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

[londonwar]

Kynba has a Polish fight listed for a month later.
one of these cant happen

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Fight week!!

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RUIZ SET ON BECOMING HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP AGAIN: ‘I’M GONNA DIE TRYING’

Andy Ruiz isn’t completely satisfied with the hardware in his trophy case.

Although his 2019 upset win over Anthony Joshua turned him into a star and the first Mexican heavyweight champion, he knows that he never fully capitalized on that moment.

Ruiz lost the immediate rematch, along with his IBF, WBA and WBO titles, and has spent most of his time on the sidelines, fighting just three times since then.
Now, after signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, he’ll officially return to the ring September 4 against Damian Knyba at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The goal is simple for Ruiz: Pick up more wins and add a few more titles to his trophy case.

“I still need to do things that I said I was gonna do. I want that Ring belt and WBC belt,” Ruiz said on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. “I want to become a two-time heavyweight champion so I’m gonna die trying.”

Luckily for Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs), Hearn shares his same vision. The longtime promoter recently stated that the Imperial, California, native has what it takes to rise to the top of the division again.

First things first, though. Hearn wants Ruiz, who’s coming off hand surgery and a 2024 majority decision draw against Jarrell Miller, to take care of business against Knyba and then possibly another step-up fight. From there, Hearn wants to put him in with some of the division’s best, including Agit Kabayel., The Ring’s No. 2 contender and WBC beltholder.

For Ruiz, this run is personal. He’s well aware that he has more to do and is more determined than ever to make everyone, including himself, proud.

“I owe it to me,” he said. “I owe it to my fans in Mexico, I owe it to my family, and especially to God to continue that mission.”

[joshj909]

After this, another stay busy fight against someone like Ibeh, then rematch Miller if he beats Gassiev or, if Gassiev wins, perhaps face up against Torrez or Anderson. Winner is relevant again and will be in line for a decent opponent. A Parker/Ruiz rematch after all this time wouldn't be the worst fight should Ruiz be able to stay fit and interested while also winning those fights.

[Heldenjaeger]

After this, another stay busy fight against someone like Ibeh, then rematch Miller if he beats Gassiev or, if Gassiev wins, perhaps face up against Torrez or Anderson. Winner is relevant again and will be in line for a decent opponent. A Parker/Ruiz rematch after all this time wouldn't be the worst fight should Ruiz be able to stay fit and interested while also winning those fights.

Planning three fights ahead for Andy Ruiz is ambitious when the man fights once every two years. By the time he's ready for the next one we don't even know which of these heavyweights will still be around.

Let's see if he beats Knyba first. I doubt it.

[gilgamesh]

After this, another stay busy fight against someone like Ibeh, then rematch Miller if he beats Gassiev or, if Gassiev wins, perhaps face up against Torrez or Anderson. Winner is relevant again and will be in line for a decent opponent. A Parker/Ruiz rematch after all this time wouldn't be the worst fight should Ruiz be able to stay fit and interested while also winning those fights.

There's no guarantee he'll even win this one. He looked past it last time he fought which was 3 years ago. If he wins this fight here, you better get him a big money fight ASAP because he ain't got many more fights left in him.

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Press conference

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Ronnie Shields has Vito Mielnicki ready for Ammo Williams

WBO No. 3-ranked middleweight Vito Mielnicki Jr. says he’s ready for battle this Friday against WBO No. 2-ranked Austin “Ammo” Williams, live globally on DAZN and on TNT network’s “The Fight” in the United States, from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Mielnicki Jr., (23-1, 13 KOs), and Williams, 20-2 (13 KOs), will meet in a scheduled 10-round co-main event, presented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, headlined by former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz, 35-2-1 (22 KOs), having his first fight in over two years against once-beaten Damian Knyba, 17-1 (11 KOs).

From nearby Roseland, New Jersey, Mielnicki, co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Boxlab Promotions, says preparing under the guidance of renowned trainer Ronnie Shields in Houston has him more than ready to take on the challenge of fighting Williams in front of family and friends with a potential world-title shot on the line.

