( L - R ) Actor Jamie Foxx, Boxer Mike Tyson - file photos

Bangshowbiz

Jamie Foxx will play boxer Mike Tyson on the big screen.

The actor has already started working with Tyson on a sensational biopic of his life, the controversial former heavyweight champion has revealed.

Tyson said: "Jamie Foxx and I will be working together. He will play me in the film about my life. We have already had several discussions about it."

There will be no shortage of material for Foxx to work with.

After reigning as the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 until 1990, Tyson's life went into freefall when he was sent to jail for rape in 1992.

After his 1995 release, he continued to make headlines and caused outrage when he bit a chunk of rival Evander Holyfield's ear off during a fight in 1992.

Tyson - who is currently fighting bankruptcy - admits he struggled to cope, even during the peak of his success.

The 41-year-old sportsman said: "Even when I was training for a fight I would drink. This is the first time I have been clean and sober in my whole life."

In 2005, Fox received a Best Actor Oscar for his performance as legendary singer and pianist Ray Charles in Ray.