Boxer Jones Jr. to Fly Russian Colors at Next Bout for WBA Title - Promoter

Roy Jones Jr. will step into the ring against the United States' Antonio Tarver flying the Russian flag.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Heavyweight US boxer Roy Jones Jr., who recently became a Russian citizen, will step into the ring against the United States' Antonio Tarver flying the Russian flag, Jones’ promoter told R-Sport on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin granted Roy Jones Jr. Russian citizenship on September 12. The legendary boxer announced in August that he had applied for Russian citizenship, adding that he felt very comfortable in Russia.

"What flag will Jones fight under? The fight poster explains it all," Vladimir Hryunov said.

The poster advertising the upcoming fixture depicts Jones posing in front of a Russian flag.

The bout for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super heavyweight title is scheduled to take place in Moscow’s multi-purpose VTB Arena on December 12. Khryunov said he expected people to attend the fight "by the thousands."

Jones and Tarver have squared off three times previously, in which the dual Russian and US citizen came out victorious once.

Hryunov, who said the sides are expected to sign the contract late on Monday, said Jones is expected to arrive in Russia on November 25.

The fight is scheduled to be broadcast live on Showtime in the United States and on Channel 1 in Russia.