Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba | DAZN - September 4, 2026

[Ruthless-RKO]

Andy Ruiz and Damian Knyba are in advanced talks for a fight on Sept. 4 in Newark, New Jersey, sources tell @ringmagazine. Knyba is Polish and should draw well in NJ. Fight would headline a show paired with Ammo Williams-Vito Mielnicki.

[joshj909]

Ruiz warming up for a Zuffa or Usyk payday?

[Ruthless-RKO]

If this is on the same show as Ammo-Vito, then it will be DAZN.

[nmhz]

IF this goes ahead, Ruiz will have been out of the ring for over 2 years and this would be only his third fight in 5 years. It always bothers me how inactive he has been over his career. He is very talented

[Sendo Takeshi]

IF this goes ahead, Ruiz will have been out of the ring for over 2 years and this would be only his third fight in 5 years. It always bothers me how inactive he has been over his career. He is very talented

Ruiz is basically done at the top level.
Should've lost to Miller, barely survived 85 year old Ortiz and got knocked down by Arreola.
Those are the 3 fights you mentioned.
He is also gonna be 37 in September.

He is very talented, but on paper he is gonna look like a one hit wonder.

[candyslim]

I don't disagree Takeshi San but I imagine he'll have enough left to see off Knyba.

[Sendo Takeshi]

I don't disagree Takeshi San but I imagine he'll have enough left to see off Knyba.

"Takeshi-san" haha. Good one

I guess so, even though Knyba caused some issues for Agit, as long as it lasted.

[Eolaithe]

Ruiz is basically done at the top level.
Should've lost to Miller, barely survived 85 year old Ortiz and got knocked down by Arreola.
Those are the 3 fights you mentioned.
He is also gonna be 37 in September.

He is very talented, but on paper he is gonna look like a one hit wonder.

Andy Ruiz Jr. became unified world heavyweight champion, fought in three world title bouts, topped ESPN and The Ring’s ratings, and earned a combined $24 million from his last five fights.

The lack of marquee names on his resume is partly due to him not being pushed by Top Rank (they lacked credible heavyweights in their stable), coupled with the PBC rarely staging fights for their boxers.

Of course, his physical appearance prevented fight fans from taking him seriously and the sudden wealth he gained from the AJ win meant he no longer needed to fight often to pay the bills.

Without mentioning his stoppage victory over Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr. appeared to beat Joseph Parker, but the Mexican-American lost by a hometown decision. The judges’ scoring was widely criticised, and the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association president resigned because of it.

Andy Ruiz Jr.’s poor performance against Jarrell Miller was attributed to a gruesome hand injury.

Ruiz Jr. knocked down Luis Ortiz three times in his win, and most media scored the Arreola bout 117–110 or 116–111 in Andy's favour.

Given his short, obese build and the fact that Mexican boxing is not known for producing successful heavyweights, Ruiz Jr. has had a remarkably successful career.

That said, I believe that Andy is only planning to have one warm-up bout to shed some ring rust, immediately prior to a final farewell big payday (perhaps being used as a stepping-stone sacrificial lamb for Moses Itauma).

[Ruthless-RKO]

ANNOUNCED: Andy Ruiz has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

The former heavyweight champion’s next fight will be announced this week

[joshj909]

ANNOUNCED: Andy Ruiz has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

The former heavyweight champion’s next fight will be announced this week

A multi-fight deal, must be at least 5 years then.

Realistically, what is Eddie planning with him? An AJ trilogy? A scalp for Huni? A big step up for Teremoana? Surely can't be trying to build him for a title fight, he has absolutely no chance against the top 10.

[margaret thatcher]

get ready for enlighted one posting for the 1000th time that andy is newly slim and looking more dedicated than usual

[Ruthless-RKO]

Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jnr signs with Matchroom Boxing

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jnr has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Ruiz, 35-2-1 (22 KOs), famously stopped Anthony Joshua in June 2019 to claim the WBA, WBO and IBF titles in one of the biggest heavyweight upsets of all-time. Joshua would go on to reclaim his titles later that year with a unanimous decision victory in Saudi Arabia. Ruiz was on the opposing side on both nights but has now joined forces with Joshua’s longtime promoter Eddie Hearn.

