Actor Robert De Niro has re-entered the ring in the new boxing drama film “Hands of Stone.”

But this time, he is not the one throwing the punches, he is training famed Panamanian fighter Roberto Duran, portrayed by Edgar Ramirez.

Following a world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, the film celebrated its upcoming release on the red carpet at a New York premiere.

De Niro, 73, who won an Oscar for the boxing movie “Raging Bull” in 1981, plays Duran’s trainer Ray Arcel.


Singer Usher takes on Duran’s rival as Sugar Ray Leonard and also provided the film’s theme track.

“For every great movie, there is a song. For every great moment, there’s a song.

“Music is the greatest communicator of emotion and time,’’ Usher said.

Although the film is centered on the life and career of Duran, 65, the film’s star said the sport is just the context.

“It could have been golf, it doesn’t matter, It’s a human story, a universal story,’’ said Ramirez.
Cuban actress Ana de Armas, who had the role of Duran’s wife, spoke to Ramirez’s point, opining that the film was rooted in love.

“This movie is not only about boxing; it is a beautiful love story. When people see, they will understand how important Felicidad is in Duran’s life,” she said.

“Hands of Stone” will be released in the U.S. theatres on August 26. (Reuters/NAN)

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