1983 - James Hawkins, an African-American championship boxer and alcoholic, breaks a deal to throw a fight, which costs him his hand -- the price for betraying the merciless Italian mob. Soon after, James commits suicide after a heated argument with his wife leads to her accidental death as his little son, Tony, witnesses the entire traumatic event.

YEARS LATER, Tony, now a grown man, struggles to make ends meet with a baby on the way carried by his girlfriend Tia. Tony is caught between two paths: Making an honest living to support his growing family, or taking shortcuts on the streets with his dealing cousin Trey. Not interested in following in the footsteps of his father, Tony has avoided boxing, choosing to only workout at the gym as an outlet for his pent up aggression. When Tony knocks out the toughest boxer at the gym it becomes clear that Tony may possess the same boxing gifts of his father. Witnessing the altercation is the alcoholic,

Lou – trainer and longtime friend of Tony’s father. Lou, urges Tony to not waste his talent, and devote himself to the sport, but Tony refuses, utterly reluctant to be trained by anyone associated with his father, a decision that threatens to lure Tony into the dangers of Trey and the streets.

“Black Gloves” tells the riveting, human story of a man’s struggle to overcome the lure of easy money, and the haunting shadows of his father's legacy.