Damian Knyba Defeats Andy Ruiz Jr in Heavyweight Comeback

Polish heavyweight Damian Knyba defeated former unified world champion Andy Ruiz Jr by unanimous decision at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, spoiling the American's return after two years away from competition. BBC Sport reported that all three judges awarded Knyba the fight, with scores of 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113.

Watch the highlights:

The decisive moment came in the seventh round, when Knyba knocked Ruiz down. Ruiz regained his feet before the count ended and was aided by the bell soon afterward, allowing him to continue. He completed the fight, but the judges ultimately favored Knyba's work across the contest.

The result improved Knyba's professional record to 18 victories and one defeat. It was a notable win for the Polish fighter against an opponent whose biggest achievement came in 2019, when Ruiz upset Anthony Joshua to win the IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles. Joshua regained those belts in their rematch later that year.

Ruiz, 36, was competing for only the fourth time since that December 2019 rematch. His previous appearance ended in a draw with Jarrell Miller in August 2024. After the defeat to Knyba, Ruiz's record stood at 35 wins, including 22 knockouts, three defeats and one draw.

According to BBC Sport, Ruiz attributed some of his difficulties to the long layoff and said Knyba's holding prevented him from putting together combinations. Ruiz also made clear that he had deliberately accepted a demanding opponent rather than taking an easier contest for his return. He recently signed with British promoter Eddie Hearn.

Despite the setback, Ruiz indicated that he intends to continue boxing and asked for another fight with Knyba. He said he would approach a rematch differently and stressed the need to remain active. No date or agreement for a second bout was reported, leaving Ruiz's immediate next step and Knyba's plans unresolved.