Oleksandr Usyk: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says heavyweight champion released after airport detention

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been released after being detained at an airport in Poland.

A video posted on social media shows Syk being led away in handcuffs by uniformed officers.

“I spoke on the phone with Oleksandr Usyk when he was arrested,” Zelensky wrote in Telegram.

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

“I have ordered the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha and the Minister of Interior of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko to immediately obtain all the details of the incident at the Krakow airport.

“When I was told that everything is fine, our champion was released and no one has arrested him.

WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Usyk is expected to be in London this week to watch Daniel Dubois defend his IBF title against Anthony Joshua at Wembley.

“We responded quickly to Oleksandr Usyk’s arrest in Krakow and managed his release,” Sybiha wrote in X., outside.

“I was informed of the details by our Consul General. We consider such actions as disproportionate and unacceptable to our master and we will send a note to the Polish side.”

Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk said on Instagram that the incident was “incomprehensible”.

The boxer also said “it was a misunderstanding” but “it was quickly resolved”.

“Thank you to all involved,” Usyk wrote on X., outside

“Thank you to the Ukrainian diplomats for supporting us in the right way. And respect to the Polish police for carrying out their duties regardless of height, weight, reach and regalia.”

It is not clear why Usyk was detained.

BBC Sport has contacted Usyk and Krassyuk’s manager for comment.

Usyk has not fought since May 19 when he defeated Tyson Fury to become the first four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion.

The Ukrainian vacated his IBF title in June after opting to face the opponent he was forced to agree to with Fury in a rematch, scheduled for December 21.

Usyk is also the undefeated cruiserweight champion and is undefeated in 22 fights, winning 14 within the range.