Robert De Niro gets back into the ring with ´Hands of Stone´

Actor Robert De Niro has re-entered the ring in the new boxing drama film "Hands of Stone.  "But this time, he´s not the one throwing the punches, he´s 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 on Monday evening.

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

"Although the film is centered around 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," said Ramirez.

"It´s a human story, a universal story," . Cuban actress Ana de Armas, who has the role of Duran´s wife, spoke to Ramirez´s point, opining that the film is rooted in love.

"This movie isn´t only about boxing, it´s a beautiful love story. When people see, they´ll understand how important
Felicidad is in Duran´s life," she said. "Hands of Stone" will be released in U.S. theaters on August 26.