Former four division world champion Roy Jones Jr. is growing his star power in Eastern Europe, where the 46-year-old veteran is still very much a celebrity.
Jones is in Russia, and sat down with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, to discuss sports and various other topics. Jones flew in to support close friend and promoter Vladimir Hryunov, who stages a show this coming Sunday in Crimea.
Hryunov says Jones asked Putin for Russian citizenship. Over the last few years, Jones has fought three times in Russia and he's become a regular at sporting events. He also stages concerts in the country.
"If you intend to spend a significant amount of your time in our country and to arrange your activities here we shall surely be glad to fulfill your request", said Putin, responding to his coming application for the Russian citizenship.
Putin has also wished Jones Jr. all the best not only in boxing but also in music and in cinema. Jones Jr. expressed his hope for the sport "to re-build a bridge between the United States and Russia".
Jones (62-8) was in action last weekend at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket. He scored a highlight reel knockout over late replacement Eric Watkins (12-10-2) in sixth round.
The future Hall of Famer has a busy schedule ahead of him as he has fights already lined up on August 29th and September 12th. Jones will come back next Saturday in Philipsburg against Danny Santiago, and then he flies to the UK on September 12th - where he is scheduled to take on Tony Moran for the Malta International cruiserweight championship at the Aintree Equestrian Centre in Liverpool, Merseyside.