Damian Knyba defeats Andy Ruiz Jr. by unanimous decision in Newark
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 5:03 AM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Damian Knyba defeated former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. by unanimous decision on Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Judges scored the 12-round contest 117-110 and 114-113 twice in favor of Knyba. The 30-year-old winner used his reach advantage to control the distance and scored a critical knockdown in the seventh round. Ruiz struggled to match Knyba’s activity level throughout the bout, managing only brief spurts of offense in the eighth and ninth rounds. Following the result, multiple analysts on the broadcast panel suggested that Ruiz should consider retiring from professional boxing. This victory serves as the most significant result of Knyba’s career, while the 36-year-old Ruiz falls to a 35-3-1 record after competing for the first time since August 2024.
- •Damian Knyba defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. by unanimous decision in Newark.
- •Judges scored the 12-round heavyweight bout 117-110, 114-113, and 114-113.
- •Knyba recorded a knockdown in the seventh round to help secure the result.
- •The 36-year-old Ruiz drops to a career record of 35-3-1 following the loss.
- •Broadcast analysts suggested retirement for Ruiz after his return from a long layoff.
- 5:03 AMYahoo Sports — Highlights! Ruiz Saved By The Bell In Upset Loss
- 4:36 AMYahoo Sports — Former Heavyweight Champion Dropped, Loses And Urged To Retire
"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 […]
"Damian Knyba upset Andy Ruiz Jr. on Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark. Full results from the card, highlights and post-fight reaction
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 5:03 AMHighlights! Ruiz Saved By The Bell In Upset Loss
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 […]
- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 4:36 AMFormer Heavyweight Champion Dropped, Loses And Urged To Retire
Damian Knyba upset Andy Ruiz Jr. on Friday at the Prudential Center in Newark. Full results from the card, highlights and post-fight reaction
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