When last we reported on writer/director Jonathan Jakubowicz's boxing biopic Hands of Stone, Gael Garcia Bernal (Letters to Juliet) and Al Pacino (Scarface) were in talks to play the leads. Now, it looks like Robert De Niro (Raging Bull) and Edgar Ramirez (Zero Dark Thirty) are set as trainer Ray Arcel and the focus of the biopic, Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran. Winning 103 of 119 contests against such top-tier talent as Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Hector Camacho and Vinny Pazienza, Duran might be most remembered for the infamous fight against Leonard in which Duran called out, "No mas!" in order to quit the fight prematurely. Hit the jump for more.
De Niro recently wrapped on another fighting pic - Peter Segal's Grudge Match with Rocky himself, Sylvester Stallone - but will head to Panama in September to start production on Hands of Stone. Per Deadline, here's what producer Jay Weisleder had to say about the film:
“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 further commented, saying:
“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.”
You can check out the infamous "No mas" fight between Duran and Leonard here:
