With some three months left for the highly anticipated rematch with Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk‘s training camp faced an unexpected hurdle. The century’s first undisputed heavyweight champion and his trainer found themselves held up by authorities at a Polish airport. The duo were on their way to his training camp in Valencia, Spain, to prepare for the December 21 clash in Riyadh.

Thankfully, the news caught the Ukrainian President’s attention. Following his instructions, the Ukrainian Foreign Office got into action to secure a release. Understandably, given the kind of following he enjoys, the disconcerting news must have worried scores of fans and followers. However, both Usyk and his wife subsequently took to social media to ease concerns. On May 18, in an epic clash, Oleksandr Usyk had beaten Tyson Fury by a split decision. The feat made him the first undisputed champion in the heavyweight division since Lennox Lewis became one in 1999.

Oleksandr Usyk: Through travel tribulations

So multiple news agencies and boxing channels shared that officials from Poland stopped Oleksandr Usyk and coach Sergey Lapin at the airport in the country’s southern city, Krakow. Images of the heavyweight champion handcuffed and led by the authorities gained considerable traction.

Information regarding the precise reasons for the decision still remains unclear. Nevertheless, Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky promptly set things in motion. Reportedly, he had a word with the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Andrii Sybiha, and Internal Affairs Minister, Mr. Ihor Klymenko, to look into the matter.

“Now, everything is fine; our champion has been released, and he is no longer being detained,” Mr. Zelensky wrote in a subsequent tweet. He also shared a picture of Oleksandr Usyk standing beside the Ukrainian Counsel General in Krakow. On the personal front, Usyk’s wife, Kateryna, reached out to fans to alleviate their worries. “Everything is fine; everything is fine. Oleksandr will explain everything later. Nothing criminal, goodnight everyone,” she said reportedly.

However, fans were further reassured when Usyk himself commented on the situation. “Dear Friends. A misunderstanding took place,” said Oleksandr Usyk.

But thankfully the issue was resolved with all possible haste. From the Ukrainian foreign officer to the Polish police, the heavyweight champion thanked everyone. He said, “Thanks to Ukrainian diplomats for the efficient support. And respect to the Polish Police for conducting their obligations with no regard to height, weight, reach, or regalia.”

Clearing the Air

Based on updates received from sources, a piece on ‘ABC News’ mentioned that Oleksandr Usyk and fellow travelers might have been detained after an airline official felt that they may not be in a condition to travel. According to Usyk, the language barrier and fatigue from travel might have contributed to the misunderstanding. The team had reportedly insisted that they were in suitable condition to continue their journey.

The champion can now hopefully leave the unexpected predicament behind and get back to his hectic training schedule to deliver another thriller for the eagerly awaiting fans.

Do you feel Oleksandr Usyk will repeat the May 18 feat and inflict a second career loss on Tyson Fury?