Boxing art collector Ingo Wegerich explores the stories behind iconic fight artwork, drawing on his extensive private collection. This piece centres on Anthony Joshua’s redemption win over Andy Ruiz Jr.

Following the tragic accident on December 29, 2025, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria – in which two close friends and team members of Anthony Joshua, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, lost their lives – there has been a period of quiet around the two-time unified heavyweight champion.

Joshua has since returned to training, spending the past week in camp alongside Oleksandr Usyk, with discussions ongoing over a potential summer fight.

As attention turns back to ‘AJ’s next move, we revisit one of the defining moments of his career – and the artwork that captured it.

The Fight

The rematch between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. on December 7, 2019, in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, was an event of extremes – sporting, financial and logistical.

Six months earlier, late-replacement Andy Ruiz Jr. had stunned the boxing world at Madison Square Garden, knocking Joshua down four times in seven rounds to claim the WBC, WBA, IBF and IBO titles. Comparisons to Mike Tyson’s defeat by Buster Douglas were inevitable.

The rematch, titled Clash on the Dunes, was not only the first heavyweight world championship staged in Saudi Arabia, but also an early marker of what has since become a new boxing Mecca.

The event came with an extraordinary financial package. Joshua reportedly earned between $60 million and $85 million, while Ruiz earned between $10 million and $13 million. The Diriyah Arena – an open-air stadium in the desert – was constructed in just six weeks and held 15,000 spectators.

At the weigh-in, the contrast was clear. Ruiz tipped the scales at 283.7lbs, more than 15lbs heavier than in the first fight, prompting suggestions he had celebrated too long. Joshua, by contrast, came in at 237¾lbs – over 10lbs lighter than before.

Inside the ring, the fight was controlled and clinical. Joshua dictated the distance, stayed disciplined, and scored consistently behind his jab and footwork. Ruiz struggled to close the gap or land anything meaningful.

After 12 rounds, Joshua reclaimed his titles via unanimous decision. The fight generated approximately 1.5 million pay-per-view buys in the UK, making it one of the best-selling events in British boxing history.

More importantly, Joshua had answered every question with a tactical masterclass.

The Artwork

Boxing News marked Clash on the Dunes with a striking painted cover in vibrant shades of yellow, gold and brown, depicting both fighters in action. The artwork was created by Hall of Fame artist Richard T. Slone.

The colour palette carries symbolic weight. Yellow, often associated with tension and inner unrest, reflects the nervous energy before the fight. Gold represents ambition, wealth and grandeur, while also evoking the Saudi setting. The tones collectively mirror desert sand – a deliberate reference to the event’s title. Brown adds a sense of tradition and timelessness.

The painting was completed before the fight, which explains why it does not reflect the eventual physical disparity between the fighters. In Slone’s depiction, Joshua appears compact and powerful, almost gladiatorial, with sharply defined musculature.

Both fighters are captured mid-exchange. Their expressions convey focus and intensity. Joshua’s eyes are closed, suggesting deep concentration, while his punch appears to drive through Ruiz with force and intent. Ruiz, mouth open, embodies exertion and determination.

The word “Destroyer” is visible on Ruiz’s shorts – a nod to his nickname, earned through his aggressive, high-output style.

The Roman numeral “II” references the rematch, but also symbolises Joshua’s attempt to rebuild after defeat — mentally as much as physically. The loss had shaken his identity as champion. Here, he appears composed, focused and resolute.

Slone’s brushwork is expressive and energetic. Through colour, movement and symbolism, he transforms a sporting moment into visual history with psychological depth.

The Artist

Richard T. Slone, a British-born artist now based in Las Vegas, is widely regarded as one of boxing’s foremost painters.

A former protégé of Joe Frazier and a member of the famed Kronk Gym, Slone has served as the official artist of the International Boxing Hall of Fame since 1996.

He has been commissioned for some of the sport’s biggest events, including Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez, Canelo vs Gennadiy Golovkin, and most recently Canelo vs Terence Crawford.

