On January 11, at the Internal Affairs Department of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow, former American boxer Kevin Johnson was solemnly presented with a Russian passport. This was reported by “News”.
The boxer reportedly called January 11 his second birthday. He left the administration building wearing a T-shirt with Vladimir Putin’s picture on it. Johnson sang “Happy Birthday” in his honor.
“Happy birthday, happy birthday dear Kevin Vladimirovich, happy birthday,” Johnson said.
In March 2023, Johnson asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to grant him Russian citizenship. On January 9, the president granted Johnson citizenship.
The 44-year-old boxer had 60 fights in the professional ring throughout his career and won 36 of them. In April 2023, Johnson fought against the famous Russian fighter Vyacheslav Datsik. The fight lasted three rounds in accordance with the rules and ended in victory for the American; the judges awarded him the victory with a split decision. In August, Johnson lost to Russian Mark Petrovsky. The fight ended with the referees’ decision.
Previously Tarasova was praised Russian figure skaters who changed their citizenship.