“This camp with Ronnie has been exactly what I needed,” said Mielnicki. “Coming down to Houston takes me away from everything and lets me focus completely on boxing. Ronnie has been around this sport at the highest level for a long time, and there are little things he sees that can make a big difference in a fight. He's pushed me hard, but he's also made me think more in the ring. I feel like I'm becoming a more complete fighter every day I'm in the gym with him.

With his continued work under Shields, “White Magic” Mielnicki says he believes he’s capable of unveiling a new and improved version of himself in this important fight.

Mielnicki was last seen defending his IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight titles, while also picking up the vacant WBC Continental Americas Middleweight belt with a near-shutout unanimous decision over previously undefeated Omar Ulises Huerta in April.

“I don't want to be the same fighter I was six months ago or even in my last fight,” Mielnicki continued. “I'm still learning. I'm still hungry. That's one thing Ronnie and I agree on. Just because you're ranked No. 3 in the world doesn't mean you've arrived. If anything, it means you have to work harder because everybody is coming for your position. I've put everything into this camp, and I'm excited to show the improvements on September 4.”

The 24-year-old Mielnicki admits he’s facing perhaps his toughest opponent to date in the higher-ranked Williams, but relishes the challenge.

“Ammo is a good fighter, and I'm not going to sit here and pretend otherwise,” Mielnicki said. “He's talented, he's strong, and he's been in big fights. I want to thank him for taking this fight because he believes he can beat me, just like I believe I can beat him. That's what makes it interesting. You have two guys who know there is a lot on the line and neither one wants to take a step backward.

“I want a guy who is coming to win,” Mielnicki added. “I don't want somebody who is just happy to be there. I want somebody dangerous because when I beat a dangerous fighter, people have to accept it. I'm preparing for the best version of Ammo Williams. I'm ready to box if I have to box, fight if I have to fight and make adjustments if the fight changes. Whatever he brings, I believe I'll have an answer.”

[robbydecker]

Knyba has a good chance in this one.
His stoppage loss to Kabayal was due to an obviously biased ref.
No way that the fight should've been waved off in such an immediate fashion.
Even though I'm actually a fan of Kabayal, I simply cannot regard that bout as a truly legit victory for him.
If Knyba fights "Tall" versus Ruiz Jr then he definitely has a good chance to win on points.
If he somehow gets Goaded into a brawl or slugfest then he's probably Toast, especially with him being still too young and untested, but going by what I've seen of Knyba in his Better moments, The Kid definitely has truly high potential.

I picked him to win by decision on the Voting Poll section of this thread.
I'm basically only at around 60-40 with this prediction though, so obviously I'm not going to be surprised if he gets caught early or later in the bout and subsequently put away, even in a devastating Ko type of way.
This will likely occur if he goes with an improper approach to fighting and defending against the still very dangerous Ruiz Jr.
Otherwise, I can very much see Knyba fighting a cautiously methodical fight and winning a clear cut decision.

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Press conference

Live now

[tiny_acres]

Ruiz will be 37 one week after this fight. A 37 year old inactive fighter whose weight has been up and down more than a yoyo, Is not someone who I would be planning his next
3 fights. Andy is a likeable guy. He is just not anyone I'm going to get excited about at this stage of the game.

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Live weigh in

[gregregegg]

Ruiz is well on the slide but I’m surprised it’s over even money for Ruiz by stoppage.

Knyab had some reasonable offence vs kabayal early, but was a lamb for the slaughter after 3 rounds. I can’t see that fight going the distance. If Ruiz has anything left he wins by stoppage. If he is absolutely toast he loses by stoppage…. And he would have to be so toast for that to happen.

I guess they could both gas at the same time and just carry each other 12 rounds… probably what will happen now that iv bet…

[Finkel]

Knyba has a good chance in this one.
His stoppage loss to Kabayal was due to an obviously biased ref.
No way that the fight should've been waved off in such an immediate fashion.
Even though I'm actually a fan of Kabayal, I simply cannot regard that bout as a truly legit victory for him.
If Knyba fights "Tall" versus Ruiz Jr then he definitely has a good chance to win on points.
If he somehow gets Goaded into a brawl or slugfest then he's probably Toast, especially with him being still too young and untested, but going by what I've seen of Knyba in his Better moments, The Kid definitely has truly high potential.

