Oleksandr Usyk led away in handcuffs at Krakow airport
Oleksandr Usyk was led away in handcuffs at Krakow airport

World heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk was arrested at Krakow airport on Tuesday evening.

The 37-year-old, who beat Tyson Fury in their undisputed heavyweight fight in May, was detained filmed being detained by uniformed officers with his hands cuffed behind his back.

Usyk had been expected to travel to London this week to sit ringside for Anthony Joshua’s IBF world title fight against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium this Saturday.

Usyk’s camp manager, Serge Lapin, wrote on Instagram: ‘Don’t worry, everything’s fine. The customs control service is neglecting its duties.’

Usyk’s wife, Katerina, wrote on Instagram: ‘Everything is fine, all is well. Nothing criminal. Oleksandr will explain everything himself soon.’

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Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced on Tuesday evening that Usyk had been released after the intervention of the nation’s Foreign Ministry.

Zelensky had also personally spoken with Usyk, who currently holds the WBC, WBA (Super), WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles after beating Fury earlier this year.

‘I was outraged by this treatment of our citizen and champion,’ Zelensky said.

In a statement after his release, Usyk said: ‘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.’

Usyk is scheduled for a rematch against Fury in Saudi Arabia on December 21.

‘If they call me to fight them, 100 per cent. It’s what I do. Fight. I’ll be ready. It’ll be an honour to fight them two,’ Joshua, who has lost twice to Usyk, said at the weekend.

‘I’m not focusing on Usyk and Fury. I’ll watch it. Let me get past Dubois. We’ll see.’

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