Mike Tyson wants to play Othello

Former boxing champ Mike Tyson wants to take his acting ambitions to the next level by tackling the works of William Shakespeare.

Tyson has been carving out a career in TV and film since retiring from the ring, landing a string of cameos in projects such as "The Hangover," "Entourage" and "Scary Movie 5." He's now wants to perform in plays by the Bard.

Bing: Mike Tyson was high on cocaine during 'Hangover' filming

He tells the New York Daily News, "Wouldn't Shakespeare be awesome? That black guy ... could you imagine me in 'Othello'?" But Tyson admits he will have to work hard to be at the level needed to properly portray one of Shakespeare's most famous characters, New York Daily News reported.

He adds, "Anything you give me time to prepare, I can do. I don't think I am ready for that yet, but I would like to try. My career as an actor has blossomed. I never considered myself a comedian or actor, even though I was in movies and shows helping out friends ... a lot of my friends are actors and directors and they say, 'Mike, we need you to concentrate and take it seriously.' They say my skills are horrible, but I have the natural timings for it. I am working on my skills."