Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk was briefly detained at Krakow airport in Poland but has since been released, according to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday. Zelenskyy expressed disappointment at the treatment of Usyk as a citizen and champion and confirmed that Usyk is no longer being held. A photo of Usyk with Ukraine’s Consul General in Krakow was shared after his release.
Usyk, a 37-year-old prominent Ukrainian athlete, is recognized internationally and has supported various projects to aid Ukraine during Russia’s invasion. Usyk mentioned that a misunderstanding occurred at the airport but was swiftly resolved, thanking Ukrainian diplomats for their efficient support and commending Polish police for handling the situation without bias.
The airport’s border guards reported that Usyk’s detention stemmed from a disagreement when an airline refused to board his companion, leading the two to refuse to leave the gate. Usyk was briefly handcuffed and taken to the border guards’ police station. Maj. Jacek Micha?owski, spokesman for Krakow region Border Guards, explained that the men had their journey canceled by the carrier and their passenger status revoked, resulting in the need for intervention.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of Usyk and stated that such actions toward their champion are disproportionate and unacceptable. He mentioned plans to send a formal communication to the Polish side regarding the incident.
Usyk, who defeated Tyson Fury in May to become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in 24 years, later announced that he had vacated the belt, making him no longer hold the undisputed world champion title. A rematch between Fury and Usyk is scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia, after which Usyk is contemplating a return to the cruiserweight category.
Starting his professional career as a cruiserweight and earning the division’s undisputed champion title in 2018, Usyk moved up to heavyweight in 2019 and claimed three title belts against Anthony Joshua in 2021.