Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk was briefly detained at Krakow Airport in Poland but was released immediately following intervention from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, allowing him to continue preparations for his upcoming rematch with Tyson Fury.
Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk was briefly detained at Krakow Airport in Poland before being released following the intervention of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Usyk was traveling to Spain to begin his preparations for December 21 rematch against Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia, was reportedly stopped by airline officials after being deemed unfit to travel.
Usyk, along with his trainer Sergey Lapin, had just completed an exhausting 14-hour journey from Kyiv, including a lengthy drive, and were preparing to board the flight when the incident occurred.
Despite attempts to explain that they were simply fatigued, the language barrier and concerns over their fitness led to Usyk being detained by authorities.
His wife, Katheryna Usyk, who was traveling with him, posted a video of Usyk being led away in handcuffs, confirming that no criminal activity was involved. Following swift diplomatic efforts, the matter was quickly resolved, and Usyk was released.
“A misunderstanding took place,” Usyk wrote on social media. “It was quickly resolved. Thanks to all who got concerned. 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.”
The incident drew criticism from Ukrainian President Zelensky, who instructed his ministers to investigate the situation.
“I was disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion,” Zelensky wrote in his post. “I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, to immediately look into all the details of the incident at Krakow airport.
“Now, everything is fine, our champion has been released, and he is no longer being detained.”
Despite the brief disruption, Usyk is expected to continue his training and attend the upcoming title fight between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois in London.
Usyk became the undisputed heavyweight champion after defeating Tyson Fury earlier this year and previously won the unified title by defeating Joshua.
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