Former heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. is gearing up for his first fight in two years, taking on Damian Knyba on September 4, 2026. This matchup marks a significant return for Ruiz, who is eager to reclaim his status in the boxing world after a prolonged absence from the ring.
The fight will be broadcast on TNT Sports, providing fans with access to the main card. For those who prefer to stream the event, options include DIRECTV and DAZN, making it easy for boxing enthusiasts to catch all the action from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Fans can tune in starting at 8 p.m. ET for the main card, with the highly anticipated main event expected to commence around 11 p.m. ET, contingent on the duration of the undercard bouts. This event is particularly important for Ruiz, who has not fought since a draw against Jarrell Miller in 2024, and is looking to make a statement in his return.
Ruiz, with a professional record of 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, gained international fame in 2019 when he pulled off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history by defeating Anthony Joshua to become the unified heavyweight champion. Since then, he has only fought a handful of times, and his last appearance in the ring has left fans eager to see how he has prepared for this comeback.
In preparation for this fight, Ruiz has reunited with his former trainer Manny Robles, aiming to get back into championship form. "I want to become a two-time heavyweight champion so I’m gonna die trying… I owe it to me," Ruiz stated, emphasizing his determination to succeed. He expressed his commitment to his fans, family, and his faith, highlighting the personal stakes involved in this bout.
On the other side of the ring, Knyba, who holds a record of 17 wins and 1 loss, is looking to bounce back from a defeat against Agit Kabayel in January for interim heavyweight gold. Known for his knockout power, with eleven of his victories coming by way of KO, Knyba has been a formidable competitor in the New York and New Jersey boxing circuits.
The fight card for this event is stacked with talent, featuring several exciting matchups including Vito Mielnicki Jr. facing Austin Williams in a middleweight clash, and Alan Chaves taking on Eridson Garcia in the lightweight division. Other notable bouts include Zaquin Moses vs. Angel Antonio Contreras in super featherweights and Dennis Thompson vs. Jose Casillas in super bantamweights.
As the fight approaches, anticipation builds not only for Ruiz's return but also for Knyba's quest to establish himself as a serious contender in the heavyweight division. With both fighters having much to prove, this matchup promises to deliver an exciting night of boxing.
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