Former heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. suffered a major setback in his return to the boxing ring after losing to Poland’s Damian Knyba by unanimous decision at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The highly anticipated Andy Ruiz vs Damian Knyba heavyweight bout, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, saw Knyba produce the biggest victory of his career as Ruiz struggled throughout much of the 12-round contest.
Ruiz was returning to competitive action after a two-year layoff, but his comeback fight quickly became difficult as Knyba used his height, reach and effective jab to control the early rounds.
Damian Knyba Controls Early Rounds Against Andy Ruiz
Knyba established his long, accurate jab from the opening rounds, using it to score consistently while preventing Ruiz from effectively launching his right hand.
The Polish heavyweight’s jab had enough power to make Ruiz hesitant with his offense. Whenever Ruiz attempted to close the distance and work from inside, Knyba frequently tied him up in the clinch, limiting Ruiz’s ability to mount sustained attacks.
Ruiz began to increase his activity during the fifth and sixth rounds, finding opportunities to land his right hand and opening a cut on Knyba.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the seventh round when Knyba knocked Ruiz down with a double jab followed by a powerful cross and a series of follow-up punches.
Ruiz appeared to be in serious trouble but managed to survive the round and return to his corner after absorbing significant punishment.
Andy Ruiz Attempts Late Comeback
Ruiz deserves credit for continuing to fight and attempting to turn the contest around during the second half of the bout.
The former heavyweight champion managed to claim several rounds, but Knyba’s persistent jab and effective clinching prevented Ruiz from building enough momentum for a comeback.
After 12 rounds, the judges scored the fight 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113, handing Damian Knyba a unanimous decision victory.
While two scorecards suggested a much closer contest, Knyba’s overall performance earned him a clear and significant victory in the heavyweight division.
Video Courtesy of @DAZNBoxing
Damian Knyba Records Career-Best Victory
The victory represents a career-best win for Damian Knyba, who announced himself as a serious name in the heavyweight boxing division with his impressive performance against a former world champion.
For Andy Ruiz Jr., however, the defeat represents a significant setback.
Ruiz had hoped to use his comeback fight to regain momentum and position himself for another potential heavyweight championship opportunity.
Despite the disappointing result, Ruiz indicated after the fight that he has no plans to retire.
The former champion remains determined to continue his boxing career, meaning fans could see Andy Ruiz return to the ring for another heavyweight fight as he looks to rebuild his career.
Andy Ruiz vs Damian Knyba Boxing Result
Fight: Andy Ruiz Jr. vs Damian Knyba
Date: September 4, 2026
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Promotion: Matchroom Boxing
Result: Damian Knyba wins by unanimous decision
Scorecards: 117-110, 114-113, 114-113
Rounds: 12
Knyba’s victory could significantly raise his profile in the heavyweight boxing division, while Ruiz will now have to decide how best to recover from one of the biggest setbacks of his recent career.
Source: newsthemegh.com