a boxing fan in the 80s, this was a great return to the 80s genre. Granted, the special effects are not what they could be today, but the movie was still fantastic. For a fun trip down memory lane watch this movie. My only question is, where did Carlos Palamino go? Has anyone seen him? They should make a Fist of Steel two and add Oscar DeLaHoya. That would be a stretch. Also, if you are a Henry Silva fan you will like this one. I first became a fan of Silva in that Steven Segal movie, I think it was Above The Law. Anyway, this is a great movie if you want to see a real life action hero, not one of these phony guys who have never been in a real fight. I mean, come on, Carlos Palamino? You can't get any better than that.