What “Against the Ropes” lacks in technical achievement and writing, it makes up for in emotional appeal. The depiction of the underdog rising to success pulls a heart string or, in this case, two, with the partnership of unlikely contenders Kallen and Shaw. Each of them having high potential that is stifled by the prejudices of the establishment, breaks free and succeeds by the sheer force of willpower. Though uplifting, the story is not exactly true to life — Kallen’s real biography involves the divorce of her husband of 30 years to pursue a career in boxing — but it’s still fun to watch. It would be more fun without the objectionable language.