The art world, at times, can be a selective and fickle thing.
I hesitate to use the word ‘snobbish’, but there it is. Boxing is not one of its friends or normal go-to’s. This, despite us fondly referring to our sport as the ‘Noble Art’.
However, as they say “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.
For this reason, the amazing art collection of German lawyer Ingo Wegerich is not the typical art collection. All Ingo wishes to do is to share the viewing joy of his collection with other boxing aficionados and fans alike. Ingo is a true boxing and art lover and I was lucky to view some of his amazing collection last week.
What drew me to it was the excellent feature article by Tom Gray in the Nov/Dec 2022 edition of The Ring magazine and knowing I was somewhere in the vicinity of Ingo’s collection. I won’t attempt a re-write of Tom’s article, but aptly titled ‘Champions on the Canvas’, it’s worth checking out. Go to their website www.ringtv.com to view the digital or order a printed copy.
It’s fair to say that Ingo has spent a bit of money on compiling the definitive collection of boxing art which includes originals shown on the covers of The Ring magazine from the 1930’s through to the present day. Legendary champions such as Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson are featured. One of Ingo’s personal favourites, given his nationality, is German great Max Schmeling featured on the October 1936 cover of The Ring.
His collection goes right up to today and includes some originals painted by renowned British fight artist Richard T. Slone. Richard’s works are in high demand and often associated with high profile events, including big boxing matches. Visit his website www.sloneart.com .
His paintings are also exhibited at the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHoF) and adorn the cover of their programme for induction weekends in early June each year.
Ingo also has in his collection some originals from famous artist LeRoy Neiman, who in his own unique style did artworks on the most iconic Muhammad Ali fights and many from his training camps in quieter moments. Neiman was the doyen of boxing art in the late 1960’s through to 1980’s.
To further publicise and connect with fans alike, Ingo plans to launch a newsletter to share the joy.
Here you can subscribe to the newsletter:
After a quality few hours chatting boxing with Ingo I was then privileged to view some of his collection which was staggering. Me, as a long time reader and subscriber to The Ring , and self-confessed boxing ‘nut’, it was amazing to look at the inspiration and original material to boxing covers and posters I came to love over the years.
We parted with my asking the origin of Ingo’s forename, as him being a boxing fan, and my making a mimic ‘Bingo’ punch known of former 1960’s world heavyweight champion Ingemar Johannson. It drew his smile.
Check out Ingo Wegerich’s collection when you can. It’s a must-see:
Or become a follower with 80,000 others on Instagram… @wegerichfineart
The Undisputed 
Thank you for the nice feature!
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