Knyba claims victory by unanimous decision in Newark, marking a career-defining moment
Category: Sports
In a highly anticipated heavyweight bout, Damian Knyba defeated former unified world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. by unanimous decision on September 4, 2026, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The judges scored the fight 117-110, 114-113, and 114-113, marking a major upset for Knyba, who improved his record to 18-1 with 11 knockouts.
This fight marked Ruiz's return to the ring after more than two years away, having last fought in August 2024 against Jarrell Miller, where he recorded a majority draw. Ruiz, who entered the match with a record of 35-3-1 and 22 knockouts, aimed to reignite his career following a tumultuous period since his historic win over Anthony Joshua in 2019, which made him the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent.
The stakes were high for both fighters. Ruiz sought to prove he could still compete at the elite level, whereas Knyba aimed to establish himself as a serious contender after suffering his first professional loss earlier this year against Agit Kabayel for the interim WBC heavyweight title.
From the outset, Knyba utilized his height and reach advantage effectively, keeping Ruiz at bay with a long jab. The Polish heavyweight, standing at 6-foot-7 compared to Ruiz's 6-foot-2 frame, controlled much of the fight, landing clean punches and maintaining distance. In the seventh round, Knyba delivered a powerful right hook that floored Ruiz, marking a turning point in the match.
Ruiz attempted to rally in the eighth and ninth rounds, demonstrating his resilience, but Knyba quickly regained control. The fight showcased Knyba's ability to dictate the pace and utilize his physical attributes to frustrate Ruiz, who struggled to close the distance effectively after such a long layoff.
"Those two 114-113 cards for Knyba are disgraceful and without the knockdown Knyba scored, this would have been a majority draw or possibly even flipped to a Ruiz victory," one commentator noted, highlighting the controversial nature of the scoring. Ruiz's performance was criticized as he failed to win any rounds convincingly and seemed unable to adapt to Knyba's strategy.
The event was part of a larger boxing card, which included several notable fights. Vito Mielnicki Jr. defeated Austin "Ammo" Williams by unanimous decision with scores of 98-91 across all judges. Mielnicki controlled the fight, securing his WBO Global and WBC Continental Americas middleweight titles.
In another match, Eridson Garcia scored a massive upset against Alan Chaves, winning by unanimous decision and dropping Chaves four times during the fight. The judges scored the bout 99-87, 99-88, and 98-88. Zaquin Moses also emerged victorious, stopping Angel Antonio Contreras after the fifth round, with Contreras's corner opting to end the fight.
For Ruiz, the loss raises questions about his future in the sport as he approaches 37 years of age and has not impressed in a fight in over seven years. His comeback attempt, marked by a reunion with trainer Manny Robles and a physical transformation, did not yield the desired results.
Knyba, on the other hand, has solidified his position in the heavyweight division with this victory, potentially setting himself up for bigger fights in the future. His performance against a former champion demonstrates his readiness to compete at a higher level, and he now looks forward to capitalizing on this momentum.
The fight was part of "The Fight" series presented by Matchroom Boxing, TNT Sports, and DAZN, which featured a range of bouts that showcased both established and rising talents in boxing.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve, Knyba's victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of boxing, where one fight can dramatically alter a fighter's career path. Ruiz's future remains uncertain, but he has expressed a desire to return to the title picture, which will require a reevaluation of his approach and preparation moving forward.
Looking ahead, both fighters will need to reassess their strategies and training regimens. Ruiz will need to decide whether to continue pursuing a comeback or step back from the spotlight, whereas Knyba will likely seek to build on this victory and position himself for more high-profile bouts in the heavyweight ranks.
The heavyweight division remains as competitive as ever, and with fighters like Knyba establishing themselves, the coming months promise to be exciting for boxing fans.