Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk released after being detained in Poland at Krakow airport

18 Sep 2024, 02:59 · Sky News

Heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has thanked people for their "concern" after he was detained at Poland's Krakow airport.

The Ukrainian boxer was filmed in handcuffs by the news channel TVP Info.

His wife posted a blurred video on Instagram showing him surrounded by uniformed officers, saying she was thankful he was free and clarifying he was not arrested.

Usyk, 37, was later released after what he referred to as a "misunderstanding", but did not give further details on why he was stopped.

Image: Usyk became undisputed champion in May when he beat Tyson Fury. Pic: PA

On social media, the boxer wrote: "Dear Friends. A misunderstanding took place. 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 regard to height, weight, reach, and regalia."

Zelenskyy 'outraged'

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Telegram he was "outraged" by the attitude of police "towards our citizen and champion".

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Reposting a photo of Usyk with their consul general in Krakow, Mr Zelenskyy said on X that he had ordered an investigation.

Detention branded 'disproportionate'

Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha later confirmed he had contacted the Polish foreign ministry, as Ukraine considered the detention "disproportionate and unacceptable".

"We immediately responded to the detention of Oleksandr Usyk in Krakow and facilitated his release," Mr Sybiha wrote on X.

Usyk is undefeated and regarded as the world's best heavyweight, currently holding the WBC, WBO, and WBA belts.

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In May, he beat British boxer Tyson Fury to become the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000. He later vacated the IBF title to the UK's Daniel Dubois, who fights Anthony Joshua on Saturday.

Usyk is also seen by many in Ukraine as a national hero and inspiration.