US boxing great Roy Jones Jr, famous for winning world titles in four classes from middleweight to heavyweight, has applied for Russian citizenship after asking President Vladimir Putin for a passport to visit the country more easily.
The 46-year-old signed the citizenship application at a grand event in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine last year much to the chagrin of the United States and other Western countries.
Jones told Putin he hoped his influence could "build a bridge" between the countries.
"I want to ask you about maybe having a passport to go back and forth so that I can do business here," Jones told the Russian head of state over cups of tea.
"All the people here seem to love Roy Jones Jr, and I love when people love me."
Putin replied to Jones: "If you intend to incorporate a significant portion of your life with activity in Russia, then of course we will be happy and gladly fulfill your request about getting Russian citizenship," according to a video of the meeting aired by state-funded television network RT.
State media reported that Jones also intends to keep his US citizenship.
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