If you don't know the story of the Luis Resto-Billy Collins, Jr. fight that took place June 16, 1983, here's the back story:
The two middleweights fought a 10-round fight at Madison Square Garden. Billy Collins was a 21-year old rising star; he was 14-0 (with 11 KOs), featured as an ESPN champion, and looked like a legitimate contender. He was trained by his father, Billy Collins Sr, from a young age to be a boxer. Luis Resto was a 28 year old Puerto Rican often described as a journeyman. His record was 20-8-2. He had a grand total of 8 KOs in his career, and was generally considered a light puncher.
Billy Collins was a big favorite to win the fight. They fought for the full 10 rounds, trading punches.
It has been reported that in between rounds, Billy told his father and the rest of his corner that when Resto hit him "it felt like he was hitting me with a brick". Billy Sr. asked him if they should stop the fight. "No", said Billy Jr., and the fight continued for the entire 10 rounds.
By the end of the 10th, Billy's face was messed up badly. He had huge welts around both eyes, which were blackened by the force of Resto's punches. The decision was obviously unanimous in favor of Resto. As Resto was shaking hands with Billy's corner (as is the standard in boxing), Collins Sr. noticed something was wrong with Resto's gloves. He claimed he felt nothing by knuckles, and that the padding in Resto's gloves was missing. He complained immediately to the ring officials, who grabbed Resto's gloves after the fight and investigate the claim.
The TV footage captured the moment: Collins Sr. starts yelling almost immediately after the hand shake... "Hey! All of the padding is out... it's all out! Commissioner, commissioner...there's no damn padding."
After a brief investigation, the New York State Police Laboratory report's conclusion was that Resto's gloves were tampered with by Panama Lewis, Resto's trainer; he was charged with cutting a 3/4 of an inch hole in them, and removing the padding so that Resto was hitting Collins with his bare knuckles. In other words, the protection that gloves are suppose to give was not there.
"We have scientific proof that the gloves were tampered with", said Jack Prenderville of the NY Athletic Commission, at the time.
Collins Jr. was severely injured by the fight. He had permanent eye damage in his left iris, which was teared. Permanently blurred vision. His promising boxing career was finished, done.
Less than a year after the fight at MSG, Billy Collins Jr. was DUI when his car crashed off the road and landed in a river, killing him. Was it a suicide, or just a plain old DUI? It doesn't matter, really. He was dead at 22. Billy Collins Sr. still holds Resto and Panama responsible.
"You don't think Resto knew he didn't have padding in the gloves. You don't think Panama Lewis took it out? I've had 15 years to think about it, and I know - I know - they did it."
Resto has denied this on many occasions. He says that Billy Collins wasn't cut after the fight, and that he rode the elevator with Collins Jr. after the fight; he said Billy was reading a boxing magazine with no problem. He's said that there were no holes in his gloves, and points to the weird path that the gloves took to get to the boxing investigator's office as proof of a setup. Namely the gloves went from his hands to Jack Prenderville, who was the highest ranking person at the fight. Prenderville gave the gloves over to Jack Graham, another official. Graham takes a day to get the gloves over to the police lab, because he forgot them in his car trunk.
Resto points out that the referee during the fight felt his gloves various times, and didn't notice anything wrong with them, but Billy Collins Sr. noticed something wrong on a quick hand shake?
Whatever the case, there were criminal charges pressed. Both Resto and Lewis were convicted of conspiracy, of assault, and of criminal possession of a deadly weapon (his fists). They both got jail time - Resto got three years (he was let out after serving two and half) and Lewis got around two years. Both were also permanently banned from boxing for life in the US, though Panama Lewis does do some training internationally.
Resto suffers from bouts of depression and lives in a basement in a Bronx boxing ring nowadays.
This is a story most have forgotten, but with the 25th anniversary of this event around the corner and the upcoming release of a documentary on the fight, expect it to make news again. Here is a preview of that documentary, called "Cornered":
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He was. I remember hearing about the Aaron Pryor fight years ago, though it was after the fact. My friend (older than I am, therefore around to watch it the first time) was telling us about how he kept taking punch after punch without flinching, like he was high on something. It was superhuman. It also speaks to a lack of integrity for Panama Lewis.
Wow. Isn't also the 25th anniversary of the Ray "Boom-Boom" Mancini fight coming up? The one where he ended up killing the Korean fighter? That was also very sad.
SML, you have got some good internetting here. Great story.
