On September 18, 2023, Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian heavyweight boxing champion, experienced a brief detention at Krakow airport in Poland. The incident, which was quickly resolved, drew attention from high-level officials and media outlets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his concern about the situation on September 20, 2023, stating his disapproval of the treatment of the national champion. The president confirmed that Usyk had been released and was no longer being held.
Usyk, known for his composure both in and out of the ring, addressed the incident on social media, reassuring his followers that the situation was a misunderstanding that had been promptly addressed. He expressed his respect for the Polish law enforcement officers, acknowledging their commitment to duty regardless of an individual's status or physical attributes.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, also commented on the incident, describing the detention as disproportionate and unacceptable. He indicated that the ministry would be in contact with their Polish counterparts regarding the matter.
Polish media reported on the event, with state broadcaster TVP's news channel sharing footage that appeared to show Usyk being escorted through the airport by law enforcement officers. However, the authenticity of this video could not be independently verified.
Usyk, who clinched gold at the 2012 London Olympics, has been a prominent figure in Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the boxer has been actively supporting his country's war efforts through his charitable organization, the Usyk Foundation. The foundation provides crucial support by purchasing ambulances and delivering humanitarian aid to frontline areas.
"Friends, everything is fine. There was a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved. Thank you to everyone who was concerned."
Usyk's wife, Yekaterina, also addressed the incident on social media, expressing gratitude for her husband's release and reiterating that it was a misunderstanding.
The boxing champion's dedication to his country extends beyond his sporting achievements. Born on January 17, 1987, in Simferopol, Usyk has become a national hero not only for his boxing prowess but also for his humanitarian efforts. He briefly joined a territorial defense battalion in Kyiv at the onset of the invasion, demonstrating his commitment to Ukraine's cause.
Usyk's career has been marked by numerous accomplishments. He is the first cruiserweight in history to hold all four major world championships simultaneously. After moving up to the heavyweight division in 2019, he continued his success, defeating Anthony Joshua twice to secure and defend his heavyweight titles.
Despite the brief detention incident, Usyk's reputation as a respected athlete and humanitarian remains intact. His ability to navigate challenging situations with grace, both in and out of the ring, continues to inspire many in Ukraine and beyond.