I picked him to win by decision on the Voting Poll section of this thread.
I'm basically only at around 60-40 with this prediction though, so obviously I'm not going to be surprised if he gets caught early or later in the bout and subsequently put away, even in a devastating Ko type of way.
This will likely occur if he goes with an improper approach to fighting and defending against the still very dangerous Ruiz Jr.
Otherwise, I can very much see Knyba fighting a cautiously methodical fight and winning a clear cut decision.

I didn't notice until now Lyson had refereed three of Kabayel's last five.
I was watching the Smakici fight yesterday, and while I don't see the issue with that stoppage (Smakici effectively punch himself out in three rounds), I agree that Knyba one was very soft (especially with a title on the line)

[Heldenjaeger]

I didn't notice until now Lyson had refereed three of Kabayel's last five.
I was watching the Smakici fight yesterday, and while I don't see the issue with that stoppage (Smakici effectively punch himself out in three rounds), I agree that Knyba one was very soft (especially with a title on the line)

Kabayel was basically out on his feet for 20 seconds against Smakici. He wasn't punching back or defending himself yet Lyson gave him every possible chance to survive. He then gave him a mandatory eight count after Kabayel stumbled into the ropes despite Kabayel never actually going down.

Against Knyba the same referee waved it off at the first remotely available excuse. That stoppage was regarded as early pretty much everywhere outside the Kabayel camp.

The pattern is hard to ignore: when Kabayel is in serious trouble, maximum patience. When his opponent is under pressure, minimum patience.

Germany has a notorious reputation for hometown decisions. Boxing here often feels much closer to a mob-controlled sport than it does in the UK or US.

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Ruiz: Despite Knyba's physical advantages, not better than Joshua

Andy Ruiz hopes the judges won't be needed when he faces Damian Knyba in his comeback fight.

Ruiz will end a two-year layoff to clash with the Pole September 4 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Though Knyba is the underdog, five inches taller and has a 12-inch reach advantage, Ruiz aims to come through against his younger, more active opponent.

“Anthony Joshua is a better fighter than Damian,” Ruiz told The Ring’s CEO Rick Reeno on the Mr. Verzace Podcast. “But he’s a good competitor, a good fighter, and he has a long reach.

“He starts good in the first few rounds. I don’t know how it goes in the later rounds, but my goal is to try and take him out. Get him tired and let my hands explode. I’m used to fighting all these giants. I’m used to fighting all these big guys. Usually the guys that I fight, they’re always bigger than me.”

Ruiz famously stopped Anthony Joshua in June 2019 at Madison Square Garden to become the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion, but he lost the rematch six months later.

Since then, the Californian hasn’t been seen much, fighting just three times since. In his last appearance, Ruiz settled for a majority draw against Jarrell Miller. He also broke his right hand in that bout which led surgery.

Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs) hasn’t been a world-beater, but he’s hoping that a victory over Ruiz will change the perception of him. The 30-year-old was last in action against Agit Kabayel on January 10, but lost the fight via third-round stoppage in Germany.

Ruiz wants to add to Knyba’s losing streak. But to do that, he knows that he’ll have to navigate some difficult early-round waters. Once he does, however, he expects him to be rendered unconscious.

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Andy Ruiz Jnr at his lightest weight for eight years ahead of comeback

Andy Ruiz Jnr weighed in at 254.3lbs for his latest comeback, which will begin Friday night against Damian Knyba, the 6ft 7ins former sparring partner of Anthony Joshua.

Joshua, of course, is the man who Ruiz defeated so dramatically inside New York’s Madison Square Garden when he inflicted the first defeat on the Englishman in June 2019.

