Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has been released after being detained at an airport in Poland.
A video circulating on social media showed Usyk being escorted away in handcuffs by uniformed officers.
“I talked on the phone with Oleksandr Usyk when he was detained,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
“I was outraged by this attitude towards our citizen and champion.
“I’ve instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha 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.”
WBC, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is expected to be in London this week to attend Daniel Dubois’ defense of his IBF title against Anthony Joshua at Wembley.
“We immediately responded to the detention of Oleksandr Usyk in Krakow and facilitated his release,” Sybiha wrote on X, external.
“I was informed of the details by our Consul General. We consider such actions to be disproportionate and unacceptable towards our champion and will send a note to the Polish side.”
Usyk’s promoter Alex Krassyuk said on Instagram the incident was a “misunderstanding”.
The boxer also said it was a “misunderstanding”, but “was quickly resolved”.
“Thanks to all who got concerned,” Usyk wrote on X.
“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.”
The reason for Usyk’s detention remains unclear.
BBC Sport has reached out to Usyk’s manager and promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, for comment.
Usyk last fought on 19 May, when he defeated Tyson Fury to become boxing’s first undisputed heavyweight champion to hold all four belts.
In June, Usyk vacated the IBF title after choosing not to face his mandatory challenger, instead agreeing to a rematch with Fury, scheduled for 21 December.
Usyk, who was also the undisputed cruiserweight champion, remains unbeaten in 22 fights, with 14 wins by knockout.