Oleksandr Usyk released an official statement on social media after a video online showed his alleged detainment by Polish officers.
Usyk went on X and 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 the Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regard to height, weight, reach, and regalia.”
Usyk’s calm demeanor given off in the statement matched his wife Kateryna’s post. She immediately updated his fans about the footage through her Instagram. She wrote: “Everything is fine, everything is fine. Oleksandr will explain everything later. Nothing is criminal. Goodnight, everyone.”
After Oleksandr made his statement, Kateryna described the situation further in her stories and wrote: “Thank God it’s all fine. No one was arested. Usyk is free. A misunderstanding.”
A series of videos on X showed the Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion with authorities before it looked like he was detained at Krakow Airport. Usyk was circled by at least five officials who then handcuffed the boxer and escorted him through a hall, where he was shown conceding to the officer’s directions.
A second video uploaded simultaneously revealed Usyk being led away by one officer who physically clasped onto his handcuffs. Another official walked ahead of the boxing star to guide the group through the airport’s facilities.
The 37-year-old fighter’s detainment led to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, writing a passionate message of outrage regarding the incident. He wrote on X: “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, 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. In the photo (pubishled on X), he is with our Consul General in Krakow right after being released.”
An official reason for the misunderstanding remains unclear. Usyk was said to be traveling to watch the upcoming heavyweight boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Daniel DuBois this weekend, September 21, at Wembley Stadium. The winner of the contest is expected to face the Ukrainian champion next.
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Usyk’s last fight occurred on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he faced Tyson Fury in one of the decade’s most highly anticipated heavyweight boxing showdowns. Usyk edged out a close split decision to make history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.
The fight was a test of skill, resistance, and stamina, with both fighters displaying their skill in the ring. Fury, known for his size and ring IQ, brought his usual unorthodox style to the match, but Usyk’s speed, precision, and technical footwork proved to be the difference.