Hearn backs Ruiz to beat heavyweight champions after comeback

Eddie Hearn believes Andy Ruiz Jr can return to the top of the heavyweight division after signing a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, but says the former unified champion must prove it first against Damian Knyba on September 4 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Ruiz, who has not fought since his disputed majority draw with Jarrell Miller in August 2024, is being positioned for another run at major heavyweight fights if he comes through Knyba. Hearn has made a bold assessment of where the 36-year-old sits against the current titleholders, naming WBA champion Murat Gassiev, WBO champion Daniel Dubois and WBC champion Agit Kabayel as fighters he believes Ruiz can beat.

“I think he’s gonna be a massive threat to the division. He’s got a massive fanbase, he’s a huge name, he’s a very, very good fighter.” Hearn told iFL TV. “When I look at the heavyweight division right now, you look at the champions [Murat] Gassiev, WBA, beats him. I believe he beats Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley… I believe he can beat Agit Kabayel.”

“He hasn’t boxed for two years, and he’ll have his comeback fight in early September, but I believe he beats those guys.”

Ruiz’s first assignment under Matchroom comes with a clear measuring stick. Knyba was stopped in three rounds by Kabayel in January, before Kabayel was elevated from interim to full WBC champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his titles. Dubois, meanwhile, became a two-time world champion when he climbed off the canvas twice and stopped Fabio Wardley in the 11th round on May 9 in Manchester. Those two are expected to rematch later in the year.

Ruiz’s return route

Hearn’s confidence is rooted in Ruiz’s style and experience, but he acknowledged that the argument depends on what Ruiz shows in Newark. “At the moment, it’s talk, isn’t it? So he’s got to prove himself in September that he’s he’s still a great fighter. And that’s why I truly believe a lot of those names that I mentioned. He has the style. He’s got a great chin. He’s got fast hands, he can whack. These these are the attributes at world level and he’s got good IQ. He’s a serious fighter.”

The promoter has also welcomed Ruiz’s decision to reunite with Manny Robles, who trained him for the Madison Square Garden upset of Anthony Joshua after Ruiz stepped in as a late replacement for Jarrell Miller. That win remains the defining result of Ruiz’s career, but he has fought only four times since, losing the immediate rematch with Joshua and then struggling to maintain momentum.

“He seems in a great place in life. He’s back with Manny Robles, which I think is a great move. obviously he beat AJ with Manny Robles. Um, but no one can deny the guy’s very talented. But he struggled with a bit of injury, obviously some personal issues, and a lack of ambition not ambition, just a lack of consistency. Because of what was going on outside of the ring. And I think now that’s all out the way and I think he’s training really hard, he looks fantastic. But the proof will be in the pudding in September, where we’re at, because he’ll be in a real fight, and if he’s not got it anymore, he’ll get beat.

Queenberry route into America

Hearn did not go so far as to say Ruiz would beat Moses Itauma, though he made it clear he views it as a major fight. “Moses Itauma, I think it’s a brilliant fight against Andy Ruiz and I rate Moses Itauma very highly.”

With Dubois and Itauma both promoted by Queensberry, Hearn said he has already raised Ruiz as an opponent who could help either fighter gain ground in the United States. “I’ve already spoken to George (Warren) and those kind of people. If you want to crack America, right? Andy Ruiz is a great guy to fight. So, Moses Itauma, Daniel Dubois, let’s do a big fight in Vegas.”

For now, those discussions depend on Ruiz handling Knyba after a lengthy lay-off. A convincing win in Newark would give Matchroom scope to pursue a title fight or a major cross-promotional heavyweight event, while any signs of decline would reshape the plan before those negotiations can even begin.