“Friends, everything is fine. There was a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved. Thank you to all those who were concerned. Thank you to the Ukrainian diplomats for their support. And respect to the Polish law enforcement officers who fulfill their duties, despite their height, weight, size and clothing. Thank God for everything,” Usyk noted.
He did not reveal any further details.
Foreign Minister Andrei Sibiga said that the consul who came to the scene helped to free the athlete. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs considers the actions of the Polish side towards Ukraine unacceptable and “disproportionate” and will send a corresponding note, Sibiga added.
He also did not specify why exactly the boxer was arrested.
On behalf of @ZelenskyyUA We immediately responded to the arrest of Alexander Usyk in Krakow and helped to get him fired. Our Consul General told me the details. We consider such actions disproportionate and unacceptable in relation to our champion and will send a corresponding note to the Polish side. photo.twitter.com/Tfi6SaJ7yC
– Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) September 17, 2024
Polish promoter Andrzej Wasilewski wrote in X that Usyk arrived in Poland by car and planned to fly from there to Spain for a training camp. But the airport services did not want to allow one of the athlete’s team members to board the plane; Usik said that he would not fly without his partner either and was detained. According to Przegląd Sportowy Onet, this information was provided to Vasilevsky by Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krasyuk.
According to the publication, both Usik and his friend were arrested.
“The great champion, the undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion, Alexander Usik, is, of course, already at large. I would like to know who and why ordered him to be handcuffed, even for such a short time, like a common criminal at the Balice airport. A terrible shame for the whole world!” – the Polish promoter, who, according to his own words, knows Usik personally, was indignant.
The Grand Champion, the undisputed World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Alexander Usyk, is of course already free. I would like to know who and why ordered him to be handcuffed for a short time like a common criminal in a high school gang in Balice. A terrible shame for the whole world!!!
– A. Wasilewski (@boxingfun) September 17, 2024
Context
Usik is the world heavyweight boxing champion according to the WBA, WBC and WBO. He is an ambassador for the United24 platform, which raises funds to help the Ukrainian army and civilians, as well as to rebuild cities.
On the evening of September 17, Ukrainian fighter and People’s Deputy from the Servant of the People Zhan Belenyuk reported that Usyk was detained at Krakow airportIt is still unknown under what circumstances this happened, but the boxer’s wife, Ekaterina Usik, said that everything was fine with him.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was later informed that the consul general had visited Usik and the diplomat was ordered to express protest and indignation at this attitude towards the Ukrainian athlete. At midnight, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that Usik had already been released.
