It seemed like a "simple" joke. A question and answer via social media. Instead apparently Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are serious and are really planning a challenge against each other in the ring.
Both fitness, boxing and combat sports enthusiasts, the two millionaires had launched provocations on the web. Then the well-informed relaunched the news: not only will the thing be done, but the founder of Facebook and the number one of Twitter have already started training.
Of these hours the further indiscretion, which appeared on TMZ, the American site of gossip from showbiz: the meeting between the two tycoons could be held in Rome, no less than at the Colosseum.
As reported by TMZ, in fact, an Italian government official has already contacted Zuckerberg's entourage proposing the suggestive location of the Flavian Amphitheater, where gladiators fought in ancient times, as is well known.
"Sources with direct knowledge tell us that the Minister of Culture of Rome contacted Zuckerberg a few days ago to stage what could be the largest fight in the history of the world in the most legendary theater of combat in history ," writes TMZ, recalling that the Colosseum, in the modern age, has almost never hosted highly popular shows inside, with the exception of a charity concert by Paul McCartney in 2003, in front of a small, selected audience (400 people) and above all willing to pay 1,500 euros for a front row seat.
However, the Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano denies : «There has been no formal contact from the ministry nor any written document, even if the news appears tasty it is unfounded. The Colosseum is granted, not from today, for high-profile paid events almost always for charity. Each request is carefully evaluated by the management of the Archaeological Park and is not the responsibility of the political body. If Zuckerberg and Musk wanted to perform in the Colosseum - it is added - they would have to make a non-violent challenge. Maybe a sort of certomen, a duel with Latin verses. And they should ensure a congruous economic contribution to be donated to the protection of the Italian historical heritage and perhaps a share to Emilia Romagna".
(Unioneonline/lf)