Actor, Robb Skyler, is set to star in the upcoming biopic Hands of Stone as boxing commentator, Howard Cosell. Skyer plays a key role in the film which centers around the career of boxing legend Roberto Duran. In part 2 of this “On The Ropes” special interview with Robb Skyler, I get his thoughts on what people will get out of watching this film and the performances in it. Rob also talks about which fighters remind him of Roberto Duran and who his favorite fighter is. Additionally Skyler talks about what he thinks fans will learn about Howard Cosell watching this movie and from seeing his acting portrayal. Here is what Robb Skyler had to say.
Jenna J: What do you think film goers are going to get out of the movie Hands of Stone?
Robb Skyler: An inspiration, as opposed to what you would come to expect from boxing, which would be perspiration. But you know, they say blood, sweat and tears. Where Roberto Duran came from and what he achieved in his profession and in life, it’s just an inspirational story from his extreme poverty growing up in Panama. His spirit carried him so far and so many miles to many lands.
I think in the sense of the story of his life — which a lot of it has to do with his relationship with his Hall of Fame trainer, Ray Arcel, who is played by Robert De Niro, and their relationship and how totally different worlds can come as one. The fact that people from so vastly different cultures can so heavily connect on such humanistic levels such as Ray Arcel and Roberto Duran, and it’s a testament to the human spirit all around. I believe it’s a piece that’s going to move people and they’ll be able to identify with it.
Jenna J: Do you follow the sport today? If you do, what fighters out there remind you of Roberto Duran?
Robb Skyler: I’ve come to say over the past few years of being part of this project that Roberto Duran was Mike Tyson before Tyson, in his tenacity and ferocity, and his game face so to speak. I can’t say that there’s a fighter out there right now that comes to mind that reminds me of Roberto Duran.
Boxing is different to follow today, unfortunately it’s more anonymous in certain respects. Back in Roberto Duran’s heyday and career in the eighties, you had more of a spotlight on boxing. You knew it if was either going to be on commercial TV, you knew precisely when and where, or they used to have closed circuit, where you would actually go to movie theatres and see a major fight if it wasn’t going to be on regular television.
It’s hard for a boxer today who is up and coming — for somebody to forge a following you have to be a very compelling personality. I don’t know if I can rattle someone off the top of my head that reminds me of Roberto Duran, but I can tell you that Manny Pacquiao over the past twelve years had been my favorite fighter and I haven’t missed any of his fights.
I was with the cast and crew in Panama when he was fighting a few years ago and I said, “Hey come on, we’re in Panama filming a movie about Roberto Duran. It’s our night off and Manny’s fighting, we all gotta go watch the fights.” Speaking of Manny, I’m not his manager or his family member, but as much as I love watching him fight, I think it’s time for him to hang it up.
Jenna J: What do you think movie goers will get out of your performance in that movie? What will they learn about Howard Cosell from this movie?
Robb Skyler: That boxing had an advocate, boxing had a voice, a representative. In as much as it’s Roberto Duran’s story and Ray Arcel and how they forged their relationship that defied all odds, there was Howard Cosell in the midst of it, hovering it, reporting it in a way that the audience felt as if they were witnessing history.
Howard Cosell is the commentator, he’s the moderator, he’s an advocate for not only the sport but he comments on mankind. When you see the film and you hear Howard Cosell’s words and in his voice, some would say that he’s overstated but I would say that you can’t understate the human condition and I think he finds a way to bring that attention to it and lure the audience in.
They will come away watching the movie and thinking, “Wow, who was that guy?” A certain generation knows him and will identify with him because he was a part of their lives. Maybe a younger generation will say, “Well, that guy really had me interested, I had no idea boxing was so exciting and important.” I think he just has that sort of role in the overall picture, he’ll bring to life what somebody might not have seen had he not been the voice, so to speak. Hopefully it’s memorable and people enjoy not only the film, but my performance.
Read part 1 of Robb Skyler’s interview with “On The Ropes” boxing radio below
It’s not only Floyd who needs Pacman, also …………………JENNA J
Pacquiao would ko Duran. He too fast, too quick and too skilled for Duran.
Pacquiao should retire, but he won’t. All the greats stay too long. Take Duran, he fought till he was 47. Better to retire too soon, then too late.
Wow, they really made him look like Howard Cosell. Looking forward to seeing his performance..
Duran was like a rabid animal in the ring. He would attack like a mad man and break you down and take you out. HANDS OF STONE
I liked Duran when he was fighting and of course I liked Pacquiao . I think Pacman is quicker then Duran was . But if Duran timed him it mighta been rough for Pacquiao !
Now thats not to say Pacquiao wouldn’t make it rough for Duran with his hand speed and power .