By John J. Raspanti, Doghouse Boxing: Top R&B artist Usher has signed on to play the legendary "Sugar" Ray Leonard in the forthcoming film, “Hands of Stone.” The movie tells the rags to riches story of Roberto Duran as he fights his way off the streets of Panama. Gael Garcia Bernal is Duran with Robert De Niro cast as trainer Ray Arcel.

"I'm in preparation for a very incredible role," Usher told the BBC. "If you see me in the corners boxing, I'm doing that while working on this album."

The legendary Duran won titles in four different weight divisions. He first fought Leonard in 1980. He staggered Leonard in round two and went on to win a unanimous decision. The rematch, held five months later in New Orleans saw Duran quitting in round eight as he famously muttered, "No mas" to the referee.

The success of “The Fighter” two years ago reminded Hollywood that a prime boxing movie could make money. Hollywood's interest in boxing goes all the way back to the silent days.

The film starts principal photography in a few months and opens in theaters, in 2013..

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-- Questions/comments johnboxing1@hotmail.com

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