Andy Ruiz Jr will make his long-awaited return against Damian Knyba in Newark on September 4.
Ruiz Jr will end a two-year hiatus when he faces Knyba at the Prudential Center, live on DAZN and TNT Sports.
The former unified heavyweight world champion has not fought since a majority draw with Jarrell Miller in August 2024.
The ‘Destroyer’ inked a deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing earlier this month and says he’s looking to become a two-time world champion.
“I’m going to be fighting in Newark, New Jersey on September 4 baby,” the 36-year-old said.
“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.”
Knyba will look to get back to winning ways having suffered a third round defeat to Agit Kabayel in a bid for the WBC Interim heavyweight title in January.
The Pole fights for the fourth time in Newark and believes he will have the bulk of the support.
“I can’t wait to be back at the Prudential Center, my second home,” the 30-year-old said.
“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.”
On the undercard, former middleweight world title challenger, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams clashes with New Jersey native, Vito Mielnicki Jr and rising super featherweight prospect, Zaquin Moses fights in his hometown for the first time against an opponent to be confirmed.
“This is going to be a great night in New Jersey,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.
“It’s great to have Andy as part of the Matchroom team, and everyone knows that at his best, he can be a devastating performer.
“Andy is driven to getting back into the World title mix, so September 4 is a must-win night for him against the giant Pole Knyba.
“Mielnicki Jr. vs. Williams is a cracking fight in the middleweight division, with Vito stepping up in his first bout with Matchroom to take on the always-dangerous Ammo who has the World title experience to build on – the winner of this one is going to arrow in on a massive fight at 160lbs later this year.
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“I’m excited to see Zaquin fight at home for the first time in his young career, it’s really important that rising stars like Zaquin get the opportunity to shine in front of their own fans at home.
“There’s going to be plenty more top-class action to be added to the card on a night of first for so many, not least for us at Matchroom as we head to the fantastic Prudential Center side the first time with our first promotion as part of the exciting new series “The Fight” with TNT and DAZN – I cannot wait to get to The Garden State for this huge night on September 4.”
Ruiz and Knyba will come face-to-face for the first time at a press conference in Los Angeles on Friday.
