I had been in the gym training for many, many years, but I definitely stepped it up when it was time to get into shape to play 'Lights'. I began trying to live the life of a boxer, and that means everything that you would expect.

I had always wanted to play a boxer, all of my life. I grew up watching great boxing films.

I take my hat off to my friend, Mark Wahlberg, because I know that it took him a long time to make 'The Fighter,' and he overcame a lot of obstacles to do it, and now the film is an unqualified success.

You can get into a place in your life where you no longer are in control of events, and events are in control of you.

You make choices, as a young man. I knew I wanted to be an actor, so I pursued that, but the desire to compete still stayed with me.

The greatest gift that an actor can have is good scripts because then you're relieved of the responsibility of trying to elevate the material.

I love boxing, and boxing has always been my favorite sport. I was always into it, and I boxed recreationally all of my life.