Former champion Andy Ruiz Jr falls short in comeback bout

Former heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr lost his comeback fight on a unanimous points decision to Poland's Damian Knyba at the Prudential Center in Newark.

The 36-year-old stunned the boxing world seven years ago when he beat Britain's Anthony Joshua to claim his world titles. Since losing the rematch to Joshua in December 2019, Ruiz Jr's career has been hampered by injuries, with the Knyba fight marking only his fourth bout in that time.

Knocked down but not out

Ruiz Jr looked well below his best form throughout the contest. He was knocked down in the seventh round but managed to beat the count and survive to the final bell. Judges ultimately scored the fight in Knyba's favour, 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113, extending the Pole's professional record to 18 wins against a single defeat.

Despite the loss, Ruiz Jr, who recently signed with British promoter Eddie Hearn, immediately called for a rematch. He suggested Knyba had held him too tightly throughout the fight, preventing him from unleashing his combinations, while acknowledging his opponent had executed a smart game plan.

Ruiz Jr also pointed to ring rust as a factor, noting his previous outing had been a draw with American Jarrell Miller back in August 2024. He explained that he deliberately chose a tough opponent rather than an easy fight, saying risk-taking is part of boxing. He maintained he still has what it takes to compete at a high level, provided he stays active, and expressed his intention to fight again soon.