The American boxer Kevin Johnson will move to Russia, obtain Russian citizenship, and change his surname to honor the Russian President. Do you think we are kidding? No! The athlete shared this in his exclusive interview.
On March 31, Johnson had a bout against Viacheslav Datsik during the REN TV Fight Club. The American won the three-round fight via majority decision. Kevin's next bout will be on August 18. His opponent will be Mark Petrovskii.
From our interview with the athlete who once challenged for the WBC heavyweight title, you will learn about:
- his decision to become a Russian citizen
- why he became Kevin Vladimirovich
- the Russians' mentality
- his wish to play chess with Vladimir Putin
- the differences between the USA and Russia
- Russian boxers' knockout power
- training with Alexander Povetkin
- love for Russian women
"In America, people talk nonsense and lie. In Russia, everything is vice versa"
– I am glad to see you in Russia, Kevin.
– I love being here.
– Could you share your impressions?
– I’ve come here several times in these 15 years. There's nothing new. I've been to Moscow, Samara, and Chekhov. I've known Russia for 15 years. That's not my first visit, and I won't say, "Wow." When I came to Moscow for the first time, I couldn't hang out or look at women. That applies to everything here.
– Did you consider acquiring citizenship after your fight with Datsik?
– I am from America, where people talk nonsense and lie. You cannot rely on what people say. You can rely only on their behavior. In Russia, everything is vice versa. All people whom I met here do something, then speak about it. I am grateful to the CEO of the REN TV channel, Vladimir Tyulin, for his exceptional hospitality and words. I am also thankful for my promoter Vladimir Khryunov who makes all he can.
– When will you acquire citizenship?
– I think I will sort everything out soon. I hope I will resolve all the issues quickly. I will take care of the paperwork, the documents, the passport, and everything else. I am optimistic because everything is great.
"I was adopted by Putin, that's why I got the patronymic Vladimirovich"
– Now your name is Kevin Vladimirovich, right?
– Now I am incredibly happy. I am proud to have the same name as President Vladimir Putin and my godfather. I said I was adopted by venerable Vladimir Putin, that's why I got the patronymic Vladimirovich.
– How did people react to that?
– I am not a talker. I do things and show them. That's why I love everyone in Russia — nobody talks or waits for someone's approval here. People don't say: "Hey, I plan to do this and that." I wasn't going to tell someone; I just did and showed that.
– Has someone promised you to organize a meeting with Putin?
– I talked to two people, Vladimir Khryunov and Vladimir Tyulin. I told them about my dream — to play chess with Vladimir Putin. I love chess, checkers, and piano. I love everything that makes me think, like math. That's hard to explain. Me and Putin. What can compare to that? That's cooler than an ice cream cake than Christmas or New Year fireworks. Nothing can match it; it is beyond description.
– Do you know Fedor Emelianenko? That's one of the most famous people in Russian sports. And he is one of the best chess players among athletes. I will ask someone to organize a chess game for you.
– No, don't do that. He will win. I am not that good at chess. When I came to Chekhov, I met Alexander Povetkin, and we often went to a hookah bar and played chess there. Bro, I see what an average player can do. This guy is better than average. But if you tell me he plays the piano better than me, I agree to challenge him. I've heard that Putin also likes playing the piano — that would also be interesting!
– Putin is one of the most famous people in the world.
– Of course. He is number one on my list. He is number one. You ask me what I'll say to Putin? First, I'll freeze for three seconds. I've met Michael Jordan and Mike Tyson. But what will you say when you meet one of the main people in the world? You see? Nobody knows that. I will thank him for his hospitality and the opportunity to stand by him. And then I'll freeze again. I can't explain. I know what it's like to meet Michael Jordan. I know what it's like to meet Mike Tyson.
But Putin is the most famous and powerful person in the world. What can I say except for "thanks" and "wow?"
"Khryunov is the best promoter I've met"
– Tell us about the main differences between the USA and Russia.