Ruiz has not fought since a majority draw with Jarrell Miller back in August 2024, the man he replaced to face Joshua for his upset win, but Matchroom have teased an announcement for his return this week. The Ring reported earlier this week that Ruiz was in talks to face Damian Knyba in New Jersey on September 4.

“I’m so happy and thankful for signing with Matchroom and taking another step forward to continue my mission and to become a two-time champion of the world for Mexico,” said Ruiz Jnr, now 36 years old. “I believe everything happens for a reason and I’m so grateful God is giving me a second opportunity to do everything right. Sometimes God breaks you to make you a better person and a better fighter.

“I made history with Matchroom and DAZN, and best believe we are going to do it again in God almighty’s name, amen baby, let’s go. Thank you to all my coaches for still believing in me, we are going to make a big statement in the heavyweight division.”

Hearn of Matchroom believes that Ruiz’s return to the ring could lead to another crack at a heavyweight title.

“I’m delighted to welcome Andy to the team,” said Hearn. “The heavyweight landscape is always evolving, and a fully fit and firing Andy Ruiz Jnr is a nightmare for anyone in the division. Andy shocked the world in New York with his stunning victory over AJ, and if ‘The Destroyer’ from that night returns to the ring, there is no doubt he can become a two-time world champion.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Andy Ruiz Jr joins Matchroom Boxing, could face Damian Knyba in September

Andy Ruiz Jr will campaign under Eddie Hearn’s banner, potentially returning to action in September

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has joined forces with Matchroom Boxing in his latest effort to reignite his start-and-stop career.

“I’m so happy and thankful for signing with Matchroom and taking other step forward to continue my mission and to become a two-time champion of the world for Mexico,” said Ruiz Jr. “I believe everything happens for a season and I’m so grateful God is giving me a second opportunity to do everything right. Sometime God breaks you to make you a better person and a better fighter.

“I made history with Matchroom and the DAZN and best believe we are going to do it again in God almighty’s name, amen baby, let’s go!

“Thank you to all my coaches for still believing in me, we are going to make a big statement in the Heavyweight division.”

Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KO) has fought just three times since falling to Anthony Joshua in their 2019 rematch, going unbeaten but struggling to recapture his earlier form. He hit the deck early against a faded Chris Arreola, settled for a tight decision over Luis Ortiz despite three knockdowns, then fought Jarrell Miller to a majority draw two years ago. Though he’s back with Manny Robles for this one, he’s also 36 and notoriously volatile, so there’s no telling whether he’ll be a factor in the post-Usyk heavyweight world.

Per Mike Coppinger, his return to action could pit him against Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KO) on Matchroom’s September 4th Vito Mielnicki Jr vs “Ammo” Williams show in Newark. Knyba was last seen suffering a questionable third-round stoppage loss to Agit Kabayel in January. A reasonable-enough challenge considering the rust.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Andy Ruiz signs deal with Matchroom Boxing

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Matchroom Boxing announced the multi-fight deal with a social media post on Wednesday.

The Ring’s Mike Coppinger reported that Ruiz is in discussions to face Damian Knyba on Sept. 4 in Newark, New Jersey. That bout will be paired with a middleweight clash between Austin “Ammo” Williams and Vito Mielnicki Jr.

“I had to be broken to be reborn,” Ruiz said in a video Matchroom shared to announce his signing.

“I feel right now I’m more strong mentally and physically and I’m more hungry. I’m better than a lot of these other heavyweights that are out there right now. All the belts that everybody has, I want them. I want them back. I'm motivated, and I'm hungry from all the stuff that I've been through.”

Ruiz became the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent with one of boxing’s biggest upsets this century, stopping then-unified and undefeated titleholder Anthony Joshua in June 2019 at New York's Madison Square Garden. The Imperial, California, native lost by unanimous decision in the rematch six months later in Saudi Arabia.

