Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk spent a short time in custody at Poland’s Krakow Airport before being released this week.
Usyk was attempting to board a flight to Valencia, Spain, as he headed to the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois fight in London this weekend. As Usyk waited at the airport, Polish transport police handcuffed and detained the three-belt world titleholder until President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intervened.
The 37-year-old, who gave up his IBF championship for Joshua vs. Dubois, was safely allowed to continue his travels after thanking Polish police.
“Dear Friends. A misunderstanding took place. It was quickly resolved. Thanks to all who got concerned,” said Usyk. “Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support. And respect to the Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regard to height, weight, reach and regalia.
“Thank God for everything,” he added.
I spoke with Oleksandr Usyk on the phone after he was detained.
I was disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.
I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, toโฆ pic.twitter.com/LNKcH0OupR
โ Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ะะพะปะพะดะธะผะธั ะะตะปะตะฝััะบะธะน (@ZelenskyyUa) September 17, 2024
Zelenskyy, who is currently engaged in war duties, had no problem taking time out to ensure Usyk’s release and safe passage to London.
“I spoke with Oleksandr Usyk on the phone after he was detained. But I was disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion [Usyk],” said President Zelenskyy.
“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 Krakรณw airport.
“Now, everything is fine. Our champion has been released. He is no longer being detained. He is with our Consul General in Krakรณw in the photo right after being released.”
According to some reports, Polish police were unhappy with Usyk’s flight condition. However, the misunderstanding occurred when Usyk was simply tired from travel.
Usyk is expected to be ringside at Wembley to watch two of his former opponents compete for his belt in front of over 95,000 fans.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