– I left the USA seven years ago. Over the past five years, I have traveled across different countries and haven't seen my family. First, I moved to the Dominican Republic and bought a house there. After that, I settled in Bogotá, Colombia, and bought a house. Then I followed someone in London and had to move there. After that, I received a business call from Germany. I was there when the coronavirus began to spread.
The lockdown ended eight months ago. I wouldn't have returned if I had left Germany because the restrictions were harsh. I wasn't allowed to go anywhere. If I had gone to the USA or the Dominican Republic, I would have had to stay there. What's better: to stay and develop your business or leave and never return due to certain circumstances?
I called Vladimir Khryunov. It's a great opportunity for promotion here, in Russia, both for me and him. Everything was as clear as day. His words are stronger than his obligations. If he says something, you can rely on it. Believe me; you can count on him. And that's no idle boast. When he says you should come, do it.
– In Russia, we call such people "business sharks."
– Not only in Russia. He is the best promoter I've met in my life. And I've met many.
"Russian boxers are the most powerful in the world"
– Have you managed to find new friends in Russia?
– Now I am more isolated. I live in a hotel and train twice daily to stay on my feet. I have a very good friend, Victoria. She teaches me Russian, Spanish, and bachata. I am waiting for a bout to propose to her. Now I am focused on that. When I see white girls, that's too much. Why do we need houses? Why do we buy cars and nice clothes? Women are the reason we do it.
– Tell us about the differences in preparation for fights in the USA and Russia?
– The Soviet Union had the best conditions for athletes that I have ever known. Soviet fighters are very strong.
If we talk about the differences between US and Russian boxers, the former are very careful. We are creative. Russian boxers are good, but their blows are heavy. Take, for example, Alexander Povetkin. He's a smart and good boxer. But when you watch his bouts, you know he will knock his opponent out.
He will try to bring you down, and you know that. I have known Povetkin since we both came into the sport. You can rest assured that Russian boxers will try to knock you out. In the case of Americans, you can't be sure of that. We are not as powerful as you are. But we are more agile and technical. All Russian athletes are very powerful. Why does nobody want to fight against Arslanbek Makhmudov? Not because of his boxing techniques but because of his knockout power.
"The most beautiful women in the world are from Russia and Brazil"
– There is such a tendency in Russia. Foreign athletes have bouts with Russian boxing legends.
– I want to fight against Makhmudov. I love strong boxers. Datsik was one of them in our last bout. He isn't technical or agile. He is a one-punch boxer. Buildings are crumbling under Russian boxers' power.
I remember how I came to Russia to train with Povetkin. I usually started training six weeks before arriving at a training camp. If you're out of shape, Alexander will injure you. I saw two of his sparring partners who boxed with him for ten rounds every training day. One of them got injured. Don't play with power, guys.
– Name the best Russian boxers.
– I don't want to show disrespect to someone. My favorite boxer is Povetkin. I saw him after the fight with Datsik and was extremely impressed because Alexander had ended his career. He's my friend, and when you're my friend, you're the best. He was the best and can still become the best. Povetkin lost his second bout with Dillian Whyte, but he showed what he could when he won the first one. I have trained with him for ages. He is a great person, both inside and outside the ring. Povetkin is the best after Putin, of course. Putin is number one.
The best president is from Russia; the best boxer is from Russia; the best promoter is from Russia; the best Russian and bachata teacher is from Russia. The best food is from Russia, too.
When Putin says there is no GMO in Russia, you can't imagine how lucky you are. Look at what's happening in the USA. I told my family I wanted to return and see them, but now I shudder to think what I will eat there.
I need breakfast, lunch, and dinner — I cannot starve. I have to worry even about what I will eat at home. That's true — all Russian restaurants confirm what rubbish we eat in America.
I am not a gourmet — I usually order chicken or fish. I eat it 300 days a year. Sometimes, I can eat a burger or lasagna, something like that. But in the USA, I have to worry even about food.
And the icing on the cake... I won't say who's in the first place — that's very difficult to choose, but Russia and Brazil share the top spot for the most beautiful women in the world. BRO! That's all I need. You can talk endlessly about the pros of Russia, but let me look at these beautiful women again! That's all I need, bro!
