Ukrainian Boxer, Oleksandr Usyk Released After Airport Detention
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been released after being detained at Krakow airport in Poland [BBC News]. A video circulating on social media showed Usyk being led away in handcuffs by uniformed officials.
Zelensky expressed outrage over the incident, stating, “I was outraged by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.” He instructed Ukrainian officials to investigate the matter and added, “As soon as I was informed that everything is fine, our champion was released and no-one is detaining him anymore.”
Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, and the boxer himself described the incident as a “misunderstanding” that was quickly resolved. Usyk thanked Ukrainian diplomats and Polish police, saying, “Thanks to all who got concerned… And respect to Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia.”
The WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion is scheduled to attend Daniel Dubois’ IBF title defense against Anthony Joshua in London this week. Usyk has not fought since becoming boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion by beating Tyson Fury on May 19. He vacated the IBF title in June to pursue a rematch with Fury, set for December 21.
The reason for Usyk’s detention remains unclear, and BBC Sport has reached out to Usyk’s manager and Krassyuk for further comment.