His work has featured on numerous Ring Magazine and Boxing News covers, capturing the drama and emotion of boxing at the highest level.

Personal Note

I have a personal connection to this painting. I not only own it, but was also present at the fight in Saudi Arabia.

At the time, the experience felt like an adventure. The outdoor weigh-in was sparsely attended compared to other major events, and much of the atmosphere centred around the fighters’ hotel – intense, but intimate.

Shortly before the fight, light rain began to fall. It reminded me of The Rumble in the Jungle, where a heavy downpour followed shortly after the bout.

It’s a trip I will never forget – and this painting remains a vivid reminder of that experience.

Artwork Details

Ruiz Jr. vs Joshua II
Original, 2019
Richard T. Slone
Acrylic on canvas
36″ × 40″

Copyright Richard T. Slone. More of the collection can be viewed via Ingo Wegerich Fine Art Collection, or on Instagram.

England’s Paul Waring shot a seven-under 63 to lead after the first round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open.

The 41-year-old, who is playing on a medical exemption and was a late entry to the field was five under at the turn and his bogey-free round was his lowest ever on the PGA Tour.

Waring, who has only made six cuts from 26 events on the PGA Tour, is one shot clear of former US Open champion Gary Woodland, while Sam Burns, Tom Hoge, and Michael Brennan are two shots behind at five under.

Englishman Marco Penge is a stroke further back at four under alongside his compatriot Matt Wallace.

World number Scottie Scheffler is not competing due to the imminent birth of his second child, while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy is also missing as he prepares to defend his Masters crown in April.

Wales manager Craig Bellamy says he’s “disappointed” his side couldn’t hold on for victory in their World Cup play-off semi final against Bosnia-Herzegovina, as they conceded an 86th minute equaliser, before going on to lose on penalties after extra time.

READ MORE: Wales suffer agonising World Cup play-off shootout loss to Bosnia

Kai Rooney has received some unwelcome news just days after his latest Manchester United success

Kai Rooney has confirmed he will miss the rest of the season after picking up an injury.

The 16-year-old had been on a major rise in trajectory for Manchester United after making seven appearances and finding the net twice. The teenager was part of the U16s side that won the Premier League Shield and has featured for Darren Fletcher’s U18s team throughout this campaign.

Kai is aiming to follow in his father Wayne’s footsteps at Old Trafford. The forward became an icon at United, scoring 253 goals and assisting 143 times in 559 appearances for the club.

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He won a plethora of silverware, including five Premier League titles, one Champions League, a Europa League trophy and plenty of domestic cups.

Kai had been developing well at United this season but a spanner has now been thrown into the works. Here, The Manchester Evening News has all the latest on the teenage superstar.

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Heartbreaking injury

Kai Rooney confirmed he has sustained an injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season. This will in turn deny the teenager the chance of featuring in the U18s bid for glory in the FA Youth Cup.

In a sad post on his Instagram story, the 16-year-old wrote: “Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season,” alongside a red love heart emoji. The caption was written on top of a black-and-white image of Kai in a United kit during a game.

The United youth side have been finding success with Kai in the squad, as he made his first appearance at Old Trafford in a FA Youth Cup fourth-round win over Derby County. The team will face Crystal Palace in the semi-finals and will face the same opponents at Selhurst Park in the Premier League Cup final.

The U18s are locked in a battle at the top of the league with Manchester City but Kai will now no longer be able to participate in the run-in.

Support from within

Parents Wayne and Coleen were on hand to support Kai at his final appearance before his injury was confirmed. The 16-year-old helped the U16s to a statement 2-0 win in the Premier League Shield on Tuesday.

The Rooney clan were in attendance to cheer Kai on as Wayne posted a picture of the teenager with a medal around his neck on social media. Youngest brother Cass was also there to take in the victory.

