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Andy Ruiz news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Andy Ruiz Jr. returns Friday against Damian Knyba after 25-month layoff.
A win could revive his heavyweight title hopes, but inactivity has defined his career.
Background
Andy Ruiz Jr., the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, shocked the boxing world in 2019 by knocking out Anthony Joshua. However, after losing the rematch, he has fought infrequently, with long layoffs between bouts. Now 36, he has signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom and returns to face Damian Knyba, hoping to prove he can still compete at the highest level.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2019Ruiz upset Anthony Joshua to win the unified heavyweight titles.
- Dec 2019Ruiz lost the rematch to Joshua by unanimous decision.
- Sep 2022Ruiz defeated Luis Ortiz by unanimous decision after a 16-month layoff.
- Aug 2024Ruiz fought Jarrell Miller to a majority draw.
- Jul 2026Ruiz signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom.
- Sep 4, 2026Ruiz is scheduled to face Damian Knyba at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- Ruiz says he is disciplined and motivated, having dropped from 300 to 257 pounds, and believes a title shot is within reach.
- Caution
- Critics note his inactivity and lack of impressive wins since 2019, questioning if he can still compete at championship level.
Still unverified
Ruiz claims he trained himself for previous fights, but this is his own account and not independently verified.