Jamie Foxx to play Mike Tyson in Martin Scorsese biopic

Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx has confirmed he is to play controversial boxer Mike Tyson in an as-yet-untitled biopic to be directed by Martin Scorsese.

47-year-old Foxx told listeners on radio station Power 105 the film will be “This will be the first boxing movie that Martin Scorsese has done since Raging Bull”. In the interview, the Ray actor also said the project was pitched to Paramount in a meeting with Tyson present.

Regular Scorsese collaborator Terence Winter is working on the script, which is rumoured to cover the entire career of the former heavyweight champion. It’s unclear at this stage if the actor will play the role of younger Tyson, with initial reports suggesting Benjamin Button style special-effects.

Mike Tyson was once the most feared boxer on the planet, once heralded as “The baddest man on the Planet”. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, he quickly established himself as a ferocious fighter who shot to fame thanks to his reputation for rapid knockouts. Tyson went on an unbeaten streak claiming all the major titles until a shock defeat to James ‘Buster’ Douglas, a result which remains one of the greatest upsets in sporting history.

The subsequent years saw some further triumphs, but also a conviction and imprisonment for rape.

Tyson retired in 2006 and has been a regular on the media circuit ever since, including a memorable knockout cameo in The Hangover.