Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky aids Oleksandr Usyk's release after recent arrest, heavyweight champion issues first statement
Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky recently came out in support of Oleksandr Usyk in the wake of the boxer's detention in Poland. Usyk also issued his first public statement upon his release.
Usyk was recently held by the Polish officials at Krakow Airport in Poland. Boxing journalist Michael Benson took to X and shared the clip of the Ukrainian boxer in handcuffs.
According to sources who spoke with ESPN, Usyk and his trainer Sergey Lapin were scheduled to travel to Valencia, where the boxer was expected to start his preparations for his rematch with Tyson Fury. However, the pair were refused entry into the airline because they were considered unfit to travel.
Check out the post below:
Following Usyk's release, Zelensky took to X and expressed his anger at the Polish officials for their behavior towards the 37-year-old. The 46-year-old posted a picture of Usyk with a Ukrainian official in Krakow, writing:
''I spoke with Oleksandr Usyk on the phone after he was detained. I was disappointed by this attitude towards our citizen and champion. I instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, and the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ihor Klymenko, to immediately look into all the details of the incident at Kraków airport. Now, everything is fine, our champion has been released, and he is no longer being detained. In the photo, he is with our Consul General in Kraków right after being released.''
Usyk also went on X and stated that the whole situation was a misunderstanding and it was quickly addressed. He also commended the Polish police officials for not demonstrating any disparity, writing:
''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.''
Oleksandr Usyk predicts Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois fight
Anthony Joshua is scheduled to take on Daniel Dubois on Sept. 21 at the Wembley Stadium. The two will contest for the IBF heavyweight title, which was vacated by Oleksandr Usyk following his split decision win against Tyson Fury earlier this year.
Having fought both, Usyk shared his thoughts on the Joshua vs. Dubois matchup in an interview with Mail Sport Boxing last month, saying:
"He [Joshua] has improved a lot psychologically. Of course [I believe he will defeat Daniel Dubois]. I hate predictions, but it is an Olympic champion against a UK champion. Anthony is a different level."
Check out Oleksandr Usyk's comments below (16:29):