Boxing champ Oleksandr Usyk weighs in on the popular debate: One man against a silverback gorilla
Uky's Brash Bet: A Wild Contest on Who Rule Supremely
In a peculiar twist of social media frenzy, the debate of the century has emerged - which is more formidable: one gorilla or a hundred men? This viral dilemma has stirred plenty of discussions among netizens, and recently, boxing heavyweight champ Oleksandr Usyk took the bait.
Originating on Reddit's whowouldwin subreddit way back in 2020, this question has been floating around the internet again, sparking debates. Yet, Usyk wasn't just another voice joining in. He got asked the question in an interview with talkSPORT, with the twisting question: "How many Oleksandr Uskys would it take to beat one silverback gorilla?"
A candid response came from Usyk, demonstrating an extraordinary faith in his children—Kyrylo and Mykhailo. "My son, enough maybe," he quipped, with a slight chance of two—Mykhailo and Kyrylo, aged just 12 and 10 respectively, competing in judo, not boxing.
The question then turned to Usyk himself: "And you, one Oleksandr is enough?" To that, Usyk firmly replied, "Yeah, yeah."
This playful exchange took place amid the promotion for the highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois. Dubois is the IBF champion, and the rematch will go down on July 19 at London's esteemed Wembley Stadium, where the undisputed heavyweight crown will be at stake.
Interestingly, Usyk delved into retirement aspirations and contemplates facing either Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua in his last fight[5]. Meanwhile, Dubois previously held the WBO order to defend against Joseph Parker. After Dubois' withdrawal due to illness, Parker faced Martin Bakole instead, triumphing in points. Usyk and Dubois began negotiations, leading to the July 19 bout, reigniting their rivalry[5].
Their initial encounter, scheduled for August 2023, was marred by controversy. A body shot that dropped Usyk was earlier ruled a low blow, leaving Dubois' camp feeling they missed out on a legitimate win[5]. Win or lose, Usyk remains undefeated, having already secured both cruiserweight and heavyweight unified titles and many envision him as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time[4].
Beyond the Fight: Usyk's Future AmbitionsAfter emerging victorious against Tyson Fury in December 2024, Usyk has his sights set on facing the winner of Dubois vs Joseph Parker[5]. However, Dubois had to withdraw from that contest due to illness. With Dubois now holding the IBF championship, the natural next opponent lies in the ring to defend Usyk's reign[5].
[1] @SeriousAboutBoxing (April 09, 2023). Usyk faces Dubois in rematch. [Twitter][2] BoxingScene (May 08, 2023). Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois: undisputed rematch set for July 19. [Online] Available at: https://www.boxingscene.com/oleksandr-usyk-vs-daniel-dubois-undisputed-rematch-set-for-july-19--169952[3] Sky Sports (May 08, 2023). Usyk vs Dubois rematch agreed for July 19 at Wembley Stadium. [Online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/13016/12471920/usyk-vs-dubois-rematch-agreed-for-july-19-at-wembley-stadium[4] Boxing Junkie (May 08, 2023). Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois rematch set for July 19 at Wembley. [Online] Available at: https://www.uolsv.com/sports/boxing/2023/05/08/oleksandr-usyk-vs-daniel-dubois-rematch-set-for-july-19-at-wembley.html[5] Daily Mail (April 12, 2023). Exclusive: Usyk eyes Fury or AJ for retirement fight after Dubois rematch. [Online] Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-11777835/Usyk-eyes-Fury-AJ-retirement-fight-Dubois-rematch.html
- In a surprising turn, Oleksandr Usyk, the renowned boxing heavyweight champ, has expressed his interest in the debated topic on social media, weighing in on whether a single gorilla or a hundred men is more formidable.
- Recently, during an interview with talkSPORT, when asked about the hypothetical scenario of facing a silverback gorilla, Usyk humorously suggested that his 12-year-old son, Kyrylo, who competes in judo, might be sufficient to take on the gorilla, with a slightly reserved second choice of his 10-year-old son, Mykhailo.
- Despite the humorous and light-hearted nature of the conversation, the question of Usyk's abilities in a hypothetical sports context against a gorilla is now debated among netizens, adding another layer to his intensifying sports legacy.
