We know he can float like a butterfly, but can he sting like a bee? Dancer Michael Flatley (40) has been offered £1 million to make a quick return to Dublin's Point Theatre - but this time as a boxer.
The Irish-American announced that boxing was one of a "host of different ideas" he was considering after his final performance as Lord of the Dance in London's Hyde Park on Saturday week last.
His publicist, Mr Chris Roche, confirmed last night that an offer had been made for Flatley to fight at the Point on September 19th. "He is away on holidays at the moment and will make a decision on it when he gets back. We should know in a week or 10 days," he said.
Mr Roche said the dancer had previously been offered "a lot of money" by British boxing promoter Barry Hearn to enter the ring but had "too much on his plate" at the time to consider it.
The latest offer has been made by a promotional organisation, Team Ireland, backed by millionaire Irish businessman Mr Syl McClean, who insisted the offer was genuine. "We hope to receive an answer shortly," he said.
Flatley was a talented boxer growing up in Chicago and won amateur titles as a teenager, but some experts have expressed scepticism about his ability to launch a professional career at 40.
However, Mr Austin Carruth, who coaches his son, Olympic gold medallist Michael, said last night that anyone who was brave enough to enter the ring should not be lightly dismissed. "If it's true, as reported, that he won a Golden Gloves title in Chicago then it's clear he came through the system and knows how serious boxing is. We'd have to wait and see who he's put up against before commenting on his chances."
Mr Roche said a number of possible opponents had been mentioned, but he could not say at this stage who Flatley might face.
Team Ireland's debut promotion, with or without Flatley, will feature Michael Carruth, who faces unbeaten Canada-based Irishman Mark Riggs. Mr McClean said: "Our main objective is to give Irish fighters and the fight fans continuity - a fight every six months is no good to anyone."
