Watch Ring Life

Ring Life is a gripping and powerful six-part documentary series from HBO that chronicles the dramatic rise and tumultuous fall of former professional boxer, Luis Resto. Although widely recognized as a talented fighter, Resto's career was cut short by a particularly brutal incident in which he was forced to fight with loaded gloves, at the hands of his own trainer, Panama Lewis. The series examines not only the complex personal and professional challenges faced by Resto, but also how those challenges shaped his relationship with Lewis, and ultimately led to the two men's very different paths.

Throughout the series, viewers are taken on a journey through Resto's life, beginning with his early boxing career in Puerto Rico, where he quickly made a name for himself as a formidable fighter. As a young man, Resto was deeply committed to the sport and believed that it was his best chance to escape poverty and provide for his family.

However, his life took a tragic turn in 1983, when he faced off against undefeated fighter Billy Collins Jr. in a highly anticipated match. After 10 punishing rounds, Resto emerged victorious, but it was soon discovered that his gloves had been tampered with, leaving Collins with severe and permanent injuries. Resto's subsequent investigation and trial dominated headlines, with many questioning how such a horrific act could have taken place within the sport.

The series also delves into the complex relationship between Resto and Lewis, his former trainer who was ultimately found to have conspired in the glove-tampering. While Resto insists that he was unaware of the plan, he nevertheless finds himself ostracized from the boxing community and struggling to pick up the pieces of his shattered career.

As the series unfolds, Resto's personal struggles are laid bare. He struggles with the shame and trauma of the Collins incident, and the devastating impact it had not only on his own life but also the life of Collins and his family. Viewers are given a rare, intimate look at the emotional toll of Resto's actions, as he grapples with his own guilt and the cruelty of a sport that often values winning above all else.

Through it all, one constant is Resto's determination to move forward and rebuild his life. He takes on various jobs to provide for his family and remains connected to boxing, this time as a trainer. However, the series also explores Lewis's continued involvement in the sport and the controversial decisions he made in the wake of the glove-tampering scandal.

Overall, Ring Life is a deeply humanizing and thought-provoking series that offers a nuanced look at the complexities of boxing and the impact it can have on the lives of those involved. The series is anchored by Resto's own candid reflections on his life and career, as well as interviews with those closest to him. It is a powerful reminder of the fragility of our heroes and the need for compassion and understanding in the face of tragedy.