Ukraine's unified heavyweight world boxing champion, Oleksandr Usyk, has been released at the Krakow airport in Poland after being detained late on September 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram. A video appeared on social media showing Usyk in handcuffs at the airport. It remains unclear why the world champion was detained. He described on Instagram his brief detention as "a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved." The WBC, WBO, and WBA champion, who also won gold at the 2012 London Olympics, is considered a national hero in Ukraine. Usyk has publicly supported Ukraine's efforts to stand against Russia's ongoing attack of his homeland.
Ukrainian World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Usyk Briefly Detained In Poland
Oleksandr Usyk celebrates winning a fight in Wroclaw, Poland, in August 2023.