This film has been bothering me ever since I saw it, a haunting tragedy. While I initially felt a pang of sympthy for Resto--hard not to for a man who hit rock bottom and stayed there. But, that has passed, now my sympathy lies exclusively with Collins Jr. and his family. Resto has been lying for the past 25 years, and while it was likely not his idea to cheat (in fact, I believe Panama bullied him into an impossible position), but he walked into that ring knowing he could have killed Collins, and he hit him like he was trying to.
He seemed sad, but his regret seemed to be more for himself and what happened to him, "I could've been a champion!"--Yeah? Well, Collins had an even better chance. And when he was confronted with proof that he knew about the gloves, "Oh, NOW I remember..."--right. He deserved what he got, and Panama deserved worse. The only reason he tried to apologize to the family was because a camera was there. When his family was crying about how everything had been taken away from him it's suddenly put into perspective that it should have. Billy Collins had everything taken away from him, he never got another chance either. Only he was the victim of this crime. Shameful.
"Why would a banana grab another banana? Those are the kinds of questions I don't want to answer."
reply
share
lynne-gross
15 years ago
It's a horribly sad story with victims on both sides. The fight should have been declared a mistrial, so to speak, and Billy should've kept his undefeated record. I also didn't like the way his dad was portrayed as using his son to make money either. That was definitely a blow below the belt.
But I still feel that Resto was as much a victim, for reasons I already stated in my prior post.
reply
share
bemorecynical2001
15 years ago
The fight ruling was changed to a no-decision.
"Why would a banana grab another banana? Those are the kinds of questions I don't want to answer."
reply
share
slayer21056
15 years ago
bemorecynical,
You have some fair points there. but in my opinion I think Resto had paid... The way he holds his head down and carries himself was sad to see, especially when around Panama.
There was no question that knew what he was doing but I think it was just a BAD mistake and it has eaten him for 24 years. Resto seems like a pushover and I am sure Panama convinced him to do it, and I think he didn’t know it would turn out so bad or he’d prob have backed out… But to your point he should have known the damage he could do...
Anyway, I was happy to see Billy's family or his wife's family forgive him, because I am sure that took a lot of guilt from that guy's heart.
Unfortunately, I deal with a lot of cons and shady characters and holy *beep* is Panama a skum bag, what a snake in the grass! Poor Resto, you'd think he'd learn to keep his chin up or how to carry himself or some street smarts in prison...
reply
share
bemorecynical2001
15 years ago
To be fair, we don't know how sad Resto acts when there isn't a camera around. But I do believe he was sad.....for himself. Most of his anguish seemed to be over what he lost, not what he took from Collins. Resto cheated on multiple occassions, this was the only time he was caught. He admitted to having his hands plastered on two other fights, and that's what he'll admit. So how many people was he willing to disfigure or potentially kill? I have no sympathy for someone who is willing to cheat in a sport where cheating could mean death for your opponent.
"Why would a banana grab another banana? Those are the kinds of questions I don't want to answer."
reply
share
LannisterGold
12 years ago
If u were as poor and as desperate for success as Resto, than maybe u could speak for him. I don't believe Resto would have cheated without people like Panama around, who twisted and manipulated his mind, body, and soul to their will. Don't get me wrong, the Collins family are the foremost victims in this saga, but I believe Resto has a decent soul and is truly remorseful for everything that happened, and he carries the burden around like a curse of penance. However, that's why they say a dance with the devil may last you forever. I think Resto now realizes he was part of something evil in that moment and he has been lamenting his part every day since. Pray he will be forgiven by God and his fellow humans, because he surely won't ever forgive himself. That's why Resto's story is sad as well.
reply
share
mindstamina3000
12 years ago
You have some fair points there. but in my opinion I think Resto had paid... The way he holds his head down and carries himself was sad to see, especially when around Panama.
There was no question that knew what he was doing but I think it was just a BAD mistake and it has eaten him for 24 years. Resto seems like a pushover and I am sure Panama convinced him to do it, and I think he didn’t know it would turn out so bad or he’d prob have backed out… But to your point he should have known the damage he could do...
Anyway, I was happy to see Billy's family or his wife's family forgive him, because I am sure that took a lot of guilt from that guy's heart.
Unfortunately, I deal with a lot of cons and shady characters and holy *beep* is Panama a skum bag, what a snake in the grass! Poor Resto, you'd think he'd learn to keep his chin up or how to carry himself or some street smarts in prison...
Resto is doing okay. He trains young kids and even adults in the Morris Park Boxing Gym in the Bronx. He is still waiting for royalties from the movie but told me he should be meeting up with peoples to discuss the issue.
Hope he gets what is owed to him so he could finally live a comfortable life.
reply
share