Watch Assault in the Ring

Assault in the Ring is a 2008 documentary film directed by Eric Drath that tells the harrowing story of a boxing match that ended in tragedy for one fighter and scandal for the sport. The film focuses on the 1983 fight between Luis Resto, a promising young boxer from Puerto Rico, and Billy Collins Jr., a rising star from Tennessee. While many expected the fight to be a close and competitive match, it quickly became clear that Resto was outmatched by Collins, who pummeled him with a relentless barrage of punches.

However, it was not just Collins' skill that proved decisive, but also the fact that Resto's gloves seemed unusually light and lacking in padding. Resto and his trainer, Panama Lewis, had removed much of the protective material before the fight, in order to make Resto's punches more damaging.

Despite the obvious danger and illegality of this act, the referee and ringside officials failed to notice or address the tampering. As a result, Resto continued to wear the compromised gloves throughout the fight, causing significant damage to Collins' face and eyes.

In the aftermath of the fight, Collins and his team became suspicious of Resto's gloves and demanded an inspection. When it was revealed that Resto had cheated, both he and Lewis were arrested and charged with assault, conspiracy, and reckless endangerment.

The film delves into the personal and professional consequences of this scandal, highlighting the toll it took on Collins' family and on the boxing community as a whole. It also features interviews with key figures including Steve Farhood, a boxing expert and journalist who witnessed the fight, and Resto himself, who reflects on his actions and their impact.

One of the most compelling aspects of Assault in the Ring is its examination of the broader cultural and political issues that underpinned the fight and its aftermath. The film explores the racial tensions and prejudices that often lurked beneath the surface of boxing, as well as the exploitative and corrupt practices that plagued the sport in the 1980s.

Through archival footage and interviews with journalists and historians, the film paints a vivid picture of the era, touching on everything from the rise of cable TV and pay-per-view to the role of organized crime in promoting fights. By placing the Resto-Collins bout in this broader historical and social context, the film underscores its significance as both a cautionary tale and a lens through which to view larger societal issues.

Overall, Assault in the Ring is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that offers a powerful reminder of the stakes and complexities of professional boxing. It tells a compelling story of cheating and betrayal, but also shines a light on the ways in which sports can reflect and amplify broader social trends and tensions. Whether you are a fan of boxing or simply interested in exploring the darker corners of American culture, this film is well worth watching.

Assault in the Ring is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.