Heavyweight world titlist Oleksandr Usyk has expressed gratitude to individuals for their “concern” following his detention at Krakow airport in Poland.
The Ukrainian fighter was captured on video in handcuffs by the news outlet TVP Info.
His spouse shared a blurred clip on Instagram depicting him amidst uniformed personnel, stating she was relieved he was released and clarified he had not been arrested.
Usyk, aged 37, was subsequently freed after what he described as a “misunderstanding,” although he did not elaborate on the reasons behind his stop.
Usyk became the undisputed champion in May by defeating Tyson Fury. Pic: PA
In a social media post, the boxer stated: “Dear Friends. A misunderstanding occurred. It was swiftly resolved. My gratitude to everyone who showed concern.”
“Thank you to Ukrainian diplomats for their prompt assistance. And respect to the Polish police for executing their duties without consideration of stature, weight, reach, and accolades.”
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed indignation via Telegram regarding the behavior of police “toward our citizen and champion”.
Reposting an image of Usyk alongside their consul general in Krakow, Mr. Zelenskyy mentioned on X that he had instructed an inquiry to be conducted.
Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha later affirmed that he had reached out to the Polish foreign ministry, as Ukraine viewed the detention as “disproportionate and unacceptable.”
Mr. Sybiha stated on X, “We promptly addressed the detention of Oleksandr Usyk in Krakow and aided in his release.”
Usyk remains undefeated and is celebrated as the world’s premier heavyweight, currently holding the WBC, WBO, and WBA championships.
In May, he defeated British fighter Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. He subsequently vacated the IBF title in favor of the UK’s Daniel Dubois, who is set to battle Anthony Joshua on Saturday.
Usyk is also regarded by many in Ukraine as a national figure and source of motivation.
