Ukrainian heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk had a bit of a scare at Krakow Airport in Poland recently. He was detained while trying to board a flight to Valencia, Spain, where he was headed to prepare for his upcoming heavyweight championship rematch with Tyson Fury. Luckily, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry stepped in, and President Volodymyr Zelensky got involved to ensure Usyk’s release.
According to sources, Usyk and his trainer were denied boarding because an airline official believed they were not fit to travel. Usyk explained that they were just tired after a long day of travel from Kyiv, Ukraine. Despite his protests that they were okay to fly, a language barrier led to their detention.
Usyk’s wife, Katheryna, shared a video on social media showing Usyk being led away in handcuffs, emphasizing that it was not a criminal matter. Usyk himself took to social media to thank those who showed concern and to address the misunderstanding. He expressed gratitude to Ukrainian diplomats for their support and commended the Polish Police for their handling of the situation.
President Zelensky also weighed in, expressing disappointment in how Usyk was treated and promptly ordering an investigation into the incident. He assured the public that Usyk had been released and was no longer detained.
As the current No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer according to ESPN, Usyk’s detainment raised eyebrows in the boxing world. The Olympic gold medalist made history by defeating Fury earlier this year to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Despite the ordeal in Poland, Usyk is expected to attend Anthony Joshua’s title fight in London and continue his preparations for the highly anticipated rematch with Fury in Saudi Arabia.
The incident at Krakow Airport serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by international travelers, especially those from regions affected by conflict. Usyk’s detention highlighted the importance of diplomatic intervention and the support of government officials in ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens abroad. The boxing community rallied behind Usyk, showing solidarity in the face of adversity and emphasizing the need for clear communication and understanding in cross-border travel.