Andy Ruiz Jr. is set to end a two-year hiatus from boxing on September 4, facing Polish heavyweight Damian Knyba in Newark, New Jersey. This fight represents a critical chance for the 36-year-old former champion to prove he remains an elite contender.
Ruiz (35-2-1) has not competed since a majority draw against Jarrell Miller in August 2024. His career since upsetting Anthony Joshua in 2019 has failed to recapture that momentum, with unconvincing wins over aging opponents Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz doing little to silence doubters. Now, after a long layoff and signing with Matchroom Boxing, Ruiz is targeting another run at the top of the division. He has made his intentions clear.
“I’m going to be fighting in Newark, New Jersey on September 4, baby,” Ruiz announced. He immediately followed with his championship ambitions. “After we get this victory, I would love to fight all the guys that have the belts Oleksandr Usyk vacated, and we’re going to become a two-time champion next year, let’s get it.”
His opponent is not a simple tune-up. Damian Knyba (17-1) is younger, more active, and at 6-foot-7, holds a significant size advantage. Although he is coming off the first loss of his career, a stoppage against new WBC champion Agit Kabayel, Knyba presents a legitimate threat. He sees this matchup as his own path back to title contention and is comfortable at the venue, having already fought there three times.
“I can’t wait to be back at the Prudential Center, my second home,” said Knyba. “I’m excited to be back in the ring in front of the New Jersey and New York fans, and they will fill the seats with white and red.”
The stakes for Ruiz are absolute. He has not recorded a significant victory in seven years, and another lackluster performance—or a defeat—would make his goal of fighting for a world title seem unrealistic. An impressive win, however, would force the heavyweight division to take notice again and could position him for a lucrative third fight with Anthony Joshua. For Ruiz, September 4 is a true career crossroads.
