The American boxer who once fought British stars Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois has relaunched his career in Russia having thrown his support behind Vladimir Putin.
Kevin Johnson, originally from New Jersey, has had a long career in the heavyweight division, making his debut back in 2003.
After failing in his only crack at world title gold against Vitali Klitschko in 2009, he became something of a gatekeeper fighter, providing stern challenges for some of the sport’s biggest names before they made the leap to the elite level.
At 45, Johnson is still fighting but has found a new home for himself having been granted Russian citizenship earlier this year with Putin exercising a decree used for others including US actor Steven Seagal.
Johnson has also adopted the name Kevin Vladimirovich having registered with the military – a requirement under Russian law.
In an interview with AFP, Johnson invited the outlet to attend his registration at the military conscription office, arriving in full military dress expecting to be handed a rifle.
‘I thought they will give me a gun today. I was ready. Yes! Officer Vladimirovich. I am ready,’ he joked.
In August 2023, shortly after his move to Russia, he arrived at his weigh-in ahead of his fight against Mark Petrovsky wearing a t-shirt with Putin’s face emblazoned across the front, referring to it as ‘a sign of respect’.
‘Putin in Russia is the president; he is the chief commander. He stands for his country.’
He added: ‘It’s all about the ingredients. Life is ingredients. And the ingredients in Russia are abundant. They make a good recipe.’
Credit: Metro.co.uk
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