Afraid to Fight (1922)

Former A. E. F. boxing champion Tom Harper, who suffered gas poisoning, is sent to the mountains to regain his health so that he can re-enter the ring and earn the money needed for his crippled sister's operation. Under strict orders not to exert himself, Tom allows himself to be beaten up by Phillip Brand, the town bully, in front of his girl, Harriet Monroe. Winning the championship from Slick Morrisey, he returns to take care of the bully and reclaim Harriet.