The relationship between the US and Russia has always been contentious. And today, in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the relationship between the two countries has soured even more. Amidst these tactile waters, an American heavyweight decided to forgo his American citizenship and become a Russian, shocking his fans in both countries.

In 2015, 9 years ago, Roy Jones Jr., was the recipient of a similar reaction when he became a Russian Citizen. While Jones’ decision continues to be a topic of discussion even today, another American fighter was declared Russian by a presidential decree signed by President Vladimir Putin. Not only that, the American champ even legally changed his name.

Kevin Johnson’s transition to a Russian citizen

Boxing Kingdom reported that Russia has granted 44-year-old Heavyweight Kevin Johnson from New Jersey his Russian citizenship. The post featured a video of the fighter decked in a t-shirt with the colors of the Russian flag, and the image of the Russian President’s face on it. The boxing insider wrote alongside the clip, “American Heavyweight Kevin Johnson was today granted Russian citizenship by President Vladimir Putin.”

The fighter even went further than that and changed his name. Speaking to a Russian publication Izvestia, he revealed the new name he would take up as a Russian. “As a compliment to President Vladimir Putin, I decided to change my name. I will now be called Kevin Vladimirovich — in honor of Vladimir Putin. Now I am 100%, no joke, 100% Russian,” he stated.

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Last year in April, after defeating MMA fighter, Vyacheslav Datsik, impressed by Moscow, the venue city of the fight, Johnson openly asked President Putin for citizenship. An X account posted a video from the bout.

The fighter said to the Russian crowd, “I am really ready to make a lifelong change. And I would like to say to the president, the Honourable, Vladimir Putin. If you’re watching and listening, I Kevin Johnson is looking to move here, to Moscow. And become a full resident here to pursue my career. And with you and your approval, I would like to apply for a Russian passport, where Russia can be my home.” He then officially submitted his application in September.

It was further reported that the fighter plans to assume the role of a coach at an Olympic training center in Samara, Russia. He will also have his own apartment in the city. His promoter, Vladimir Khryunov, has also informed that his fighter has no intentions of holding onto his American citizenship, and will begin competing in Russian rings come February. The fighter’s transition to a Russian citizen has nudged fans to draw parallels between his decision to that of Roy Jones Jr.

Roy Jones Jr. and his Russian Citizenship

In 2018, three years after becoming a Russian citizen under the direct blessings of Vladimir Putin, the cruiserweight explained the reason behind seeking Russian citizenship. He revealed to Kevin Iole, “I’m like, ‘you know what, here’s the opportunity to where not on a political level but on a lower you can kind of merge these two countries together and stop some of all the crazies that goes on, all the angle and hostility, all of the cold wars.”

“I Will Go to Mr. Putin Myself”: Roy Jones Jr., Dual citizen of U.S. And Russia, Promised to Pull Big Strings For Brittney Griner

Roy Jones Jr., one of the greatest fighters of the 90’s fought in Russia on four different occasions towards the end of his legendary career, picking up wins against Zine Eddine Benmakhlouf and Hany Atiyo. Jones, while having Russian citizenship too, continues to be an American citizen, unlike his New Jersey counterpart. He even suggested acting as a mediator between the US and Russia during the whole Brittney Griner fiasco a few years ago.

Is this the onset of fighters seeking newer opportunities in other countries? What do you think of this decision? Let us know in the comments section below.

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