Andy Ruiz Aims to Revive His Career

The former unified heavyweight champion is making his return after a two-year hiatus, fully aware that another misstep could derail his hopes of contending for the world titles vacated by Oleksandr Usyk. Andy Ruiz Jr. steps back into the ring on September 4th, with stakes far higher than just another victory. The former unified world champion will face Damian Knyba in his Matchroom Boxing debut, knowing that a defeat could effectively end his realistic chances of ever fighting for a heavyweight world title again.

On Tuesday, Matchroom Boxing announced that Ruiz (35 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw, 22 KOs) will return from his two-year absence to face Poland's Damian Knyba (17 wins, 1 loss, 11 KOs). The two will headline the fight night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. This heavyweight clash will serve as the main event for the third installment of TNT Sports and DAZN's monthly series, “The Fight.”

Ruiz hasn't fought since August 2024, when he drew with Jarrell Miller by majority decision. His performances since his sensational victory over Anthony Joshua in June 2019 have failed to convince fans that he still belongs among the heavyweight elite.

His victories over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz came against opponents well past their prime, and neither performance dispelled doubts about whether the former unified champion can still compete at the highest level. Now 36, Ruiz believes he is capable of challenging for world titles once more.

“On September 4th, I'll be fighting in Newark, New Jersey. After we get this win, I want to go after all the guys holding the belts that Oleksandr Usyk vacated. Next year, we're going to be two-time world champions. Let's do it,” Ruiz declared.

Ruiz's return can hardly be described as a tune-up fight. Although Knyba is coming off the first loss of his career – a knockout defeat to new WBC world champion Agit Kabayel in January – the 6-foot-7 Polish contender is younger, physically larger, and significantly more active than Ruiz. Knyba has already fought three times at the Prudential Center and views this encounter with the former champion as an immediate opportunity to re-enter the heavyweight title picture.

“I can't wait to get back to the Prudential Center – my second home. I'm excited to be back in the ring in front of the fans from New Jersey and New York. They will fill the stands with red and white,” Knyba said.

For Ruiz, the stakes are far greater than simply securing a victory. He hasn't recorded a significant win since his sensational triumph over Joshua. Another unconvincing performance, or worse, a loss, would make his desire to contend for any of the world titles vacated by Usyk difficult to justify.

However, a convincing win could put the former champion back in contention in a division that has continued to evolve without him. Ruiz Jr. recently signed with Matchroom, and many fans believe promoter Eddie Hearn will quickly guide him towards another world title shot. Ruiz also openly expresses his desire for a third fight with Anthony Joshua. Having reportedly earned around $7 million from their first encounter and another $13 million from the rematch, the allure of a potential third clash is evident.