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 was his first appearance in more than two years. He entered the night hoping to restart his championship ambitions, but Knyba’s size, reach and disciplined game plan proved to be too much.
Knyba Controls the Fight
Knyba used his enormous physical advantages from the opening bell.
The 6-foot-7 Polish heavyweight repeatedly worked behind his jab, keeping Ruiz on the outside and preventing the former champion from getting comfortable in the pocket. Ruiz struggled to consistently close the distance and land the combinations that made him famous.
The longer the fight went, the more Knyba’s strategy began to pay off.
Ruiz had moments when he was able to pressure Knyba and land combinations, but the Polish fighter repeatedly reset behind his jab and used his movement to avoid extended exchanges.
Ruiz Gets Dropped in the Seventh
The biggest moment of the fight came in the seventh round.
Knyba landed a powerful combination that sent Ruiz to the canvas. The former champion managed to beat the count and survive the remainder of the round, but the knockdown gave Knyba an important advantage and highlighted the difficulty Ruiz was having with the taller heavyweight.
Ruiz attempted to rally in the later rounds, but Knyba regained control with his jab and continued frustrating him.
What’s Next for Ruiz?
The loss is a major setback for Ruiz, who entered the fight hoping to make another run at a heavyweight championship.
At 36 years old and coming off such a long layoff, questions about Ruiz’s future will only grow louder following the defeat. The former champion, however, made it clear afterward that he does not believe his career is over.
Ruiz said he still believes he has what it takes and wants to fight again.
For Knyba, meanwhile, the victory could completely change his career trajectory. The Polish heavyweight improved to 18-1 with 11 knockouts and immediately called for another opportunity against Agit Kabayel.
Knyba came into Newark looking to pull off the biggest win of his career. He left with a victory over a former heavyweight champion and a major opportunity to enter the title picture.
