Having just returned to the ring in boxing comedy GRUDGE MATCH (opposite Sylvester Stallone and set for release later in the year), Robert DeNiro will appear as the trainer Ray Arcel in a sporting biopic based around the life of legendary boxer Roberto Duran. Titled, HANDS OF STONE after Duran’s nickname, the film will be directed by Jonathan Jakubowicz, who has also signed up Edgar Ramirez as the Panamanian champion who won 103 of his 119 fights but infamously quit during the middle an epic fight with ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, crying out “No Mas.”
Producer Jay Weisleder commented:
The story of Roberto Duran and Ray Arcel is not only a homage to the golden days of boxing; it is most importantly the story of a fatherless man who teaches every single one of us the true meaning of never giving up.
Jakubowicz added:
The infamous “No Mas” fight is the biggest enigma in the history of boxing. This movie will answer the enigma, with the best talent any director can possibly dream.
Shooting on HANDS OF STONE will commence in September in Panama.
Source: Deadline
