Veteran heavyweight Kevin Johnson defected to Russia after obtaining a passport with the blessing of President Vladimir Putin.
The 44-year-old, who has shared the ring with many big names and world champions, made a move after declaring his intentions last summer.
After fighting in Moscow for the first time, Johnson wanted to move full-time to Russia.
“This is right here. I’m ready to make a change for life,” Johnson said after losing to Mark Petrovsky in his last fight.
“I would like to tell the president, the honorable Vladimir Putin, if he is watching this and if he is listening. I, Kevin Johnson, am thinking of moving here to Moscow.
“I am looking to become a full resident here to further my career. With your approval, I would like to apply for a Russian passport where Russia can be my home.”
Kevin Johnson moves to Russia
The 22-loss puncher wasn’t kidding. He applied for a passport the following month and was finally approved this month. He will now fight Russian boxing promoter Vladimir Khryunov.
Speaking to TASS, Khryunov said Johnson will continue to fight and work with younger Russian boxers to pass on his wisdom.
“Kevin [Johnson] Now you will be officially registered as a resident of Samara, where you will have your own apartment. There he will work as a coach at the Olympic training center, where he will have an official position.”
Johnson was also given a date for his fight.
“Kevin will have his next fight in February. “It will be his inaugural fight under the national flag of Russia,” he added.
After President Putin signed a decree granting Johnson Russian citizenship, the former American decided to adopt a native surname.
Kevin Vladimirovich
The name chosen was in honor of the President.
“This is the day I was reborn again. To pay the greatest compliment to President Vladimir Putin, I have decided to change my name. My name will now be Kevin Vladimirovich. Now I am 100% Russian,” Johnson declared.
Upon receiving his documents, a beaming Johnson sang “Happy Birthday to Me” several times while wearing a Putin T-shirt.
Having fought 60 times as a professional, Johnson has all the experience possible despite losing almost half of his fights.
He has been a gatekeeper for young, up-and-coming heavyweight contenders for most of the last decade.
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