On Tuesday evening, shocking reports surfaced about the detention of the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk at Balice Airport in Kraków. Footage quickly circulated online, showing Usyk handcuffed by airport security.
New information regarding the detention of Oleksandr Usyk: "He was denied boarding"
Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed their outrage, with the president upset over "such treatment of a Ukrainian citizen and champion". However, it soon became clear that this outrage was unnecessary.
Natalia Vince, a spokesperson for Kraków-Balice Airport, told Sport.pl that Oleksandr Usyk was detained after being denied boarding by the airline. The Ukrainian boxing champion was scheduled to fly with Ryanair to Thessaloniki, but instead, in accordance with protocol, Airport Security Services took charge and handed him over to the Border Guard. Shortly afterward, Usyk was released from custody.
The flight from Kraków to Thessaloniki was delayed by 50 minutes, likely due to the confusion. Attempts to reach the Border Guard spokesperson and Ryanair, which no longer has a headquarters in Poland, were unsuccessful. It remains unclear what exactly happened on board or just before boarding the flight to Thessaloniki.
The non-criminal nature of the incident was also confirmed by Usyk’s wife, Kateryna Usyk, on Instagram, who sought to reassure fans. "Everything is normal, everything is fine. Oleksandr will explain everything later. Nothing criminal. Have a peaceful night everyone" - she wrote.
Oleksandr Usyk himself commented in a similar tone on social media late Tuesday night
Dear friends, there was a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved. Thank you to everyone who was concerned. Thank you to Ukrainian diplomats for their effective support. And respect to the Polish Police for doing their duty, regardless of height, weight, status, or achievements
- the world champion wrote.
