Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk has been released following a situation at Kraków airport in Poland.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that upon becoming aware of Oleksandr Usyk's temporary hold, he had a phone conversation with him. He conveyed his dissatisfaction with the way their citizen and champion was handled in this matter.
President Zelenskyy instructed Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko to immediately investigate the details of the incident. Fortunately, the issue has been resolved - Usyk has been released.
In the photo, the renowned boxer is seen with the Consul General of Ukraine in Kraków following his discharge.
The 37-year-old athlete, who is extremely popular in Ukraine, was released shortly after and the incident was ultimately deemed a misunderstanding.
Earlier, social media had shared footage of the Ukrainian boxer being handcuffed and led away by Polish officers.
According to information obtained by Kraków journalists from the Onet.pl, Oleksandr Usyk questioned the decision of the Polish authorities, who had banned his friend from boarding a flight.
This version was confirmed by Usyk's Polish promoter, Andrzej Wasilewski. However, Usyk's Ukrainian counterpart, Alex Krassyuk, presented a slightly different account of the incident.
Boxing News reports that Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, explained that Usyk and a friend, exhausted from an 11-hour drive, were traveling from Krakow to Thessaloniki.
Usyk had a priority boarding pass, while his friend had a general one. While waiting, Usyk’s friend fell asleep, and when boarding was announced, Usyk chose to wait for him at the gate.
Krassyuk detailed that Ryanair staff incorrectly assessed Usyk's friend as "deeply alcohol-intoxicated" and refused him boarding.
Usyk tried to resolve the issue with airline staff, but when they resisted, the police were called, and he was handcuffed after refusing to board without his friend.
Ukrainian sources report that the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs intervened in Oleksandr Usyk's case and the consul went to the airport.
Usyk released after misunderstanding at Kraków airport
Polish Radio’s IAR news agency confirmed in a conversation with Jacek Michałowski, spokesperson for the Carpathian Border Guard Unit, that there was no actual detention.
The incident was related to the airline's decision not to allow one passenger to board. Usyk, who intervened in the matter, was only taken to a service area where the reasons for the boarding denial were explained to him and his friend.
The boxer himself, after being released, spoke positively about the actions of the Polish authorities at the Kraków airport.
“Dear Friends. A misunderstanding took place. It was quickly resolved. Thanks to all who got concerned. Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support. And respect to Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia” – Usyk conveyed via social media.
Boxer Oleksandr Usyk's wife, Yekaterina Usyk, also assured on social media that "everything is fine" and that the situation is not of a criminal nature.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andrii Sybiha, said that following President Zelenskyy's orders, Ukrainian officials quickly resolved Oleksandr Usyk’s situation in Krakow and secured his release. He also announced that Ukraine will formally protest the unjust treatment to the Polish officials.
Oleksandr Usyk is currently preparing for a rematch scheduled to take place on December 21 in Saudi Arabia. In May, he defeated British boxer Tyson Fury in Riyadh and became the undisputed heavyweight champion for the first time in 24 years.
Source: IAR/Boxing News
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