Inactivity has marred the 36-year-old's career since his two-fight series with Joshua.

He has only fought three times, notching decision victories over Chris Arreola in 2021 and Luis Ortiz in 2022. Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) most recently boxed to a controversial majority draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024.

Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs), of Bydgoszcz, Poland, is coming off a third-round stoppage defeat to recently upgraded WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel in January. The 6-foot-7 heavyweight has fought much of his career in New York and New Jersey, where he currently resides.

[joshj909]

“I feel right now I’m more strong mentally and physically and I’m more hungry. I’m better than a lot of these other heavyweights that are out there right now. All the belts that everybody has, I want them. I want them back. I'm motivated, and I'm hungry from all the stuff that I've been through.”

Uh oh

[Sendo Takeshi]

There is no limit to his hunger.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Announced: Andy Ruiz makes his long awaited return to the ring against Damian Knyba on September 4th in New Jersey, live on DAZN and TNT

Also on the card, Vito Mielnicki will fight Austin 'Ammo' Williams in a middleweight clash.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[PRINCEKOOL]

I am made up for Andy Ruiz Junior 'he has been way too inactive since the rematch vs. Anthony Joshua. Now I would expect him to just be active, and take whatever big opportunities come his way'.

Note: Initially I thought? Well he will be seasoned up, to be handed over to Anthony Joshua so he can be smashed up 'I have always liked the idea of a trilogy fight between those two fighters'.

But I suspect matchroom and Eddie Hearn have a individual plan for Andy Ruiz Junior 'to maximize his profits in the game'.

I just personally think Andy Ruiz Junior's biggest fight right now, and opportunity in the sport 'is to make the trilogy fight vs. Anthony Joshua' etc.

[margaret thatcher]

how long until we hear about the 'new' andy who is slim and finally taking things seriously

[keithmoonhangover]

I like this matchup, kinda a yardstick for how much Ruiz has left.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Andy Ruiz Jr Set to Return in TNT Headliner

Former heavyweight champion set to return against Damian Knyba

After two years away from the ring, Andy Ruiz Jr. is finally ready to return.

The 36-year-old former unified heavyweight champion has not stepped into the squared circle since fighting Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller to a draw in August 2024. The Mexican-American has been slowly working his way back to the ring since, before taking the next step by signing with Matchroom Boxing in early July.

Ruiz has now officially booked his return fight in his Matchroom Boxing debut. ‘The Destroyer’ will face recent WBC interim heavyweight title challenger Damian Knyba on Sept. 4, the promotion announced on Tuesday. The fight will headline the third boxing event broadcast on TNT in the United States.

Back at it

Andy Ruiz returns to the ring against 6’7 Polish puncher Damian Knyba on Friday 4 September at @PruCenter

In chief support Vito Mielnicki Jr and Ammo Williams battle it out for the IBF USBA, WBO Global & WBC Continental Americas Middleweight Titles … pic.twitter.com/rIRHwhWTgH

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) July 14, 2026

Former middleweight world title challenger Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams will fight recent Matchroom signing Vito Mielnicki Jr in the co-main event, the promotion also confirmed. Williams just unsuccessfully challenged WBC 160-pound champion Carlos Adames in March.

Ruiz and Knyba had been rumored for the Sept. 4 date weeks before the announcement made it official. Knyba is coming off his first professional loss to Agit Kabayel for the WBC interim title in January.

In preparation for his return, Ruiz has also realigned with former trainer Manny Robles, according to a report from BS. He last competed under the tutelage of Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing.

Barring injury, Ruiz will be competing for just the third time in the last five years. Before fighting Miller, he had not fought since beating Luis Ortiz by unanimous decision in September 2022.

Ruiz insists that he is still gunning for a second heavyweight title reign, despite his recent inactivity. His only two losses came in title fights against former champions Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker.

Andy Ruiz Jr vs Damian Knyba joins DAZN on TNT lineup

With Ruiz and Knyba now on the books, TNT is set to broadcast another edition of ‘The Fight.’ The series kicked off with Abdullah Mason vs. Albert Bell on July 4, which peaked at 820,000 views.

