World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has thrown a punch into one of the internet’s wildest debates, confidently claiming he could defeat a silverback mountain gorilla in a boxing match.
The 38-year-old Ukrainian, speaking on TalkSPORT, didn’t stop there—he boldly suggested his ten-year-old son Mykhailo could use his judo skills to take down the primate, with 12-year-old brother Kyrylo ready to assist if needed.
Usyk’s audacious remarks have added fuel to a viral controversy gripping 288 million people worldwide, sparked by a provocative post on X.
The debate began when X user DreamChasnMike asserted, in colorful language unfit for print, that it would take 100 “dedicated” humans to overpower a single silverback gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei). The claim unleashed a torrent of opinions, with some arguing that sheer numbers would ensure human victory, while others warned of the gorilla’s terrifying strength. YouTube sensation Mr Beast, boasting 386 million followers, jokingly offered to test the theory, calling for 100 volunteers. Even X owner Elon Musk chimed in, quipping, “Sure, what’s the worst that could happen?”
On X, arguments range from strategic to absurd. One user suggested 100 humans could “sit on a gorilla and kill it” by surrounding and grappling, targeting vulnerable areas like eyes. Another claimed humans could overpower an elephant, pointing to our ancestors’ success hunting woolly mammoths. “100 people equals 400 hands and feet,” they argued, emphasizing collective power. Skeptics, however, were less optimistic. One predicted a gruesome outcome, stating, “All 100 of you will meet your maker after a very violent death.” Another theorized a gorilla could fend off infinite attackers, as only three humans could approach at once.
Experts offer a more grounded perspective. Professor John Drury, a social psychologist at the University of Sussex, sees the debate as a lens into human behavior, highlighting the “free rider problem.” Without collective trust, individuals may hesitate, fearing others won’t join the fight. Drury compares this to historical examples like the Pals’ battalions of World War I, where shared identity fostered bravery. In contrast, strangers lack the cohesion to risk their lives, much like passengers on a hijacked plane hesitant to confront an armed terrorist.
Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan, who spent months filming gorillas in the Congo, underscores their peaceful nature. “Gorillas are the hippies of the forest,” he told the Mail, noting their vegetarian diet and gentle parenting. Conservationist Andre Bauma, from Virunga National Park, reveals a surprising tactic: gorillas can be distracted with Pringles, used not as food but to manage their behavior.
With mountain gorillas critically endangered—fewer than 1,100 remain in the wild—the debate’s real value lies in redirecting attention to their preservation. Humans, when united, possess unmatched collective strength, as Drury notes. Rather than fantasizing about fighting gorillas, we should channel that ingenuity into saving them. Usyk’s bravado may have entertained, but the true victory lies in cooperation, not combat.
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