The Historic and Tragic Tale of Puerto Rican Luis Resto vs. Billy Collins Jr. Boxing Fight

Four decades ago, a boxing match between Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto ended in a scandal that would forever alter the sport. This article delves into the tragic events of that night, Resto’s eventual confession, and the lasting impact on boxing.

On June 16, 1983, a young boxer named Billy Collins Jr. stepped into the ring at Madison Square Garden, New York, with high hopes and an undefeated record. At just 21 years old, Collins was seen as a rising star, a fighter with a promising future in the sport. His opponent that night, Luis Resto, was a seasoned journeyman with a modest record of 19-8-2. The fight was supposed to test Collins but not derail his career. However, what unfolded in the ring that evening would become one of the darkest chapters in boxing history.

Promoted by the legendary Bob Arum and trained by his father, Billy Collins Sr., the young Tennessee fighter was expected to add another victory to his 14-0 record. Resto, though challenging, was not considered a significant threat. He was trained by Panama Lewis, a controversial figure in boxing known for his unorthodox methods. As the fight began, it quickly became apparent that something was wrong.

Not known for his punching power, Resto began landing blows that visibly hurt Collins. By the end of the fight, Collins’ face was grotesquely swollen, his eyes nearly shut, and his cheekbones severely damaged. Despite the punishment, Collins managed to last all ten rounds, losing unanimously. But the true horror of what had happened would only come to light after the final bell.

The Discovery of Cheating

As the fighters met in the center of the ring after the decision, Collins Sr. shook hands with Resto and immediately noticed something was off. Resto’s gloves felt unusually thin as if slight padding were inside them. Collins Sr. raised the alarm, and upon further inspection, it was revealed that the gloves had been tampered with. Approximately one ounce of padding had been removed from each glove, and Resto’s hand wraps had been laced with plaster, turning his fists into virtual sledgehammers.

The discovery sent shockwaves through the boxing world. It wasn’t just that Resto had won the fight through illegal means; it was the extent of the damage inflicted on Collins that made the situation so egregious. Collins’ injuries were so severe that they effectively ended his boxing career. He suffered from permanent blurred vision, and the psychological toll of the fight would eventually lead to his untimely death less than a year later.

The scandal prompted an investigation, and Resto and his trainer, Panama Lewis, were held accountable. Lewis, who orchestrated the tampering, was banned from boxing for life and served a year in prison. Resto, who initially denied knowing about the alterations to his gloves and wraps, was sentenced to two and a half years in jail and banned from the sport. But the damage was done. Collins’ career was over, and the young fighter’s life was despairing.

The Tragic End of Billy Collins Jr.

The physical and emotional scars from that night in New York proved too much for Billy Collins Jr. to bear. Once a bright prospect with a future full of promise, Collins found himself grappling with the reality that his career had been stolen from him. His injuries prevented him from ever boxing again, and the psychological impact of the fight left him deeply depressed. Collins turned to alcohol to cope with his pain, and his life took a tragic turn.

On March 6, 1984, less than a year after the fight, Collins died in a car accident near his home in Tennessee. He was just 22 years old. Whether the crash was accidental or a deliberate act remains unclear, but the loss of such a young life was a devastating blow to his family and the boxing community.

The fight between Collins and Resto symbolized everything that could go wrong in boxing. It raised serious questions about the sport’s integrity and the fighters’ safety. How could something blatantly illegal happen in a venue as prestigious as Madison Square Garden? How did the tampered gloves go unnoticed by officials? These questions lingered long after the incident, casting a shadow over the sport.

Resto’s Confession and the Documentary “Assault in The Ring”

For years, Luis Resto maintained his innocence, claiming he had no knowledge of the tampering and was following his trainer’s instructions. However, in 2009, Resto finally came clean in the powerful documentary “Assault in The Ring,” directed by Eric Drath. In the film, Resto confessed that he was aware of the glove tampering and the plaster on his wraps. He also revealed that Panama Lewis had given him a substance to help him breathe more easily during the fight, likely a drug used to treat asthma, which allowed him to sustain a higher level of performance.

Resto’s confession added another layer of tragedy to an already heartbreaking story. While it provided some closure, it also reignited the anger and pain Collins’ family and boxing fans felt. The documentary shed light on the darker side of boxing, where corruption and a win-at-all-costs mentality can have devastating consequences.

Panama Lewis, who passed away in 2020, never showed remorse for his role in the incident. He maintained his innocence until the end, never admitting to the crimes that had effectively ruined two lives—Billy Collins Jr.’s and Luis Resto’s. While Resto has expressed regret and has sought forgiveness, the stigma of that night in 1983 remains attached to his name. Despite his remorse, many in the boxing community and beyond have found it difficult, if not impossible, to forgive him.

The Lasting Impact on Boxing

The fight between Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto has left an indelible mark on boxing. It exposed the vulnerabilities in the regulatory system and highlighted the need for stricter oversight to protect fighters. In the aftermath of the scandal, there were calls for reforms in how boxing matches were officiated and how equipment was inspected. The incident also served as a cautionary tale for fighters and trainers alike about the dangers of cutting corners and the severe consequences of cheating.

The story of Collins and Resto also reminds us of the human cost of boxing. While the sport is often celebrated for its excitement and the courage of its participants, it is also a brutal and unforgiving endeavor where the stakes are life and death. The Collins-Resto fight underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport and ensuring that all participants are competing on a level playing field.

Forty years later, the fight is still remembered as one of the darkest moments in boxing history. It is a story that continues to be told, not just as a tale of tragedy but as a warning of what can happen when the sport’s rules are violated. The legacy of that night in Madison Square Garden is one of pain and loss and a reminder of the need for vigilance in boxing.

A Fight That Changed Everything

The events of June 16, 1983, forever changed the lives of Billy Collins Jr. and Luis Resto and the sport of boxing. The tragic outcome of that fight serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, fairness, and the responsibility that comes with being part of such a dangerous sport. While the wounds from that night may never fully heal, the lessons learned resonate within the boxing community, ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.

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