ROY JONES JR COULD BECOME A RUSSIAN CITIZEN
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 20 Aug 2015
Four division world champion Roy Jones Jr could conceivably become a Russian citizen after president Vladimir Putin said he would be glad to grant a request for Russian citizenship from Roy Jones Jr.
Super Sport in South Africa reported that Putin and the American boxer had tea on Wednesday in Crimea's naval port city of Sevastopol, as shown in photographs released by the Kremlin.
The 46-year-old Jones was in Crimea to appear as a guest at a boxing show on Sunday.
Jones who has a record of 62-8 with 45 knockouts is coming off a 6th round knockout in a scheduled ten round bout against Eric Watkings at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut last August 16.
It was reported that Jones, who has branched out into rap and acting in films, told Putin: "If I had a Russian passport? it would be a lot easier for me to come and go, because people love sport here and I love this place."
Putin is said to have replied: "If you intend to link a significant part of your life with activities in Russia, then of course we will be glad and will fulfill your request to receive Russian citizenship."
Boxing promoter Vladimir Khryunov, who works with Jones in Russia, told the Russian news agency Tass that Jones had "no questions at all about travelling here," despite Washington's condemnation of Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
Russia granted citizenship to French actor Gerard Depardieu in 2013 after he expressed his anger over French tax laws.
Putin, who has a black belt in judo, has previously hung out with a number of entertainment stars, including US actor Steven Seagal and Hollywood?s Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR PACHECO VS SADJO IN STOCKTON
Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM TODAY'S CHM: 2 REMATCH SEASON CEREMONIAL WEIGH-INS IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Donaire to fight Tsutsumi on December 17 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Nesthy faces Indon legend
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Bob Santos Joins Broadcast Team for Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During WBA’s 104th Annual Convention
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Championship Bouts Set for the Bantam and Intermediate Division
Sat, 13 Dec 2025SEAG Triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon in Rayong
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Jeremy Marticio wins IIEE SIKAT, ICFF won PTC World Engineering Opening
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Facularin to fight Torres on December 13 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Baricuatro wins, Veloso falters in SEAG boxing
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 12 Dec 2025BASH BOXING AND UP NEXT FIGHTING RETURN WITH SPECIAL EDITION UNF 29 TOMORROW NIGHT AT ACE · MISSION STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES
Fri, 12 Dec 2025MERCADO AIMING TO SEND MESSAGE TO 140LB RIVALS
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Sullivan Management signs Influencer/pro boxer Brooklyn Barwick
Fri, 12 Dec 2025Round 12: Successful WBC Annual Convention in Bangkok (Photos)
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 12 Dec 2025Halfway Point Surpassed at the 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Fri, 12 Dec 2025