Hands of Stone, the story of Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán, hit theaters last weekend. While the exciting project chronicles one of sports’ most storied rivalries, there’s one thing folks can’t stop talking about–Usher.

In Hands of Stone, the r&b singer plays legendary champ Sugar Ray Leonard. Even though Usher works out regularly and takes care of himself, getting into fighting shape, and pulling off Leonard’s slick moves, wasn’t easy.

“Becoming Sugar Ray Leonard was not a matter of acting,” Usher told EBONY.com during a press event. “You remember him, more than anything, for his incredible movement. One thing that I will definitely say attributed to me getting into character is my ability to dance and understand choreography and movement. That made it easy to understand the type of boxer he was.”

And it shows.

Watch EBONY.com’s chat with Usher, and head to the theater this weekend to see Hands of Stone.