BOXING world champion Oleksandr Usyk was dramatically led away in handcuffs as footage showed him being detained at an airport.
Usyk was detained in Krakow but spoke out to clarity that the incident was a misunderstanding.
He said on social media: “All is well my friends. There was a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved.
“Thank you to everyone who was worried. Thank you Ukrainian diplomats for your support.
“And respect to Polish law enforcers, who perform their duties despite height, weight, arm range and regalia.”
His promoter Alex Krassyuk told SunSport: He was not arrested.
A misunderstanding took place. He is free now.|
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It came after Usyk’s wife Yekaterina shared the footage onto her Instagram page to say her fighting husband was not in legal trouble.
She wrote: “Everything is ok, everything is fine!!!
“Alexander will explain everything later!!! nothing to be criminal … Good night to you all!!!”
His friend and coach Serge Lapin added: “Don’t worry, everything’s fine. The customs control service is neglecting its duties.”
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USYK IN AIRPORT DRAMA
By Wally Downes Jr
OLEKSANDR USYK was roared on to victory in the Undisputed clash with Tyson Fury by everybody outside Russia and Morecambe.
The 37-year-old Ukraine icon has spend time on his nation’s frontline supporting underdog soldiers against Putin’s savages
And he only agreed to carrying on professional fighting when his conscripted compatriots begged him to.
He beat Daniel Dubois in a Wroclaw stadium full of Ukraineans who had escaped there to safety.
And he recently visited London to help the Ukraine embassy send a convoy of vehicles to help his battered brothers and sisters.
He is due back in our capital to be ringside for twice-dominated Anthony Joshua taking on Dubois.
And he would have gotten a huge cheer from all the 96,000 fans for his courage in and outside of the ring.
It seems highly unlikely he has been detained for anything related to his behaviour.
And much more likely to go with strict travelling rules enforced around the Eastern European regions.
The gap-toothed southpaw genius has hated leaving his four children and his wife so would not have been on a lads’ beano with too many ales at the airport Wetherspoons.
So let’s hope a modern-day hero – of Olympic gold and cruiser and heavyweight undisputed glory – is safely in Wembley or back home soon.
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed Usyk was released after being detained.
He posted on Telegram: “Talked on the phone with Oleksandr Usyk when he was detained.
“I was outraged by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.
“He instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sibiza and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko to immediately find out all the details of the incident at the Krakow airport.
“As soon as I was informed that everything is fine, our champion was released and no one is detaining him anymore.”
Usyk, 37, is coming off the biggest win of his career after beating Tyson Fury, 36, to become undisputed champion.
But his reign as the heavyweight division’s first four-belt undisputed champion did not last long.
Usyk was forced to vacate the IBF belt to proceed with his December 21 rematch against Fury back in Saudi Arabia.
Dubois, 26, instead inherited the title after being elevated from interim champ and makes his first defence against Joshua, 34.
Usyk was set to fly into London to watch Joshua’s all-British showdown against Dubois on Saturday.
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And the Ukrainian hero was facing an awkward reunion with Fury as both were scheduled at a fan event at Boxpark Wembley.
Both men will take part in meet and greets with fans at what has been billed as the “official pre-fight party” just hours before the bout.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
