Andy Ruiz vs Damian Knyba Set For September 4 in Newark, New Jersey, on TNT Sports

It’s been 23 months since the name Andy Ruiz was linked to a fight, and his return has now been made official. Ruiz will face Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs) on September 4, live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event will be broadcast by TNT Sports in the U.S. as part of The Fight series and on DAZN worldwide.

The 36-year-old Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) from Imperial, California, was struck by the injury bug after going 12 rounds with Jarrell Miller in August 2024, causing him to take an extended layoff. In recent months, Ruiz has been seeking to face Tyson Fury, and there have also been talks that he would be joining Zuffa Boxing. None of those came to fruition, but Ruiz recently signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, leading to the announcement of his next fight in September. Here is what Ruiz had to say about this fight announcement per a press release by Matchroom Boxing.

“I’m going to be fighting in Newark, New Jersey on September 4 baby,” said Ruiz Jr. “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.”

The 30-year-old Knyba from Bydgoszcz, Poland, who resides in New Jersey, is motivated to show out in front of his fans in Newark.

“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.”

It’ll be interesting to see what Ruiz has left and whether he can compete with the division’s bigger names. It all starts with this September fight, so if Ruiz looks great, there are endless possibilities for him in 2027.

Below is an excerpt from the press release, with the rest of the card’s information. Ruiz Jr’s clash with Knyba leads a stacked card in New Jersey, with the co-feature bout pitting another new Matchroom signing Vito Mielnicki Jr. against World Middleweight title challenger Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.

Mielnicki Jr. (23-1 13 KOs) penned a deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom and Boxlab Promotions recently, and immediately steps into the biggest fight of his career to date on home turf. The 24-year-old made his pro debut at the Prudential Center in June 2019 when he was still in High School, and the Roseland, NJ native is looking to make strides in the 160lbs division by claiming a big win in his Matchroom bow.

For Williams (20-2 12 KOs) this must-win bout behind enemy lines represents a massive chance to get right back into the World title mix following a spirited performance in his first World title battle in Orlando in March, taking WBC champion Carlos Adames the distance.

“Every fight is another chapter in my story, and on September 4, I’m ready to write my biggest one yet,” said Mielnicki Jr. “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.

“When that bell rings, fans are going to see a fighter who is hungry, confident, and ready to prove he belongs among the elite. I’m coming to make a statement and take another step towards a World title.”

“The ‘Ammo Show’ is coming to you live on TNT Sports and DAZN!” said Williams. “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.

“The hardest thing for me to do was separate from my family for the first time, all for the sake of seclusion and total focus. I have taken my talents to Dallas, TX to train with Derrick James, a current undisputed World Champion creator, and everyday I get to soak in new knowledge from a completely different perspective. This is the move and sacrifice that will unlock my superstardom and propel me to the level of undisputed World Champion.

“I feel refreshed, renewed, happy, and focused to leave the world wide-eyed, and gasping for air from the artistic mutilation of a human being live on global television. Don’t blink, this bout just might steal the show!”

Further early undercard announcements for the card see another hometown talent will look to shine in their backyard as Newark’s Zaquin Moses fights for the eighth time in the paid ranks. Moses (7-0 3 KOs) has already recorded a pair of six round wins in 2026, and the 21-year-old’s first fight at home will also be his first eight rounder.

“We ina bityyyyyy!” said Moses. “Make sure y’all come support watch me beat on someone NEWARK! We outside! #homecoming.”

Abraham Gonzalez

Abraham Gonzalez is a 2x award-winning writer, International Boxing Hall of Fame voter, founder and publisher of FightsATW. His journalistic work has been published and used across several platforms, including online, network TV, and promotional companies. He is an alumnus of an American Public University and a full member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). Abraham was the Managing Editor for NYFights, Big Fight Weekend, and contributed to The Ring Magazine, FanSidedMMA, and ProBoxTV.

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