Despite previously banning his famous dad from attending the games as per Coleen, the young star’s mother admitted he is used to handling fame. Speaking to The Times, Coleen said: “He’s lived it from a young age.

“When we used to go to matches when he was younger and he’d get a lot of people coming up saying, ‘Oh, are you Wayne Rooney’s son?’

“But he is strong-minded and he always has been. I’ve got no worries about the way he deals with it. It’s nice that we know what to expect.

“And we can try to guide him. Obviously, it’s his life, his passion. He can decide what he wants to do. But I think it’s good we’ve got the knowledge.”

Statement made

Kai has been enjoying a great year so far in the youth brackets of United’s academy set-up. After scoring for the U18s, the teenager has been offered a scholarship in the youth system and will be able to sign a professional deal next campaign.

The youngster has also signed with Triple S Sports, an agency that secured a long-term deal with dad Wayne. Other United first-team stars, including Harry Maguire, are among the agency’s clients.

They announced the signing on Instagram with a caption that said: “Delighted to announce the signing of @kairooney.10 to Triple S Sports! We’re excited to begin working with the Manchester United forward as he continues his journey in the game. A bright future ahead.”

The left-winger signed a boot deal with Puma in 2022 when he was just 12 years old, too. However, Kai is not allowed to wear his Puma boots when playing for the U16s due to a longstanding club policy.

Speaking to the Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast, dad Wayne said: “He’s obviously with Puma but when he plays for the Manchester United U16s, something which I really like is he can’t wear his Puma boots.

“All the academy have to wear the same boots. They do it because there’s people from areas where they can’t afford certain boots so I think it’s really good. But he’s played for the U18s a few times and he can then wear his Puma boots. He’s doing well to be fair to him.”

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What will MS Dhoni‘s role be for Chennai Super Kings? The former captain’s presence is always a confidence booster for the five-time champions. But even his ardent fans would agree that the Dhoni of now is not the same as the Dhoni of five years ago. Dhoni only plays the IPL, and from the videos available on social media, it’s clear that the legendary captain is putting in all the effort to turn up in top shape for Chennai Super Kings. But will he be used as an Impact Player?

Former India and CSK star Ravichandran Ashwin was asked whether he sees MS Dhoni playing all the matches and keeping wickets. Ashwin’s reply was interesting.

“I think Dhoni will have a critical role in supporting this new bowling line-up on the field. What happened last year with MS? I was also there last year. MS wanted to play the last three overs, but the top order did not score much, and he had to come in around the 10th to 12th overs. This time, they have added power in the top order to avoid this. Maybe this time, out of 14 games, he will get to bat higher only in 3-4 games; otherwise, he will only come in at the end. His biggest role will be in keeping, setting the field, and giving a shoulder to Ruturaj. He can be the big brother,” he said on Ash ki Baat.

“I do not agree that he has to stay on the Impact list. If he is in the squad, he has to play. If he does not want to, he should not play the entire season, that is it. I am not in agreement with him being an Impact Player. He 100 per cent believes he can contribute, and that’s why MS is playing. Otherwise, he is the sort of guy who will not hang around.

“We are seeing his videos. He has been practising for the last three months. ‘Mujhe khelna hai, aap ko jo bhi sochna hai socho’ (I will play, you can think whatever you want). That is the message he is giving. I don’t think he is your top-six batter, but he can play a double role. He can be a compass for Ruturaj. If he wouldn’t be playing, he wouldn’t be practising this hard. I think MS will keep wickets and will bat at No. 7.”

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and India icon MS Dhoni cannot play as an Impact Player – and if he does, it is time for the 44-year-old to “hang up his boots.”

NEW YORK — Paul Skenes stared out toward the mound from the third-base dugout, motionless. Only his fingers moved, scratching beneath his dark, full beard. This was unfamiliar territory.

Thursday was supposed to be his day. Another step in a rise that already included a Cy Young award in 2025 and a World Baseball Classic that pushed him onto an international stage, flexing as the best in the world. He’s the easy favorite to repeat as Cy Young winner this year.

