Roberto Duran Film Opens August 26

Legendary champ Roberto Duran was the toast of the town Monday night at the special screening of the brand new movie “Hands of Stone” (based on the early years and career of the Panamanian superstar).

I had a chance to attend the premiere held Monday night at the Pacific Theaters at The Grove in Los Angeles. The film will be out in theaters on August 26. The buzz has been strong about this one; fight fans around the world have been anticipating its release. The movie spans the slugger’s humble beginning (rising up from poverty after being abandoned by his father), the father-son working relationship with trainer Ray Arcel (Roberto Duran), his heated rivalry with Sugar Ray Leonard (played by Usher Raymond IV), the love story between Duran and his wife Felicidad (married for over 45 years now) and more.

Roberto Duran is one of the most popular fighters in the game and his real-life story is one that should be told (and seen) on the big screen.

On the red carpet was Roberto Duran himself along with actor Edgar Ramirez (who plays Duran in the film), singing superstar Usher Raymond IV, director Jonathan Jakubowicz plus a squad of professional prizefighters who came out to show their support for the famed “Manos de Piedra.”

I chatted with pro boxers John Molina Jr., Josesito Lopez, Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr., Jason Quigley, Daniel Ponce de Leon and Carlos Palomino, who said they were really looking forward to this advance screening of the film. Golden Boy stars JoJo Diaz and Jason Quigley will both be fighting on the September 17 undercard of Canelo vs. Liam Smith and the young punchers took a brief break from training camp to attend this special VIP premiere in association with The Weinstein Company, Estrella TV and The Grove.

The pugilists at this premiere mentioned that Duran was someone they have held in high regard, a legend that they look up to, an icon in the sweet science. They were honored to see their ring hero at this August 15 gala.

In addition to the boxers featured, actor/producer Robert “Robin” Duran III, fan favorite “Blood In Blood Out” actors Enrique Castillo (“Montana”) and Carlos Carrasco (“Popeye”), the award-winning Bel Hernandez (Latin Heat Entertainment & Media), beautiful actress/model Karina Noelle, mega producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, Sheer Sports Management’s Rachel Charles, boxing manager Ralph Heredia, former kickboxer Rodney Hunt, the Latin Media Visions team, were among the luminaries at this exclusive gathering in honor of the famed Roberto Duran.

I congratulated the champ and his son Robin Duran, who have been on a whirlwind tour around the globe promoting this critically-acclaimed film. Robin said the reaction has been great and after Monday’s bash in L.A., Team Duran was heading to Miami, New York and then back to Panama. Thursday, August 18, has been declared as “Roberto Duran Day” with many events taking place in the U.S. celebrating the fierce champion.

“Hands of Stone” was a “knockout” hit with the audience at the premiere. There was a rousing round of applause as the end credits were rolling. After the movie was shown, I asked some of the fighters their thoughts about the film. Blood-and-guts warriors John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. and Josesito Lopez (“The Riverside Rocky”) both raved about “Hands of Stone,” giving it a “Two Fists Up” review. The plot was well-written, the action scenes legit. Many of the attendees also mentioned to me how moved they were to see the dramatic telling of Duran’s life story. The film offers both drama–along with touches of humor–and should please both the hardcore boxing fan to the mainstream movie-goer to everyone in between. And yes, the “No Mas” controversy is also addressed in the movie.

After the film premiere, there was an intimate reception at Mixology 101 where boxing-themed cocktails and a fun Remy Martin photo booth was showcased at the eatery.

“Hands of Stone” opens in theaters worldwide on August 26. Go see this film. Even the most diehard Roberto Duran fans might be surprised at what the movie reveals. From an uneducated boy living in the slums to the “villain” in the Ray Leonard fights to the beloved campeón who gave his country hope, “Hands of Stone” is a must-see for both boxing fans and film buffs alike!

Photos by Michele Chong