Usher Aiming For Oscar Glory For Role As Sugar Ray Leonard In New Boxing Biopic

12 June 2012, 09:49 | Updated: 12 June 2012, 10:06

The 'Climax' star admits he is hopeful of taking home the top acting award for his upcoming part in the Robert De Niro film.

Usher has confessed that he believes he can pick up an Oscar for his upcoming role as boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard in the forthcoming movie Hands Of Stone.

The 'Scream' singer will appear on the big screen alongside such esteemed actors as Robert De Niro and told The Independent he is not intimidated by the project in any way.

"Not at all. There's a respect for both parties. I've seen Oscar winners come out of left field," he said.

"I'm just saying Jennifer Hudson," he added – referring to the musicians acting debut and Academy Award triumph for the 2006 musical Dreamgirls.

"You asked me, is it OK to assume that an actor who doesn't have as much skill can't out-act an actor who is well-decorated? And what I'm saying is, if you take a moment to just analyse... No," Usher admitted.

"I'm not intimidated in any way. Because there's a shared passion and respect among all of us, and it's the type of script that will allow all of us to shine.

"I don't know if this is the one that would win me an Oscar or not. I'm going into it offering my interpretation and my hard work and my dedication to be the best Sugar Ray ever. Or as good as the man can be. I've spoken to him, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to live up to him. But I'll try to be better than him."

The R&B star has been pictured working hard in the gym as he prepares for the role and undertaking a strict diet to get in the best shape.

Usher revealed that he has been in the gym with young "up and coming" fighters and praised their work ethic.

"Just being able to see the hunger in their eyes has definitely given me the understanding of where Sugar Ray was in that time," he revealed.

Meanwhile, the star previewed his new album 'Looking For myself' with a special streamed live show in London last night (11th June) and appeared at Capital FM's Summertime Ball 2012 over the weekend as he took to the stage alongside the likes of Justin Bieber, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran at Wembley Stadium.