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Iron Mike wants Westlife collaboration

11/05/2006

One of the most unlikely musical collaborations ever in the history of music could be set to combine for a debut record.

Westlife, the Irish boyband adored by millions of teenage girls, have been approached by the one-time baddest, most feared man on the planet to do a duet.

'Iron' Mike Tyson, the former world heavyweight champion boxer, who once bit an opponent's ear off during a fight and spent in time in jail for rape, wants to hook up with the clean-cut Irish stars.

Now 39, Tyson has revealed Westlife's music makes him "melt" and that he would give anything for their manager Louis Walsh, of X Factor fame, to set the deal up.

Joe Egan, one of Tyson's closest friends, revealed the fighter's musical talent "leaves a lot to be desired" but that he is still really keen on an arrangement.

"He loves their music so much he wants to be part of it. Mike said he would be honoured to be part of a Westlife recording," Egan said.

"He's not a Pavarotti or Domingo – but neither are the members of Westlife! Mike can hold a tune quite well and he just loves Westlife music. He melts to some of their songs."

Westlife and Tyson met earlier this month when the boxer handed each member of the group an autographed pair of boxing gloves.

Tyson, in his pomp and youth, was considered one of the most brutal boxers to have ever stepped in the ring.

He unified the world titles, one of the few fighters in history to have achieved such a feat, before a series of personal misdemeanours brought about a wholly ungracious fall.

Rumours have suggested he has amassed approximately £50 million of debts.

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