Polish media have published two versions of why Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk was detained at the Krakow airport. Among the reasons cited are the “unfit condition of the boxer” and the denial of access to the plane for his trainer, which is why Oleksandr refused to fly himself.
This was reported by ESPN and Przeglad Sportowy.
Usyk arrived in Krakow by car from Kyiv. From there he was supposed to fly to a training camp in Spain.
According to Polish promoter Andrzej Wasilewski, the detention occurred because airport services did not want to let the boxer's friend on board “for unknown reasons.”
In response, the Ukrainian boxer refused to fly himself and spoke out against the detention of his friend, as a result of which they were both arrested.
The promoter later clarified to Przeglad Sportowy that he was talking about Usyk's coach, Serhiy Lapin.
According to ESPN, airport workers refused to allow both athletes to board the plane, claiming that their condition was “unfit for air travel.”
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Usyk tried to explain that they were fine and tired after a 14-hour trip from Kyiv. Due to the language barrier and the boxer's categorical position, they were detained.
Border Guard Major Jacek Michalowski explained to Dziennik Polski that handcuffing Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk at the airport was a precautionary measure.
According to the border guard, the handcuffs were used because the men “gesticulated excessively because they were unhappy that they had not flown away.” They were later removed.
On the evening of September 17, Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk was arrested at the Krakow airport.
Usyk's wife Kateryna said that “everything is fine” and added that Oleksandr would explain everything later.
After his release, Oleksandr Usyk thanked Ukrainian diplomats for their support and stressed that the misunderstanding had been resolved for now.
Oleksandr Usyk's coach Sergei Lapin also commented on the arrest. In an Instagram post, he said that airport employees “exceeded their authority.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said he would send a note to the Polish side over Usyk's detention at Krakow Airport.
Prepared by: Nina Petrovich