Nick Cave told the Mail-Times last week the retired US boxer would step into the ring and take on any `young hopefuls' during the unveiling of Cave's proposed statue at Warracknabeal.

During discussions about the statue at a council meeting on Tuesday, a straight-faced Mr Campling said he would be willing to take up the challenge as a fundraising opportunity for charity.

His statement was met by a chorus of laughter from councillors.

Mr Campling also apologised for any potential embarrassment to council after referring to Kylie Minogue's gold hotpants, which Nick Cave light-heartedly said Kylie would wear to the unveiling, as lame hotpants and not lameá hotpants during a radio interview.

Lameá, pronounced lah-may, is a fabric with metallic threads.

Michelle Dryburgh