 Fighting Tommy Riley received generally positive reviews , with Eddie Jones frequently singled out for his performance . Variety gave the film an overall favorable review , citing Jones in particular for " personally push [ ing ] the movie to a higher emotional plane . " Davis and Tayler are also praised , the former for " grow [ ing ] into [ the ] role " and the latter for her " pro job at playing counterpoint " to Jones . Collectively the cast , but especially Jones , is said to elevate the picture above being a " standard drama on the sweet science with the usual tropes . " 
