Last night I wanted to watch the documentary called "Assault in the Ring" about the controversial boxing match that featured up and coming prospect "Irish" Billy Collins and journey man Luis Resto. The fight took place on June 16, 1983. The fight, promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank was to be a major stepping stone for Collins. The bout was one of the featured under card fights. The main event included legendary Roberto Duran.
The documentary looked into one of the saddest and disturbing events in boxing. The 10 round match was a brutal barrage of back and forth flurries. Collins' face started to swell and get disfigured, but he refused to quit. After the fight ended and the decision was announced, Collins was handed his first professional loss. Although Resto raised his hands in victory, he too was a loser.
Resto's post fight celebration was short lived when it was discovered that his gloves did not look "right." Collins' father noticed the gloves after he shook hands with Resto and immediately called the officials in to inspect. It was discovered that padding in the glove had been removed prior to the fight and Resto was essentially hitting Collins with a bare fist.
The documentary looked into the life of Resto and Collins. Another key player in the controversy is Panama Lewis, Resto's trainer for the fight. He is interviewed in the documentary and denies any wrong doing. Lewis is infamous for the Aaron Pryor v. Alexis Arguello fight. He is heard in the corner asking for a "special mix" drink to give to Pryor. Resto talks about alleged wrong doing by Lewis.
Sadly, Collins lost his life in a vehicle accident several months later and never fought after that fateful fight. Resto was sentenced to jail and has lived a life of quilt ever since. Lewis has been barred for life.
This documentary is a detailed look into that fight, but also has a human side to it. I strongly recommend that you watch this. Eric Drath did a great job.
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