A friend of mine who went to the fight told me that he could hear the punches from the blue seats of the garden
I've heard about this story a while ago, but didn't really know all the details, etc. Everyone in the boxing community has heard the story. I've trained with Panama Lewis in South FLA in the past, but had I known the details of this story, I definately would not have been working with him. Its people like him that give boxing a bad name.
u sound stupid it ppl like him that give boxing fame and u didnt train with him in south florida...even if you did u still would have worked with him because he's dedicated and loyal about boxing thats what its about if you did work with him u would know thats not the kind of man he is he's extremely kind heartded snd will do anything for anybody...he loves the sport and works hard at it ppl mess up but they deserve anopther chance
ms u sound stupid u must not have seen the fight anyone who saw it would have noticed lewis pulling up restos gloves in beetween rounds and seeing the glove looking creased and clearly have no padding.you are even sounding more stupid saying he deserves another chance he wants hanging collins could have died in that fight
LIKE EVERYONE ELSE I DIDNT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY I HEARD IT TODAY ON SIRIUS RADIOS FIGHT CLUB.
Today I read that Resto admitted that not only was the padding removed from his gloves, but that Lewis used plaster of paris on his wraps! Effectively creating a rock hard casing around his hands.
Collins Jr. wasn't mistaken when he commented to his corner that he felt like he was being hit "with a brick".
Nice...I wonder if a criminal case can now be brought, not just a civil one.
Both Resto and Lewis deserve some jail time.
Lewis and Resto got a little less than three years a piece for conspiracy to conceal a deadly weapon (pretty sure that was the charge) I think they should both get some charges more simmilar to manslaughter, or attempted murder, or attempted manslaughter or something.
No one has mentioned that Billy was undefeated,and was a heavy favorite in this fight.
He was only 21 years old and not even close to hais prime.
The actions of a lowlife cost young Billy a very promising career which ultimately cost a wonderful young man his life.
Panama Lewis has never owned up to his actions which makes me wonder who else knew what was going on.
When the NY atheletic commission held the hearing concerning the gloves, the inspectors were not present. How could they find all the culprits
and not have all witnesses. Maybe they were hiding something.
Thanks for remembering "Ray" or Billy as you know him but family called him Ray. He's my cousin and I was only 6 yrs.old when that happened but I"ll never forget it or forget HIM, so THANK YOU for keeping his memeory going as STRONG as HE was!!!!
I looked this fight up just now because I watched it on tv and saw it all, and recall Ferdie Pacheco demonstrating how Lewis made the incision high up on the glove and threaded all the padding out from the knuckle area by going through the top of the glove. The sneaky lowlife Lewis should have been banned from ALL boxing. I hope Resto spends his life with painful thoughts every single day. He earned it. Both men stink.
I keep reading about this documentary, but nobody EVER mentions how to see it. Is it on DVD, cable, in theatres? How does one go about seeing this documentary?
Hey i would love some info on where I could find this movie. If anyone knows could they please passit along.
The documentary "Assault in the Ring" is set to be televised on August 1, 2009.
Great documentary. Resto finally admitted he knew the gloves were tampered. Panama took the gloves to the restroom with some other dirtbag and then put them on Resto. Plaster was also put on his fists, no wonder Collins complained Resto's punches felt like bricks. Panama denies knowing anything about the gloves, hard to believe when he was on the corner all 10 rounds. Panama Lewis is a shameful SOB that still manipulates those around him, including Resto.
I just watched the HBO documentary "Assault in the Ring", and I must say it was good to see and hear that Resto came clean and admitted to all the illegal and unethical activities that were done by him, Panama Lewis and his corner. For so many years and to this day Panama Lewis has denied any involvement or tampering with Resto's gloves and I am glad that Resto has exposed Panama's dirty tricks and exposes him for the low life, spineless coward that he is. I hope that all boxers and upcoming boxers saw this documentary and will think twice about having any involvment with Panama Lewis.
I just watched the HBO special.. I think that Panama is a heartless man. How could someone do that. As far as Resto his guilt of knowing is eating him alive.
NAN= not a nig. Or beaner. He should be deported back to pr and all welfare check grabbers (nigs) back to africa
So that's where Antonio Margarito's corner learned that...
I just watched the documentary....wow....a sad, sad story.....my prayers go out to both families...
i just saw the documentary, wow whata story. it really is good that someone who thought resto was innocent and wanted to prove it made this documentary. sometimes when we think we are doing good in one way it turns out to be in another. resto is guilty of participating by not saying something or stopping the fight. he was a patsy for panama lewis who he trusted with his career.resto was in it for the fight, lewis was in it for the money (and anyone else involved like lee black). the good thing to come from this is that a man who made a huge mistake and went to prison for it could finally come clean and be exposed for lying though not a terrible person. then also a man was exposed for doing a terrible thing and is still lying about it. you can tell by the way panama lewis talks that he is a fast talker who will tell you what you want to hear and wants to look good for it. i think if resto was banned from fighting in the us that lewis should not even bebable train boxers in the us.resto still holds guilt and he should, but he can hold his head up knowing now he is not a liar anymore. lewis has little enough shame that he just still denies it. atleast now both families know the truth. as for the officials those who were responsible for checking and being present at the hand wrapping and failed to do theyre jobs should of had ramifications. of course the attemt at reopening the case was denied. apperently someone doesnt want to reopen that can of worms.
