Former Derry boxer John Duddy lands dream film role opposite Hollywood legend Robert de Niro

Former Derry professional boxer John Duddy has landed a role in a Hollywood film starring two of the silver screen's biggest stars.

The 35-year-old "Derry Destroyer," who now lives in New York, is to play the role of legendary Scottish fighter, Ken Buchanan, in "Hands of Stone."

The film, to be released next year, is about Panamanian boxer world champion Roberto Duran, and will star Roberto Duran and Ellen Barkin.

Duddy (pictured above) is no stranger to acting as he took to the stage in the Off Broadway play Kid Shamrock in 2011.

He has already had scenes for the new movie filmed in Panama and New York.

Duddy lost only twice (to Billy Lyell and Julio César Chávez, Jr.) in 31 professional bouts, recording 18 wins by knockout, ten of which came in the first round.

He is a former IBA World and WBC Continental Americas middleweight title holder.

As an amateur, he fought 130 times as an amateur, winning 100 of his bouts and won the Irish national title at the age of 15 as a light-middleweight.

He later won Irish titles at both intermediate and elite levels and represented the Emerald Isle at European and Olympic qualifying levels.

He announced his  retirement from boxing  on 19 January 2011.