The Mason vs. Bell success is expected to parlay into another massive title fight scheduled to headline an Aug. 1 event. ‘The Fight’ part two will be headlined by lightweight stars Lamont Roach Jr. and William Zepeda battling for the vacant WBC 135-pound belt.

The second edition of ‘The Fight’ consists of two lightweight title fights, with WBC titleholder Raymond Muratalla defending his strap against former 130-pound champion Robson Conceicao. The Brazilian is coming off a split decision loss to O’Shaquie Foster in November 2024, costing him his title.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Andy Ruiz Jnr, reunited with Manny Robles, seeks resurrection on September 4

Andy Ruiz Jnr’s latest attempt to reconnect with the magic of seven summers ago will headline the third edition of the TNT-DAZN series, “The Fight” September 4 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, it was announced Tuesday.

Southern California’s Ruiz, 35-2-1 (22 KOs), will meet Damian Knyba, 17-1 (11 KOs), as the former heavyweight champion seeks a path back to the prominence he briefly enjoyed after upsetting Anthony Joshua in 2019 as a replacement opponent for Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden. That June stunner was followed by something of a reality check six months later when an out-of-shape Ruiz was dominated over 12 rounds in the immediate rematch.

Poland’s unranked Knyba is coming off a third-round TKO loss in January to newly elevated WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel. He stands 6ft 7ins.

Now 36 and again being trained by Manny Robles, Ruiz recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. He has been out of the ring since a lackluster showing during a 12-round draw with Miller in August 2024.

Ruiz fought had a pair of lengthy absences before that, compiling victories by decision over veteran title challengers Chris Arreola (May 2021) and Luis Ortiz (September 2022) following the loss in Saudi Arabia to Joshua.

Ruiz, in a prepared statement, said a strong showing could position him for a shot at Kabayel and the other heavyweights who succeed Oleksandr Usyk as beltholders.

“We’re going to become a two-time champion next year. Let’s get it,” he said.

TNT’s “The Fight” debuted July 4 with WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason overcoming a stiff test from Albert Bell, stopping Bell in the 12th round, and the series continues August 1 in Las Vegas with a pair of lightweight titles fights: Lamont Roach Jnr versus William Zepeda for the vacant WBC belt and Raymond Muratalla defending his IBF title against former 130lbs champion Robson Conceicao.

On the Ruiz card, ranked middleweights Vito Mielnicki Jnr, 23-1 (13 KOs), and Austin “Ammo” Williams, 20-2 (12 KOs), will fight where New Jersey’s Mielnicki made his pro debut in 2019.

Newark’s Zaquin Moses, 7-0 (3 KOs) and Shakur Stevenson’s cousin, will also fight on the card.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Andy Ruiz-Damian Knyba Lands In Newark

Andy Ruiz has his first assignment since he signed a promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing recently.

Eddie Hearn’s company announced Tuesday that the former unified heavyweight champion will end a two-year layoff when he opposes Poland’s Damian Knyba on September 4 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The 12-round bout between Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs), of Imperial, California, and Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs) will headline a card that’ll be broadcast by TNT in the United States and streamed by DAZN worldwide as part of the new monthly series, “The Fight.”

The announcement confirmed a report by The Ring’s Mike Coppinger last week regarding Ruiz-Knyba.

Ruiz, 36, will fight for the first time since his controversial 12-round majority draw with Jarrell Miller in August 2024. The first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent has boxed just four times in the seven years since he upset England’s Anthony Joshua by seventh-round technical knockout in June 2019.

Kenya, 30, 6-foot-7 and based in New Jersey, was stopped in the third round by WBC champ Agit Kabayel (27-0, 19 KOs) on January 10 in Germany.

As The Ring first reported two weeks ago, the co-feature of this card will match middleweight contenders Vito Mielnicki (23-1, 13 KOs), of nearby Roseland, and Austin “Ammo” Williams (20-2, 13 KOs), of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, in a 10-rounder.