The upcoming film "Southpaw" has been difficult for director Antoine Fuqua to get off the ground and into production. Fuqua strugled with finding a production company that would join forces with him before Wienstein Co. came on board. However, just when things seemed as if they were finally coming together, Eminem backed out of playing the leading man. 

Performing at the 'Epicenter Twenty Ten' eventEminem turns down boxing role for upcoming "Southpaw" film. 

Deadline has also reported that Fuqua has secured Jake Gyllenhaal as the leading man in the boxing movie. The film is reportedly Gyllenhaal's next movie and he will play a left-handed welterweight boxing champion. The character's personal life is a mess and in the midst of it hall Gyllenhaal's character will have to fight to become the top boxing contender for his weight. 

The other lead role for the character Titus "Tick" Willis hasn't been cast. Tick is a retired fighter due to losing once of his eyes. He seeks to become a pro trainer but puts it on hold after his son is killed.  

Gyllenhaal is no stranger to the big screen, he has starred in several diverse movies including Prince of Persia and Nightcrawler. Fuqua is well-known for the success of his film "Brooklyn's Finest." The movie centered on the activity of the police force and criminals in New York City. The movie was produced independently and included stars such as Richard Gere, Wesley Snipes, Don Cheadle and Ethan Hawk. 

Los Angeles premiere of Jake Gyllenhaal takes leading role for "Southpaw" film.