The career of boxer Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini is the subject of the made-for-TV biopic.
Doug McKeon plays Mancini, while
Robert Blake co-stars as his father, Lenny Mancini. An excellent pugilist in his own right, Lenny's career is cut short by his wartime service. Son Ray carries on the tradition into the 1980s, battling his way towards the WBA crown.
Heart of a Champion's executive producer was
Rocky star
Sylvester Stallone, who (it says here) staged the boxing sequences. This heartwarming "do it for the old man" effort was first telecast May 1, 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide