50 Cent to play boxer

Film

13:30 06 April 2006

50 Cent is set to play a convict boxer in a new film.

The rapper, who made his acting debut in the semi-autobiographical movie 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'', has agreed to star in 'The Dance', which is based on the true story of prison boxing coach Billy "The Kid" Roth.

'Con Air' star Nicolas Cage will portray Roth, while 50 will play a promising imprisoned pugilist who his trainer believes has the skills to be a potential champion.

Shooting on the boxing drama is due to begin early next year.

Meanwhile, Mary J. Blige has been boasting about her new friendship with 50.

The singer hasn't been able to stop gushing about the hip-hop star, real name Curtis Jackson, since he got involved in the production of the video for her new single, 'Enough Cryin''.

She said: "Me and my husband have taken him on as a friend. He's someone we know we can talk to and call on if we have a question because, quite frankly, 50 is very intelligent and we really appreciate his expertise and we really appreciate his opinions."

(C) BANG Media International