Usher is speaking out about his upcoming role as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.  Find out what he said inside....

"The Voice" judge Usher will be starring as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in the upcoming film "Hands of Stone".  The film centers on the story of  the great brawler Roberto Duran  who beat Sugar Ray in 1980 to claim the WBC welterweight title (though he lost is a few months later during the rematch).

The pop star spoke to the Huffington Post about his role saying,

"You couldn't find a more stylized boxer than Sugar Ray Leonard. 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."

In getting ready for the film, which will be shot in Panama, Usher's going on a strict regime to drop around 12 pounds and gain more tone his muscular frame!

"He had such incredible discipline, and he was flashy and classy at the same time. I want to be as passionate and dedicated in preparing for this role as he was every time he stepped into the ring."

And though this is his first leading role, the superstar says he's up for the pressure.

"I'm up for the challenge, and I'm looking forward to it. I think my overall feeling is one of anticipation. It seems like this is a real passion project. It's a film that everybody is so invested in, and I have the good fortune of having the character I'm playing still around."

Nice!