Andy Ruiz Jr To Face Damian Knyba On September 4 In Newark

Andy Ruiz Jr will return from a two-year lay-off against Damian Knyba on September 4 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The heavyweight bout will headline the third edition of TNT Sports and DAZN’s monthly series, “The Fight”, and marks Ruiz’s first contest since signing with Matchroom.

Ruiz, 35-2-1 (22 KOs), has not boxed since his 12-round majority draw with Jarrell Miller in Los Angeles in August 2024. The 36-year-old former unified heavyweight champion has been inactive for long spells since his upset win over Anthony Joshua in New York in June 2019, with decision victories over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz preceding the Miller draw.

The New Jersey date gives Ruiz a fresh platform under Eddie Hearn after Matchroom announced his promotional deal last week. Ruiz is still aiming to return to title contention and said, “I’m going to be fighting in Newark, New Jersey on September 4 baby. After we get this victory, I would love to fight all the guys that have the belts the Oleksandr Usyk vacated and we’re going to become a two-time champion next year, let’s get it.”

Knyba, 17-1 (11 KOs), is also looking to rebuild after suffering his first professional defeat in January, when he was stopped in the third round by Agit Kabayel in Germany. The 6ft 7ins Polish heavyweight has fought at the Prudential Center three times before and returns there seeking the biggest win of his career.

“I can’t wait to be back at the Prudential Center, my second home,” said Knyba. “I’m excited to be back in the ring in front of the New Jersey and New York fans, and they will fill the seats with white and red.”

Middleweight co-feature set

The chief support will feature Vito Mielnicki Jr against Austin “Ammo” Williams in a middleweight contest with immediate divisional relevance. Mielnicki, 23-1 (13 KOs), recently signed with Matchroom and Boxlab Promotions and will fight close to home, having made his professional debut at the Prudential Center in June 2019.

Williams, 20-2 (12 KOs), returns after going the distance with WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames in Orlando in March. The bout gives Mielnicki a step up in his first fight under the Matchroom banner, while Williams has an opportunity to move back towards another title-level assignment.

“Every fight is another chapter in my story, and on September 4, I’m ready to write my biggest one yet,” said Mielnicki. “I respect Ammo Williams because he has proven himself against top competition, but this is my time. I’ve dedicated my life to becoming a World champion, and every sacrifice I’ve made has prepared me for moments like this.”

Williams has moved his camp to Dallas to work with Derrick James and said, “The ‘Ammo Show’ is coming to you live on TNT Sports and DAZN! I am brimming with excitement to have this platform and opportunity to display my talents globally once again. After my previous World Championship bout with Adames, I learned valuable lessons about what it takes to dominate at the highest level.”

Newark’s Zaquin Moses, 7-0 (3 KOs), has also been added to the card. The 21-year-old will fight at home for the first time as a professional and is scheduled for his first eight-round bout after recording two six-round wins in 2026.

Hearn said Ruiz’s return is a significant fight for Matchroom’s heavyweight plans, but acknowledged the pressure attached to the main event. “It’s great to have Andy as part of the Matchroom team, and everyone knows that at his best, he can be a devastating performer. Andy is driven to getting back into the World title mix, so September 4 is a must-win night for him against the giant Pole Knyba.”

The show will be broadcast in the United States on TNT, truTV and DAZN, with DAZN carrying it worldwide. Tickets are due to go on presale on July 16 before general sale on July 17, while further undercard additions are expected before Ruiz and Knyba meet in Newark.