Usyk released after airport detention – Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been released after being briefly detained at a Polish airport.
A video shared on social media showed Usyk being escorted away in handcuffs by uniformed officers.
“I spoke with Oleksandr Usyk over the phone while he was detained,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
“I was outraged by the treatment of our citizen and champion.
“I have directed Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, and Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, to urgently investigate the details of the incident at Krakow airport.
“Once I was informed that everything was resolved, our champion was released and is no longer being held.”
Usyk, the WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion, is expected to be in London later this week to watch Daniel Dubois defend his IBF title against Anthony Joshua at Wembley.
“We immediately responded to the detention of Oleksandr Usyk in Krakow and facilitated his release,” Sybiha wrote on X, external.
“I was informed of the details by our Consul General. We consider such actions to be disproportionate and unacceptable towards our champion and will send a note to the Polish side.”
Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk said on Instagram the incident was a “misunderstanding”.
The boxer also said it was a “misunderstanding”, but “was quickly resolved”.
“Thanks to all who got concerned,” Usyk wrote on X., external
“Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support. And respect to Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia.”
It is not clear why Usyk was detained.
BBC Sport has approached Usyk’s manager and Krassyuk for comment.
Usyk has not fought since 19 May when he beat Tyson Fury to become boxing’s first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.
The Ukrainian vacated the IBF title in June after opting not to face his mandatory challenger in favour of agreeing a rematch with Fury, which is scheduled for 21 December.
Usyk was also the undisputed champion at cruiserweight and is unbeaten in 22 fights, winning 14 inside the distance.
