Controversial airline Ryanair reportedly behind Oleksandr Usyk’s detention in Poland

In a turn of events almost as dramatic as one of his heavyweight bouts, Oleksandr Usyk found himself in a tense situation at Warsaw’s airport, with the controversial Ryanair airline reportedly playing a key role in the ordeal. The incident, which saw the undefeated Ukrainian boxer briefly detained, has sparked a storm of questions - and a call for apologies.

Usyk’s promoter, Alex Krassyuk, shared the details of the bizarre episode. It all began when Usyk and a friend drove over 11 hours from Kyiv to Krakow to catch a Ryanair Buzz flight to Thessaloniki. After arriving at the airport, Usyk’s friend fell asleep, only to be woken by the boxer when it was time to board. That’s when things took an unexpected turn.

Usyk passed through the passport and boarding checks without issue, but his friend was denied entry onto the plane. When Usyk asked Ryanair staff for an explanation, they reportedly gave him none. What happened next could have been mistaken for a scene from a crime drama: the police were called, and Usyk, refusing to board without his friend, was threatened with arrest. Taking the situation in stride, Usyk offered his hands, voluntarily allowing himself to be handcuffed and taken away. His friend, meanwhile, was tested for “deep alcohol intoxication” - a test that Krassyuk says came back negative.

The situation escalated enough to get Ukrainian diplomats involved. Even President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke out, ordering senior ministers to investigate. Zelensky later shared a photo of Usyk and Ukraine’s consul general in Krakow shaking hands after the boxer’s release, signaling the end of the strange episode. Usyk and his friend were forced to spend the night in Poland, finally catching a flight to their destination the next day.

Krassyuk minced no words in his recounting of the event, saying, “It is difficult to say whether the lunar eclipse clouded the consciousness of the employees of the airline and the police, or the desire to get to know the champion.” He confirmed they would be seeking an official apology and compensation from Ryanair, as well as explanations from Polish law enforcement.

Usyk, who has faced far bigger challenges in the ring, kept his sense of humor about the situation. He posted, “Thanks to all who got concerned. And respect to Polish police for conducting their obligations with no regards to height, weight, reach and regalia.”

Ryanair, in typical fashion, refused to engage directly with Krassyuk’s account. The airline simply stated that Usyk’s friend had been “correctly refused boarding” due to “disruptive behavior” and that Usyk chose not to board, though his seat was available. Once the boarding process was completed, police were called to assist.

This isn’t Ryanair’s first brush with controversy, especially regarding passenger behavior. Just weeks ago, CEO Michael O’Leary suggested a two-drink limit for passengers at airport bars, noting the surge in in-flight violence this summer. “As long as they can stand up and shuffle, they will get through,” O’Leary said, lamenting how difficult it is to spot intoxicated passengers.

As for Usyk, the incident was just a minor detour in what has been a monumental year for him. Fresh off his stunning win over Tyson Fury in May, where he became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, the boxer is expected to travel to London this week to watch the Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois fight for the IBF title, a belt Usyk vacated earlier this summer.

Usyk’s record now stands at 21-0, with 14 wins by knockout. His relentless rise through the ranks of heavyweight boxing has been impressive, not just for his skill in the ring but for his calm demeanor outside of it - something he demonstrated once again at Warsaw airport. Tyson Fury, by contrast, has had a storied career but lost his grip on the undisputed championship in that fateful May bout against Usyk. Fury’s record remains formidable, though, with 33 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw.

While Usyk’s fight with Ryanair was quickly resolved, the airline might find itself in a tougher match if the boxer’s team demands a public apology.