OMAR EPPS - OMAR EPPS DEEMS BOXING A 'SCIENCE'

Hollywood actor OMAR EPPS has a newfound respect for boxing, after finding the sport tougher than street fighting.

Epps, who portrays a boxer alongside MEG RYAN in new movie AGAINST THE ROPES, now appreciates the sport consists of a lot more than just throwing a punch.

He says, "Boxing truly is a science. When I see two talented boxers go at it, it's like watching a ballet. It's all about who's going to make that millisecond mistake."

Epps says he trained carefully for his role, but was still shocked the first time he got hit.

He adds, "I just went in head first, five hours a day, eating, sleeping boxing, studying tapes. It's one of my favourite sports so I was up for the task."