Andy Ruiz Jr. ends his two-year layoff on September 4 against Polish giant Damian Knyba in Newark.
Boxing back in Jersey once again soon, in the great state of Jersey.
As boxing boxer Shakur Stevenson from there continues to get lambasted for not taking big fights and more, some excitement returns to the State in a heavy fight in Ruiz Jr.
He is usually in entertaining fights, not many are familiar about his opponent Kynba, though, some notes on the Pole:
- Comeback date – Ruiz returns on Friday, September 4, 2026, after a two-year layoff.
- Venue – The fight takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
- The opponent – He faces Poland’s Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs), a towering 6’7″ heavyweight.
- Knyba’s style – The Polish fighter uses his massive reach to jab from distance and control the pace.
- Knyba’s sole loss – He suffered his first defeat by third-round stoppage against Agit Kabayel.
- American base – Knyba is based in New Jersey, so he’ll have hometown support in Newark.
- Size mismatch – At 6’7″, Knyba towers over the 6’2″ Ruiz by a full five inches.
- Ruiz’s motivation – He’s aiming to prove he still belongs among the heavyweight elite.
- Reunited with Robles – Ruiz has linked back up with longtime trainer Manny Robles for this camp.
- Gatekeeper fight – A win puts Ruiz back in the mix; a loss likely ends his top-tier ambitions.
Thirty year old Damian Knyba from Poland is a big lump and a possible threat in his size and punch but Ruiz should have far more ability.
He is training seriously, clearly, also, so he should be very fast and smart in there.
Even though his timing is going to be off, still too much for Knyba, expect Andy Ruiz to go for a knockout at some point shortly.
Expect Andy Ruiz Jr to come in light for this soon.
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