Andy Ruiz Jr vs Damian Knyba

Andy Ruiz Jr makes another comeback, this time reunited with Manny Robles and the promotional company that made him a rich man, Matchroom Boxing. They have given him a tough examination in their first fight together in Damain Knyba. Ruiz and Knyba clash on 4 September in Newark after another long absence for Ruiz, now 36. Since beating Anthony Joshua in 2019, he has managed only three fights, most recently drawing with Jarrell Miller in August 2024. Damian Knyba is 17–1, stands six-foot-seven with an 86-inch reach, and is coming off a third-round stoppage defeat against Agit Kabayel.

Knyba has the dimensions to make Ruiz look uncomfortable. He has long arms, and if he keeps the jab straight, moves after punching and refuses to admire his work, Ruiz may spend the opening rounds plodding after him. Knyba’s weakness is that he stands too upright under pressure. Kabayel got beneath him, worked at a higher tempo and began landing cleanly once the Pole was forced backwards.

Ruiz is the opposite shape altogether: short, broad and blessed with some of the quickest combinations in the heavyweight division. His hands are still in the business when he gets close. The question is not talent; it is his engine, timing and appetite after so much inactivity. He cannot afford to follow Knyba around like a bloke searching for the night bus. He must jab the chest, cut off the exits and hammer the body until those long legs stop working.

I expect Knyba to win the first couple of rounds before Ruiz begins slipping inside and finding the ribs. Once Knyba is made to fight at close quarters, he will come apart.

Prediction: Ruiz by stoppage.