Forest Whitaker to star with Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Southpaw'

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is in talks to star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Antoine Fuqua's boxing drama 'Southpaw'.

Gyllenhaal plays the role of Billy 'The Great' Hope, a left-handed prizefighter who wins a title but suffers a tragedy soon after and must put his life back together, reported the Wrap.

Whitaker is nearing a deal to play the other lead of Titus 'Tick' Willis, a former fighter who was forced to retire after losing an eye and now trains amateur fighters.

Whitaker, who won an Oscar for 'The Last King of Scotland', was recently seen in 'The Butler'.