Two words: amazing fight scenes. I had heard about this movie from some friends of mine who were raving about it, so finally managed to track it down.
The movie follows some young kickboxers, Richard and Boxer, who must battle an evil gangster and his invincible fighting-machine henchman, who is able to punch the bark off trees with his bare fists. Wayne Archer fills the shoes of the title character in Kickboxer the Champion. The plot concerns a powerful opium ring, whose mastermind surrounds himself with martial arts-savvy goons. Archer takes on the villain's flunkies and forces a one-on-one, winner-take-all duel to the death. In my opinion, Richard, played by the amazingly talented Don Murray, is the highlight of the movie. His youthful spirit, amazing moves and subtle delivery make him one of the day's best actors. It's a shame we haven't seen more work out of him.
Bloodsport and that short guy have nothing on this movie.
Two big thumbs up.