World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. Photo: Anna Arkhipova / AP
Krakow, Poland – World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk was briefly detained by Polish law enforcement officers at Krakow Airport, sparking widespread outrage in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Wednesday that the sportsman has since been released following the incident.
“I am outraged by the treatment of our citizen and champion,” Zelensky posted on his Telegram channel. “Our champion has been freed, and no one is holding him,” the president emphasized.
The event gained further attention after Ukrainian MP Zhan Beleniuk shared a video showing Polish police placing handcuffs on Usyk. The footage was widely circulated by the media outlet Meduza, stirring public discussion.
Champion Detained and Released Usyk, 37, who defeated Tyson Fury in May to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, is one of Ukraine’s most renowned athletes. He is the first boxer to hold all four major heavyweight titles simultaneously since Lennox Lewis’s reign in 2000.
While the reasons for Usyk’s detention remain unclear, the incident has prompted concerns from Ukrainian officials. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed his displeasure on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), calling the detention “disproportionate and unacceptable,” and announced plans to raise the issue with Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Usyk’s Humanitarian Efforts Beyond his athletic achievements, Usyk is actively involved in humanitarian efforts. Through his charity, the Usyk Foundation, he provides assistance to Ukrainian military forces, including purchasing ambulances and delivering humanitarian aid to the frontlines.
Usyk’s wife, Kateryna, also responded to the incident, sharing a blurry image of her husband surrounded by officers. In her Instagram post, she expressed gratitude for his release, acknowledging that the misunderstanding was swiftly resolved.
Usyk Addresses the Public In an Instagram post, Usyk reassured the public, stating, “Everything is fine, friends. It was a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved.” He added that he respected the work of Polish law enforcement, noting that they carry out their duties regardless of height, weight, or titles.
What’s Next After the Incident?
The detention of the champion has triggered emotions both in Poland and Ukraine. However, further diplomatic steps are expected to clarify the situation. Meanwhile, Usyk continues his work, both in the ring and beyond, as a national hero and a dedicated supporter of Ukraine’s humanitarian efforts.
