What’s Next For Damian Knyba And Andy Ruiz?

On Saturday morning, we all know the name Damian Knyba.

Knyba (18-1, 11 KOs), coming off a loss to perhaps the best heavyweight in the world, Agit Kabayel, won a 12-round unanimous decision over Andy Ruiz Jr., a beloved former champion, in Newark, New Jersey.

Knyba dropped Ruiz in the fight, and despite a limited (and amateurish) game plan centered on his 6-foot, seven-inch frame, it was enough to outpoint Ruiz. The loss signaled another former star from a bygone era, the one after Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao left the top of the sport. Ruiz, the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, is approaching 37 and recently signed with Matchroom Boxing. Knyba is 29, in his prime, and eager for this moment. What we saw were two fighters at different points in their careers. Ruiz now begins to shift toward taking on fellow legends of his era, while Knyba gets the chance to test himself.

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So who should both fight?

For Knyba, the answer is simple: Filip Hrgovic.

Hrgovic spent most of his fight against Moses Itauma on the defensive. What was impressive about Hrgovic’s performance was his toughness; talent was secondary. Knyba beat Ruiz on willingness and by using a size that troubled this version of Ruiz. In short, despite big wins and Hrgovic holding a title, both have huge questions about how relevant they are in the division.

If Hrgovic were to do a hometown defense before facing his mandatory challenger, Frank Sanchez, a bout in Croatia against Knyba would be intriguing.

Another option: Murat Gassiev, another vulnerable belt holder, who somehow picked up a belt by beating a series of fringe contenders in the twilight of their careers. Gassiev’s one-time step up to heavyweight, after being one of the consensus best cruiserweights, saw him lose to Otto Wallin. That was 2023. One could argue Gassiev has diminished a tad since that fight.

Knyba would be an interesting champion, and everyone who doesn’t hold a belt will likely angle to fight Gassiev.

As for Ruiz, the answer is also obvious. He was rumored to face Deontay Wilder multiple times. The fight was discussed in 2019 after Ruiz upset Joshua and again when Ruiz defeated Luis Ortiz on PPV. It never happened, but now it could.

It feels like we are gaining new fans, while some from the previous era are leaving or losing interest. It happens. This could be a moment when people remember a previous time in their lives. Ruiz currently doesn’t look like a future champion, at least not a viable long-term player, and his inactivity makes the prospects of when he might return frightening.

Ruiz vs Wilder is a good old-guy fight.

If he doesn’t target Wilder, a Joshua trilogy or even a novelty bout with Tyson Fury could be interesting, but facing the young guns and contenders seems to lead to inevitable, sad outcomes. He might win one or two of those bouts, but a sustained run seems unlikely.

Lucas Ketelle

Lucas Ketelle is a boxing writer and podcaster who has appeared on various platforms throughout his career.

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