Act 1, Scene 1

The play opens on Brady's farm in Parchmont, Ohio. There is a discussion between Brady, identified as "the heavyweight champion"; Fred, his manager; Cap'n Dan, "a champion of earlier days"; Smitty, "a famous sportswriter"; and several members of the press including photographers. Goldie, Jack Jefferson's manager, is also present. The group, with the exception of Goldie, is encouraging Brady to re-enter the ring in reaction to the recent performance of black athlete Jack Jefferson, who is a serious boxing contender. Cap'n Dan pitches to Brady, "You're the White Hope, Mr. Brady!" He shares his fears with the heavyweight, asking how he can let the whole country down, how he can live with a reputation that "he wouldn't stick a fist out to teach a loudmouth nigger, stayed home and let him be Champion of the World."

The scene ends with a flurry of negotiations after Brady...