Damian Knyba defeats Andy Ruiz Jr. by unanimous decision in Newark

Andy Ruiz Jr.’s long-awaited return to the boxing ring did not go according to plan. The former unified heavyweight champion suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Damian Knyba Friday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The judges scored the 12-round fight 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113 in favor of Knyba. For Ruiz, the fight…

Knyba wins unanimous decision after dropping Ruiz Former champion struggles badly after 762-day layoff Ruiz, 36, insists another title run remains possible Andy Ruiz Jr’s comeback bid was left in tatters on Friday night after the former unified heavyweight champion was knocked down and picked apart in a sobering unanimous-decision defeat to Damian Knyba in Newark, New Jersey. Knyba won by scores of 117-110 and 114-113 twice, handing Ruiz the third defeat of his professional career and dealing a devastating blow to his hopes of becoming a two-time champion in boxing’s prestige division. The baffling pair of 114-113 cards flattered Ruiz considerably and bore little relation to the mostly one-way traffic that unfolded. (The Guardian had it 117-110.) Continue reading...

Knyba won by scores of 117-110 and 114-113 twice, handing Ruiz the third defeat of his professional career and dealing a devastating blow to his hopes of becoming a two-time champion in boxing’s prestige division. The baffling pair of 114-113 cards flattered Ruiz considerably and bore little relation to the mostly one-way traffic that unfolded. Ruiz (35-3-1, 22 KOs), who turns 37 next week and was returning from a 762-day layoff, cut a lamentable figure for most of the night, his once-blurring combinations carrying little of their old snap, his head almost stationary as the 30-year-old Knyba’s jab found it time and again.

Andy Ruiz Jr. wanted to make a statement. He got a lesson instead. The former unified heavyweight champion returned to the ring for the first time in over two years on Friday, and Damian Knyba made him pay for the rust.

American heavyweight Andy Ruiz Jr, who shocked Anthony Joshua in 2019 to take his world titles, loses comeback fight to Poland's Damian Knyba.

American heavyweight Andy Ruiz Jr, who shocked Anthony Joshua in 2019 to take his world titles, loses comeback fight to Poland's Damian Knyba.

Heavyweight boxers Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba squared off last night (Fri., Sept. 4, 2026) inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey for Matchroom boxing. In a significant upset loss, Ruiz was nearly stopped and ended up on the wrong side of a lopsided decision. Ruiz’s first bout in two years did not start […]

Boxing video highlights: former world champion Andy Ruiz suffered another loss, including a knockdown, to underdog Damian Knyba.

The years have not been kind to Andy Ruiz Jr. (35-3-1, 22 KOs), but age alone did not produce the sluggish, confused heavyweight who lost to Damian Knyba

Damian Knyba upset Andy Ruiz Jr. on Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark. Full results from the card, highlights and post-fight reaction

Andy Ruiz Jr's comeback after two years was a barnburner in Newark

Andy Ruiz Jr was beaten in his comeback bout in a shock victory for his opponent Damian Knyba.