Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Ahead of the iconic “Clash On The Dunes”, presented by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Mexican-American boxing superstar Andy Ruiz Jr. took an inspiring double visit to the Disabled Children’s Association and Charity Committee for Orphans Care in Riyadh, to give time and support to disadvantaged children.

Similarly, the former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua took a few hours away from the gym to visit the Misk Schools to prepare for the fight in what he called “a creative way.”

“Clash On The Dunes” on Dec. 7 is being dubbed as the biggest world heavyweight championship fight in recent history.

Joshua, the Olympic gold medalist, recently visited the Misk Schools, a newly established school that aims to use real-world experiential learning to helps students learn through an extensive range of project- and field-based experiences, enabling them to understand the relevance of their learning to the world beyond the classroom.

AJ’s visit turned out to be a mutually beneficial cultural exchange experience. He talked to the children about the benefits of sports and why they should always maintain a healthy lifestyle. The youngsters also had a chance to spend the afternoon with the boxer asking him all about his fights and how he trains and got their own private glove signing session.

In turn, The Watford-born heavyweight saw the school visit as a chance to connect with the community and further understand the culture of the home of his upcoming fight. To him, mentally preparing for the fight is just as important as the physical preparation, and this was one of his ways of doing so.

Commenting on the visit Joshua said, “This is different now. This is a different arena, a different country, and a different experience. The ritual I followed in England can’t work here. That’s why I’m coming to this school, to connect with the people.”

The “Clash On The Dunes” forms part of the Diriyah Season.