Oleksandr Usyk’s Temporary Detainment Explained: Incident Details

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk was briefly detained by Polish law enforcement before being released.

The incident in question took place at a Kraków airport where Usyk was travelling with one other person. Video footage shared on social media showed the Ukrainian being handcuffed and led away. Big Fight Weekend was unable to independently verify the video.

Oleksandr Usyk Detained

Usyk Incident Explained

According to a statement made by Polish Border Guard Major Jacek Michałowski in the Ukrainian newspaper Ukrainska Pravda, the use of handcuffs was “a precautionary measure.”

“The handcuffing was related to the gentleman’s posture; both men were gesticulating a lot because they were unhappy that they missed their flight. Therefore, the handcuffing was a completely precautionary measure; in the office, the handcuffs were removed immediately,” said Michałowski.

According to Usyk promoter Alexander Krassyuk, this was due to Usyk’s travel companion being denied boarding.

“While waiting for boarding, [Usyk’s] friend fell asleep on the seats in the waiting area. After the announcement of the start of boarding, Usyk woke up his friend and said that he would wait for him at the exit. After passing the passport and boarding pass check, Usyk was left to wait for his friend. It all started with this.”

“Employees of the airline somehow strangely established the condition of [Usyk’s friend] as ‘deep alcoholic intoxication’ and did not allow him to board the flight. Usyk began to find out the reason for the denial with Ryanair employees, but they refused to give an explanation, calling the police.”

Oleksandr Usyk Eventually Released

Not long after being placed in handcuffs, Usyk was eventually released. He later put out a statement on social media claiming that a misunderstanding had taken place.

“Dear Friends. A misunderstanding took place. It was quickly resolved. Thanks to all who got concerned. Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support. And respect to Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia,” said Usyk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also issued a statement confirming Usyk’s release and that he has asked for the matter to be looked into.

“I spoke with Oleksandr Usyk on the phone after he was detained,” said Zelenskyy.

“I was disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.”

“I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, to immediately look into all the details of the incident at Kraków airport.”

Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) last fought in May where he won a split decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. He will rematch Tyson Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) in December with his WBA, WBC and WBO at stake.