MOVIES - Aug. 14, 1987

Just when you thought it was safe to go back onto a movie set, Sean Penn has decided to take boxing lessons--once he’s released from prison. The New York Daily News reported Thursday that Penn is upset that his pugilistic prowess didn’t get him onto Ring magazine’s list of the 10 best actors who also pack a punch (Ryan O’Neal is still champ). So Penn plans to huddle with character actor and former heavyweight boxer Frankie Gio once the 27-year-old actor completes his revolving-door jail term in Mono County, the paper reported. Penn, in West Germany filming a movie, returns at the end of the month to complete his 60-day sentence for violating probation stemming from a battery conviction last year. Gio and Penn (who was en route to Germany) decided to get together in a Manhattan restaurant Wednesday after they had playfully sparred earlier in the day.