For that momentous fight – a contest when Ruiz became a global star overnight – he weighed 268lbs. Infamously, he piled on more than 15lbs to an already hefty frame for the rematch six months later. Ruiz barely won a round and lost widely on the cards.

Ruiz, 35-2-1 (22 KOs), has struggled for form since.

Wins over Chris Arreola in 2021 and over Luis Ortiz in 2022 would slowly follow. The only other post-Joshua action came in his most recent contest, an August 2024 draw with Jarrell Miller.

For the Arreola bout Ruiz was as low as 256lbs (he was 268 and 274 for Ortiz and Miller respectively), but this bout against Knyba, topping a Matchroom bill at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, represents his lightest weight since he outpointed Kevin Johnson in July 2018. For that routine 10-round victory, the now-36-year-old weighed 252lbs.

Ruiz, prior to hooking up with old coach Manny Robles last year, admitted that his weight had ballooned to more than 300lbs. His contextually slim appearance on the scale this week suggests this is a comeback – which might also be his last chance to re-enter the championship picture at heavyweight – he is taking seriously.

Knyba, from Poland, can be described as a fringe contender at best. The 30-year-old can boast a 17-1 (11 KOs) record but the lone defeat – a three-round defeat to Agit Kabayel – was also his only foray into world class.

[Eolaithe]

I’m confident that the 37-year-old Andy Ruiz Jr. beats Damian Knyba.

However, I hope Ruiz gets another two or three more fights against durable journeymen to shake off his ring rust and improve his fitness and sharpness. That would help him perform at his best, considering his age and the fact that he has fought only three times in the past six and a half years.

However, Ruiz would also be an ideal confidence-building comeback opponent for Moses Itauma. The Mexican-American is durable, but taller boxers with faster feet who keep the fight at long range can outbox him comfortably. This match-up would make a lot of money.

So, after Ruiz beats Knyba, I wouldn’t be surprised if Eddie Hearn immediately puts him in a much tougher stadium-filling PPV fight. However, that would be a sacrificial lamb cash grab ploy aimed at securing the quickest possible big payday, rather than giving Ruiz sufficient time to become the best version of himself before facing his next elite opponent.

[tiny_acres]

people are acting like Ruiz is in fugging top physical condition at 254.75 pounds.
The guy is 6 ft 2 inches and 254 pounds. he might be a little lighter but he is far from top athletic shape.
Will he win this fight? He should easily win if he is even half as good as he was when he faced Parker or Joshua. I'm just not sold on him at this time. Only time will tell if he is going to be a serious contender or he is just waiting on a big loss

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people are acting like Ruiz is in fugging top physical condition at 254.75 pounds.
The guy is 6 ft 2 inches and 254 pounds. he might be a little lighter but he is far from top athletic shape.
Will he win this fight? He should easily win if he is even half as good as he was when he faced Parker or Joshua. I'm just not sold on him at this time. Only time will tell if he is going to be a serious contender or he is just waiting on a big loss

It’s a good weight for him though. Considering his average weight over the years.

He should get through this. Then is depends what Hearn wants to do with him after this.

Maybe feed Adeleye to him?

[PRINCEKOOL]

Certain folk within the boxing community 'like to claim that Andy Ruiz Junior destroyed Anthony Joshua's career'.

Note: But in reality? It was Anthony Joshua who clearly inflicted a more career damaging win over Ruiz Junior 'during their rematch. Joshua initiated the rematch immediately and beat him easy winning almost all the rounds'.

As soon as Andy Ruiz Junior became the Heavyweight Champion of the world 'he suddenly was not. He had very little time to really enjoy the notoriety which comes with winning the Heavyweight title. All because of Anthony Joshua, and since their rematch he has been meandering in the divisions and being a complete non-factor'.

Nevertheless, I am wanting Andy Ruiz Junior to win vs. Damian Knyba 'and I have always liked the idea of the trilogy fight between Ruiz Junior and Joshua III' etc.

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Will post the RBR soon.

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Well it will just be the running order.

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Not sure if they have prelims, will check later.

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Will probably catch highlights in morning, Cus I gotta be up early.