I noticed that during the documentary Panama Lewis demanded payment for every "interview". That shows a little bit about his character there. The documentary was very sad, and I hope that Resto does get some comfort out of confessing, but Panama Lewis will have to answer to the ultimate judge in the end.
I saw the HBO Doc last night and definitely came away laying the biggest portion of blame at Panama's feet. What a despicable human being. I got the impression that he may have been like a Svengali to Resto. Now that doesn't relieve Resto of his part in this tragedy, but I think his making amends is a good start of lifting the burden and guilt he carries. I am sorry the Collin's family wouln't meet with him. I was especially touched when Collin's widows mother hugged him and told him to hold his head up. He needed that terribly. Redemption is there for all of us, we just have to seek it. Hope Panama burns!
I don't follow boxing but I saw the HBO special. I seriously believe that there was another set of gloves.
panama lewis is a fucking shit bag he needs a ak 47 up his ass
I feel very bad for Billy's family specially his dad.People can go to any extent for money not realising that they are destroying so many lives here.As far as Resto goes just by owning up to his wrong doing will not help this distraught family(his parents,wife & above all his daughter)they lost their son at a very young age.I can see that many influential people were involved in this.I have been so disturbed since the time I saw this documentary just can't take it off my mind.Wonder how Billy Jr's family is doing?Hope all is well with them.Please give more details about his family.
before you judge resto you need to understand he couldnt say anything about what he knows even now there are some very powerful men who put bet money on this and his life was threatenend not to say anything. now panama knows he still is doing good with bets he knows who put resto to this panama is a scumbag just train with him and youll understand he is very much connected
i just saw the documentary and its sad that resto has to deal with that guilt for all his life. he said he knew that they were messed with but he didnt know what they did to them. when resto went to confront panama he knew he was lying but panama wouldnt admit it. resto is mad at panama but thats like his father he took care of him its like knowing your dad did wrong but u still love him, and resto DID NOT KILL BILLY COLLINS JR.!!! it CLEARLY says that he dies from being under the influence. atleast billy is in a better place and my heart goes out to both families. resto's siter is right he served his term and he shouldnt pay for it for the rest of his life. hold your head up high resto and rip billy.
This is one of the sadest sport stories I have ever seen in my 51 years on this planet. Sad for Resto that he has to live with that kind of burdon or guilt, but even more sad for Billy Collins Jr, and Billy Collins entire family. This kid had it all, and would of been a CHAMPION! God bless his soul and his loved ones that miss him. And there is no way possible that this creep Lewis should be allowed to train any young fighter! It was a crime to do what he did then, and even more of a crime to let him do what he's doing now. Maybe one day he will man up to his guilt. To hear him mention "God" is a disgrace to the church. God Bless Billy Collins Jr who is in protective hands for all eternity!!
Goddamn niggers. And fuck them wetback beaners too. What if every Pablo and Tyrone would jump off a cliff, tell me who would win? Society, that's who'd come out better. Less jig-a-boos and beaners would make the world a better place to live. If it ain't white it ain't tight. We're not for intergration
I saw the documentary "Assault in the Ring" and it was devastating. So much human tragedy. Money and ambition blinded every one. Panama Lewis is a disgrace and the fact that he's still making money dealing in the boxing business is disgusting! He should be banned from any activity regarding boxing throughout the U.S. Resto is a tortured soul who finally confessed the truth and must now find a way to forgive himself. It was sad that when he finally confronted Lewis (the second time) he still could not look that snake in the eye. But he knows he should have stopped the fight himself once he became aware of the tampered gloves. And as for Bill Collins Sr., unfortunately, in his zeal to secure his various lawsuits, he failed to realize that his son still wanted to fight and might have very well accepted one of the boxing matches offered to him after the Resto fight. Like I said, tragedy all around.
I have to feel for Resto. After seeing him not even now able to face up to Panama Lewis, imagine then the influence he was under. Billy Collins Jr. lost his life that night if you ask me. Tragic,sad, Lewis took 2 young mens careers, 1 ended up dead. I'd personally love to see someone who takes interest in this story- find Panama Lewis and plaster their hands and beat him for 30 minutes. Panama Lewis is a waste of air. His day will come, and I hope soon.
