Usher Prepping for Role As Sugar Ray Leonard

After almost 20 years in the game, Usher has proven time and time again that he is a true entertainer. Now the 34-year-old is once again showing off his acting chops on the big screen by playing boxing great, Sugar Ray Leonard, in an upcoming film, ‘Hands of Stone.’’ Set to hit theaters in 2014, the movie is about the lightweight boxing legend, Roberto Duran, played by ‘Zero Dark Thirty,’ actor, Édgar Ramirez. Oscar-winning acting vet, Robert De Niro will play Duran’s trainer.

Playing alongside such acting heavyweights, Raymond is up for a big challange. According to Billboard, ‘The Voice’ judge has confirmed that he has been prepping for his role for more than a year and still has 25 pounds to lose before filming in October. The ‘Climax’ crooner also says that he is eager and excited to play the boxing legend.

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“You couldn’t find a more stylized boxer than Sugar Ray Leonard,” Usher explained. “He was an incredible motion guy, the way he moved around the ring, and I think my dancing will make it easier for me to pick up his moves. I’ve been working on familiarizing myself with the ring, sparring and just understanding how to move in the ring.”

Raymond has played on Broadway in ‘Chicago’ in 2006 and more recently in ‘Feurza Bruta,’ but this will be his first major role in a feature film alongside an all-star cast. But he’s ready to be a knockout on the big screen. “I’m up for the challenge, and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

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