US Boxer Who Changed Name for Putin Love Becomes Russian Citizen
Repeatedly Expressed Affection for Putin and Russia
Ice Hockey Player Expelled from NHL Also Obtains Citizenship
Kevin Johnson (45), an American professional boxer who had expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has ultimately acquired Russian citizenship. On the 9th (local time), the Russian legal information portal announced that President Putin signed a presidential decree granting Johnson Russian citizenship.
Johnson, originally from New Jersey, USA, had publicly sent a message to Putin before a match in April last year, saying, "I want to live in Russia." In addition, Johnson has repeatedly expressed his affection for Putin and Russia publicly. At a boxing tournament held in Moscow in August last year, he appeared at the weigh-in wearing a T-shirt featuring the colors of the Russian flag and a portrait of Putin. He also changed his name to "Kevin Vladimirovich" in honor of Putin, saying, "I am now 100% Russian."
Kevin Johnson wearing a T-shirt with a portrait of Putin.
Photo by Russia REN TV
Johnson was reported to have officially applied for Russian citizenship as early as September last year. At that time, several local media outlets such as Izvestia and TASS reported the news, stating that "Johnson expressed his hope to find a wife in Russia and to play chess with President Putin." Johnson, a heavyweight professional boxer with over 20 years of experience, has a record of 60 fights with 36 wins (20 by KO), 2 draws, and 22 losses. He has faced world-class boxers such as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, with losses recorded.
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On the same day, Putin also granted Russian citizenship to Brendan Leipsic (30), a Canadian ice hockey player. Leipsic, who played in the North American Ice Hockey League (NHL), moved to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) after causing controversy in 2020 due to misogynistic remarks. He also submitted a citizenship request to Putin in July last year. Previously, Russia had granted citizenship to famous supporters of Russia such as American actor Steven Seagal and French actor G?rard Depardieu.
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