MGM is bringing on two real-life boxers to go toe-to-toe with Michael B. Jordan in the Rocky spin-off Creed, as the studio enters talks with Andre Ward and Tony Bellew.

We first reported on the project back in July 2013, when Michael B. Jordan signed on to play the grandson of Carl Weathers' Apollo Creed character from the original Rocky franchise. Sylvester Stallone is also returning as Rocky Balboa, who mentors the young boxers. Tony Bellew will play Pretty Ricky Porter, a primary opponent for the title character. No details were given for Andre Ward's character.

Ryan Coogler is set to direct, reuniting with his Fruitvale Station star Michael B. Jordan, with production scheduled to begin this coming January in Philadelphia and Las Vegas.

Andre Ward is the current World Boxing Association champion in the super-middleweight division. Tony Bellew is a former three-time champion in England's Amateur Boxing Association of England, and a former light heavyweight champion in the Commonwealth league.