Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning undisputed heavyweight world champion, was briefly detained at a Polish airport after an incident involving his traveling companion. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Krakow airport as Usyk and his companion attempted to board a flight to Thessaloniki, Greece.
According to Ryanair, the airline operating the flight, Usyk’s companion was denied boarding due to disruptive behavior. Usyk, who was not denied boarding, chose not to board the flight in solidarity with his companion.
Airport police were called to assist after the two men became upset and refused to leave the departure gate. Usyk was handcuffed as a precautionary measure, but was not detained.
Usyk later tweeted that the incident was a “misunderstanding” that was quickly resolved. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that he was “disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.”
The incident has sparked controversy, with some questioning the treatment of Usyk, who is a national hero in Ukraine. However, airport officials have defended their actions, stating that they were following standard procedures.
Usyk, who holds the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles, is considered one of the greatest boxers of his generation. He is expected to face Tyson Fury in a highly anticipated rematch in the near future.
