Imperial’s Andy Ruiz Jr., Former Heavyweight Champion of the World, Returns to the Ring Sept. 4
IMPERIAL, Calif. - Andy Ruiz Jr., the Imperial-born former heavyweight champion of the world, is set to return to the boxing ring next week for his first professional fight in more than two years.
Ruiz will face Poland’s Damian Knyba on Friday, Sept. 4, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The heavyweight bout is scheduled for 12 rounds and will serve as the main event of the card.
The fight will be broadcast nationally on TNT and truTV and streamed worldwide on DAZN.
Ruiz enters the fight with a professional record of 35-2-1, including 22 victories by knockout. Knyba, 30, has a 17-1 record with 11 knockouts.
The bout marks an important opportunity for Ruiz as he attempts to return to the heavyweight title picture following a lengthy layoff.
From Imperial to Heavyweight Champion
Ruiz was born and raised in Imperial and began boxing at just 6 years old. He was taught by his father and had his first amateur bout at 7.
He grew up between Imperial and Mexicali, developing a strong following throughout the Imperial Valley and across the border.
Ruiz became a household name in boxing on June 1, 2019, when he defeated undefeated unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Ruiz stopped Joshua in the seventh round to capture the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles, becoming the first fighter of Mexican descent to win a world heavyweight championship.
The victory made Ruiz a world champion and put the small Imperial Valley community he called home in the international spotlight.
Just weeks later, the City of Imperial held a hometown parade in Ruiz’s honor, drawing thousands of people from throughout the Imperial Valley and surrounding communities.
More than seven years after his historic victory over Joshua, Ruiz is now looking to begin another run toward the top of the heavyweight division.
A Difficult Comeback Fight
Ruiz’s opponent, Damian Knyba, presents a significant challenge.
The 30-year-old Polish heavyweight stands approximately 6 feet 7 inches tall and has an 86-inch reach. Ruiz is listed at 6 feet 2 inches with a 74-inch reach.
Knyba enters the fight with a 17-1 record and 11 knockouts. His only professional loss came earlier this year against Agit Kabayel.
For Ruiz, Friday’s fight is about more than simply ending a two-year layoff. A victory could help the former world champion begin moving back toward the heavyweight title picture.
Ruiz has reunited with trainer Manny Robles for his comeback. Robles previously worked with Ruiz during his historic victory over Joshua.
Now, the former heavyweight champion of the world from Imperial is preparing to step back into the ring.
For fans across the Imperial Valley, Ruiz’s return will be another opportunity to watch one of the region’s most accomplished athletes compete on the national stage.
Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Damian Knyba
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 2026
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Rounds: 12
Ruiz: 35-2-1, 22 KOs
Knyba: 17-1, 11 KOs
Broadcast: TNT, truTV and DAZN