Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday that heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has been released after a brief detention at Krakow airport in Poland. Zelenskyy expressed disappointment at the treatment of Usyk, stating that the champion has now been released and is no longer detained. A photo posted by Zelenskyy showed Usyk with Ukraine's Consul General in Krakow following his release.
Usyk, a prominent athlete from Ukraine known internationally, has been involved in various projects supporting his country's resistance efforts against Russia's invasion. The 37-year-old boxer expressed gratitude for the efficient support of Ukrainian diplomats and commended the Polish Police for their handling of the situation.
The incident at the airport occurred when an airline refused to allow Usyk's traveling companion on board, leading to a protest by the two men who refused to leave the gate. Usyk was briefly handcuffed and taken to the border guards' police station before being released.
Major Jacek Michalowski, spokesman for Krakow region Border Guards, explained that the airline had canceled the men's journey and passenger status, prompting the intervention of the authorities to resolve the situation.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, condemned the actions towards Usyk as disproportionate and unacceptable, stating that a relevant note would be sent to the Polish side regarding the incident.
Usyk made headlines in May by defeating Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia to become the first undisputed world heavyweight champion in 24 years. However, he later vacated the belt, relinquishing his undisputed world champion status.
A rematch between Fury and Usyk is scheduled for December 21 in Saudi Arabia, after which Usyk is considering returning to the cruiserweight division. Usyk, an Olympic gold medalist in 2012, initially rose to prominence as a cruiserweight before moving up to heavyweight and claiming multiple title belts.
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