Wow! I just saw the movie tonight and as u can tell like everyone else, I'm in utter shock! I'm so glad someone was brave and wise enough 2 film this documentary! As we all saw Lewis is a fucking waste of life....completely useless and his time will come. The negligence and the stupidity of the boxing officials was unbelievable. And the fact that they just want the story 2 go away is a huge red flag. Billy Collins Jr was destine for success until Lewis and his team stole that from him. He lost his life that night in the ring! He was forced 2 listen 2 his father and not become wat he was born 4! Money can do horrible things 2 people and it definitely did in this story. You can tell that resto lives wit this everyday and I feel so happy 4 him that he has told the truth. It did free him in away but he died in that ring that night as well. Oh such a compelling story!! Rip Billy Collins Jr!
Klan, Ignorance is very much part of this world unfortunately but you take it to extreme. "If it ain't white, it ain't right"? Do you realize how uneducated you make yourself out to be? Tim has to be right, you must live in a trailer park, in fact that is to good a place for scum like yourself to live. Why don't you take your racial opinions and stick them up your ass where they belong and just go away from this site. And yes, I am white.
How Billy wasn,t awarded a huge amount of money by any number of groups who's responsability was to make sure the rules of the sport were not broken, is unbelievable. His career was over and he could no longer provide for his family. He was entilted some restitution.
just saw movie today on this fight.. what a shame.. and a crime.. panama lewis was a bum.. same class as don king.. both bums.. not good for sports, not good for boxing.. not good for fighters they promoted.. resto was trusting...led easily..
i watched pryor come up thru ranks on top rank boxing years ago. he was good.. but in over his head with arguello.. watched that fight.. never knew what happened till today..till i watched special on resto/collins..
boxing is dirty.. mike tyson.. etc..
holyfield disappt me.. when he came back..
i also watched guys like livingstone bramble, bobby czyz.. on top rank..
only one with sense to get out was heavy wt from england..cant remember his name..and i should.. not as much a fan now.. luster is gone..
I saw the movie documenting the glove scandal this weekend and it really was a tragedy! Clearly Panama Lewis is a rotten man with no shame. My heart broke for Resto as he traveled around seeking forgiveness from those he had lied to for years. In the end I had hoped Panama would give him some validation. Of course there was nothing of the sort. What a shame- I don't think Panama should ever be given his license back!
panama lewis and the mob made a fortune on that fight, and resto got nothing. i think resto was in denial all those years because i truly believe he had nothing to do with the plan--but once he put on the gloves, he knew something was up. this is what has haunted him. panama lewis, on the other hand, is a man without a conscience. every time he would tell resto "when i make it, i'll remember you because i love you like a son," i became sick. if panama lewis ever makes it, you can bet not one penny will go to resto.
and by the way, stereotyping people who live in trailer parks is just as ignorant and classist as Klan's idiotic racism. if you're going to attack someone's racial diatribes, don't do it with your own ignorant biases.
My son is about to participate in cage fighting. It is making me sick to my stomach. I can't even watch this "sport" on television. What is the thrill of beating the crap out of someone? I did manage to choke through one fight on tv. The reaction to a ko punch is so vivid, especially since the fighter literally fell flat on his face. And the standing fighter continued to punch him until the referee got between them. Isn't there some rule about not hitting a man when he is down? Where was the referee in the Collins fight. Was that fight so "fair" he could not tell by the injuries to Collins and the sound of the punches there was something wrong? Resto, are you out there? How do you sleep at night?
just watched the documentary and feel that panama lewis was extremly guilty of doing something to those gloves and wrapping luis hands with plaster. his lies are apparent in the tone of his voice and body language when he speaks. unfortunately, people such as panama have did a great diservice to the sport of boxing during that time period. with the popularity of extreme fighting taking off and bringing us back to a barbaric period(i don't care for it, its not a sport, more like pit bulls fighting) boxing will probably never return to the greatness it experienced during ali-forman-frazier years thanks to scumbags like panama and good ol'greedy don king. thanks guys for screwing up what was once a fantastic sport. to the nitwit racist calling himself Klan, your shithead attitude towards other races is an insult to your own caucasion race. those attitudes were addressed and attempted to be removed from this country during the 60's but your ignorance is a apparently a holdover from that time. why don't you do my country of america a favor and move the fuck out of it we don't need your ignorant beliefs here.
The DVD is now out
Wow, that's a crazy story. I hadn't heard of it before. Isn't Panama Lewis the same cat that was in Aaron Pryor's corner? That dude takes controversy with him in his briefcase.