Andy Ruiz’s Return Officially Announced

Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-2-1, 22 KOs) will make his ring return on September 4 in Newark, New Jersey, against Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs).

The 36-year-old Ruiz has not been in the best form since losing to Anthony Joshua in their 2019 rematch, managing just three outings in the years that followed. His most recent fight took place in August 2024, when he fought Jarrell Miller to a majority draw.

Knyba enters the fight having suffered his first career loss in January, when Agit Kabayel stopped him in three rounds. The winner would move closer to a heavyweight world title shot.

“I’m going to be fighting in Newark, New Jersey on September 4, baby. 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,” Ruiz

“I can’t wait to be back at the Prudential Center, my second home. 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,” Knyba