Ukraine boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk released after Poland detention

Oleksandr Usyk, the undisputed heavyweight world champion, has been released following his detention by law enforcement at Krakow airport in Poland, as confirmed by Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday.

"I was appalled by the treatment of our citizen and champion," Zelenskiy expressed via the Telegram messaging platform. "Our champion has been released, and he is no longer in custody." The reasons for Usyk's detention, who is 37 years old, remain unclear.

The WBC, WBO, and WBA champion, who also secured a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, is regarded as a national hero for his contributions to Kyiv's defense efforts.

Requests for comments from Poland's foreign and interior ministries have not yet been answered by Reuters. "Friends, everything is fine," Usyk stated on social media.

"There was a misunderstanding that was swiftly resolved. I appreciate everyone who showed concern." He further remarked, "I have respect for the Polish law enforcement officers who carry out their responsibilities, regardless of their physical attributes or titles."

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha indicated on X that his ministry would reach out to the Polish foreign ministry, deeming the detention "disproportionate and unacceptable concerning our champion."

Polish TVP Info, a state-run television news outlet, shared a video on social media depicting Polish law enforcement escorting a handcuffed Usyk through the airport.

In May, Usyk triumphed over Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight boxing world champion in a captivating match at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

At 37, Usyk is the first boxer to simultaneously hold all four major heavyweight titles and the first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis's reign ended in April 2000.

Usyk's charitable organization, the Usyk Foundation, supports Kyiv's military efforts in the ongoing war initiated by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, providing resources such as ambulances and humanitarian aid to the front lines.

Yekaterina Usyk, the wife of Usyk, shared a blurred image of her husband amidst uniformed officers on Instagram, expressing her gratitude in English for her husband's freedom following a misunderstanding.

SportsLigue