Moscow: President Vladimir Putin today granted citizenship to US boxer Roy Jones Jr after the American asked for a passport over tea in Moscow-annexed Crimea.
The Kremlin today released a decree granting citizenship to Jones, who met Putin in August while visiting the Crimean city of Sevastopol.
The 46-year-old pugilist won world titles in four different weight categories before branching out into music and acting.
At his meeting with Putin, Jones told the president he loved Russia and a passport would make it easier for him to visit regularly.
Putin replied he would be "glad" to fulfil his request "if you intend to link a significant part of your life with activities in Russia."
Boxing promoter Vladimir Khryunov, who works with Jones in Russia, later said his protege would not renounce US citizenship.
Russia has a history of granting citizenship to flamboyant Westerners, including French actor Gerard Depardieu, who was handed a Russian passport in 2013 after he lambasted France's tax laws.
The Kremlin today released a decree granting citizenship to Jones, who met Putin in August while visiting the Crimean city of Sevastopol.
The 46-year-old pugilist won world titles in four different weight categories before branching out into music and acting.
Putin replied he would be "glad" to fulfil his request "if you intend to link a significant part of your life with activities in Russia."
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Russia has a history of granting citizenship to flamboyant Westerners, including French actor Gerard Depardieu, who was handed a Russian passport in 2013 after he lambasted France's tax laws.
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