What We Know About Ukrainian Boxer Usyk’s Brief Detention in Poland and His Release

World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk was briefly detained at Krakow Airport, Poland, yesterday evening. The incident, which has drawn significant attention, resulted in a swift resolution after intervention by Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The first reports of Usyk’s detainment surfaced from Ukrainian MP Zhan Beleniuk, who posted a video on his Telegram channel showing Usyk being escorted in handcuffs by airport officials. Beleniuk later confirmed that the situation was being addressed, and Usyk was expected to be released shortly.

According to Usyk’s wife, Kateryna Usyk, who posted on Instagram, “everything is fine, nothing criminal happened.” She added that her husband would provide an explanation later. Usyk himself later confirmed that the situation was a misunderstanding.

In response, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) dispatched the Ukrainian consul to Krakow Airport to gather more information. MFA spokesperson Georgii Tykhyi emphasized that Ukraine condemned the treatment shown towards Usyk, describing it as inappropriate for a citizen and national champion. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also contacted his Polish counterpart to expedite the resolution of the incident and ensure that Usyk was released.

Usyk’s Response: 'It Was a Misunderstanding'

Following his release, Usyk recorded a video message from his hotel room, reassuring his fans that the situation was resolved. “Everything is great. I’m free. There were some misunderstandings. I want to thank the Ukrainian ambassador in Poland and our president for their personal involvement in this matter,” said the boxer. Usyk also expressed gratitude to Ukrainian diplomats and acknowledged the professionalism of the Polish authorities.

Usyk’s promoter, Oleksandr Krasiuk, echoed this sentiment in his Instagram story, stating, “Usyk is free. It was a misunderstanding.” Similarly, the head of Usyk’s team, Serhii Lapin, thanked the diplomats for their support and noted that the boxer had no ill will toward the Polish authorities.

Poland’s Explanation

Polish officials, including Major Jacek Michalowski of the Carpathian Border Guard, explained that the handcuffing of Usyk and his trainer was a preventive measure due to the boxer’s height, visible frustration, and the fact that “both men were gesticulating a lot.” Michalowski clarified that it was not an official detainment but rather a necessary procedure to maintain order after a disagreement about boarding.

According to reports from Przegląd Sportowy, the issue arose when airport authorities refused to allow Usyk’s companion to board the flight, after which Usyk also refused to fly. The situation escalated, leading to both men being briefly detained. Michalowski explained that the handcuffs were removed as soon as they were escorted to the airport office, and the men expressed regret for the incident. The border guard emphasized that no further legal actions would be taken.

Zelenskyy’s Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally intervened, speaking with Usyk while he was detained and expressing outrage at the treatment of the boxer. Zelenskyy ordered the MFA and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) to investigate the incident. Later, he confirmed that Usyk had been released, stating, “I was informed that everything is now resolved, and our champion is free.”

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine would send an official diplomatic note to Poland regarding the incident, describing the actions of the Polish authorities as disproportionate and unacceptable.