Just like the fictional fighter on which the film is based, &#8220The King of Iron Town” has overcome the odds to take the prize.

In the case of the independent film shot on location in Ironton by local director Mickey Fisher, that prize is nationwide DVD distribution, which the film began receiving last month.

The film, which tells the story of an aging boxer who takes one last shot at glory in a local Toughman Contest, had its premiere in Ironton in March. Since then, Fisher has been searching for a way to get the film to the public.

In February, Fisher finally found success with Vanguard Cinema, a distributor that specializes in small, independent films such as Fishers' underdog story.

The Ironton native spent the next few months adding finishing touches to his film, and preparing special features such as commentary.

It was the final piece of work that Fisher would have to do on a film that has been his focus for several years. The director said he is still proud of what he and a minimal crew were able to achieve.

&#8220Overall, I'm really proud of it, and I'm really proud of what it represents, I love the way that the town looks and there's some great music from local artists,” Fisher said. &#8220Ultimately though, there are a lot of times I think ‘If we just had, like, $100,000 and a week to shoot this part' whereas we shot it for a couple of thousand dollars in a day.”

Now critics can judge for themselves as the film is available through Amazon.com and other online retailers, and can be rented through Netflix.com. Although the film is not rated, Fisher said that it would receive an &#8220R” for some strong language.

The film can also be obtained by e-mailing leosprideent@yahoo.com

Not one to rest on his laurels, Fisher has already shot his second film, &#8220Summer Nuts,” a comedy about a group of actors who form a hilariously awful softball team. The film was shot in Indiana to accommodate a group of friends from Chicago who made up the film's cast.

&#8220The whole idea behind ‘Summer Nuts' was to do something really simple in a short amount of time for very little money, just to give ourselves the chance to do it again, to get into another feature and try something a little bit different,” Fisher said.

Although the plot may sound like a traditional underdog story, the director said that his second film is anything but.

&#8220Oh no,” Fisher said with a laugh. &#8220I mean, it's an underdog story, but in most underdog stories, they end up on top. But these guys, by the end of the movie, they still suck.”

Fisher hopes to have his new film finished by late next spring, sifting through 30 hours of footage with the help of two editors. He is planning on a premiere in Indiana and a premiere in his hometown.

In the meantime, Fisher will be directing &#8220The Littlest Angel” which will debut at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky,. on Dec. 8 and 9.