Following two years of inactivity, former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2-1, 22 KOs) is reportedly in advanced talks to make his ring return on September 4 in Newark, New Jersey against Polish contender Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs).
The 36-year-old Ruiz has been largely absent from the heavyweight scene since dropping his titles to Anthony Joshua in their 2019 rematch, managing just three outings in the years that followed. His most recent appearance came in August 2024, when he left the ring with a majority draw against Jarrell Miller — a result that reflected the stagnation that has defined much of his post-Joshua career.
Knyba arrives at the negotiating table having suffered his first career loss back in January, as Agit Kabayel stopped him in just three rounds, however it’s possible a strong showing from either man on September 4 could lead them back on the path to contend for a heavyweight world title.