Instead, on Opening Day at Citi Field against the Mets, Skenes failed to get out of the first, yielding five earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning. It matched the most runs he’s allowed in a start and marked the shortest outing of his career. He allowed more runs Thursday than he did in the first inning of all 32 starts combined last year.

“They did a really good job in the moment,” Skenes said after his club’s 11-7 loss. “I don’t know, maybe a little frustrating, but I just got to execute. But they did a good job.”

It wasn’t all on Skenes. Center fielder Oneil Cruz misread a Brett Baty line drive, breaking in before it carried over his head. Three runs scored on a bases-clearing triple. Then, on the very next play, Cruz lost a Marcus Semien fly ball in the sun, making it a 5-2 game.

Even so, Skenes didn’t have his best stuff. He lacked command of his seven-pitch mix, walking two and hitting a batter in the nine plate appearances he made it through. He had little feel for his breaking pitches. When he got ahead, he couldn’t put hitters away. The Mets, one of the best lineups in baseball, wouldn’t give in. Wouldn’t chase his mistakes. Seven of the first eight batters reached base.

After 37 pitches in the inning, in the unseasonable warmth of Flushing, manager Don Kelly made the call to remove his ace.

“Paul is a competitor,” Kelly said after the game. “He wants to stay out there and pitch. It’s a really tough thing going to get him in the first inning right there. But at the bottom of it is Paul’s health. When you get up close to 40 pitches in an inning, you’re into dangerous territory with a starting pitcher.”

The physical danger is one thing. The box score is another: when Skenes isn’t stellar, the Pirates don’t have a chance. Often, even when he is stellar, they still find ways to spoil his starts with a lack of run support.

For all the supposed growth of the Pirates, adding Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn as veterans to the mix, too much of the belief still runs through Skenes. He’s not just their anchor. Not just their stability. He’s their credibility. Their relevance. He’s the reason the most optimistic people in Pittsburgh — and inside that clubhouse — can cling to the idea that this team has a path to the playoffs.

“Paul means a ton to Pittsburgh,” added Kelly. “I mean, he embodies it every single day that he shows up. We talked about a lot too. It’s the days in between his starts that really separate him and make him great. And he lives it out every single day.”

Yet baseball has a way of making even the giants look human, like it did Thursday. 

You felt it when Kelly walked to the mound. You felt it when the collective gasp from the Citi Field crowd cut through the moment, louder than some of the cheers. Because this wasn’t supposed to happen. As much as Mets fans came to see their team, there was something else, too. They came to see the best in the world.

He was supposed to last longer than this. Instead, it unraveled.

“It’s nice to get it out the way,” Skenes said with a smirk.

This is the burden that comes with greatness. He has lived up to every bit of the hype. The learning curve that usually comes with the big leagues never touched him.

“He’s can’t-miss TV,” said teammate and fellow starter Mitch Keller. “I want to be locked in for everything. He’s so special. You just never know when you’re watching this type of talent. You’re locked in and always watching.”

Thursday offered nothing to lock in on.

Inside the clubhouse, Skenes draped himself in a blue towel. The outing was over. There’s no reason to dwell. Not when you’ve established yourself as the most prominent starter in baseball. Not when it’s only your first start of the season.

“Just got to look at it, kind of pitch by pitch,” he said. “I’ll rewatch it at some point, but I’m not as upset about this, for me personally, as people would probably think.”

You can question the Pirates.

But you can’t question Skenes. 

Hardik Pandya with MCA groundsmen

NEW DELHI: Team India all-rounder and Mumbai Indians Hardik Pandya once again showed that his impact goes beyond cricket, winning hearts with a thoughtful gesture off the field. During his preparation for the T20 World Cup, Pandya spent long nights training at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, often practising till almost midnight. During that phase, he had made a promise to the groundstaff who supported him tirelessly that he would reward them when he returned.