Ruiz Jr vs Knyba preview: Andy Ruiz Jr returns to the ring on Friday against Damian Knyba in Newark. Check out our Ruiz Jr vs Knyba prediction below.
Ruiz Jr and Knyba will headline at the Prudential Center. Fans can watch the action live on DAZN worldwide and on TNT Sports in the USA.
Ruiz Jr is looking to reclaim his place at the summit of the heavyweight division. But his career has stalled due to inactivity.
The ‘Destroyer’ stunned Anthony Joshua to claim the unified heavyweight championship in 2019. However, Joshua reclaimed the belts later that year in an immediate rematch.
Since then, Ruiz Jr, 36, has had just three fights. The American drew with Jarrell Miller in his last outing over two years ago.
Meanwhile, Knyba heads into the clash looking to get back to winning ways.
The Pole, who resides in New York, saw his unbeaten record snapped in a third round stoppage loss to now-WBC heavyweight champion, Agit Kabayel in January. Knyba, 30, was bidding to become WBC interim champion.
Ruiz Jr vs Knyba prediction: Knyba made a fast start against Kabayel, before ultimately getting stopped. I can see a similar thing occurring here, with Ruiz Jr overcoming a tricky few rounds, before taking out his rival in the mid-to-late rounds.
Mielnicki Jr meets Williams
In the co-main event of this Ruiz Jr vs Knyba bill, Vito Mielnicki Jr meets former world title challenger, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams. Their bout is set for 10 rounds at middleweight.
Mielnicki puts his WBO Global title on the line and the winner will look to close in on a shot at world champion, Denzel Bentley.
Meanwhile, Williams looks to bounce back from his March defeat to WBC titlist, Carlos Adames.
Prediction: Williams’ experience at the top level should see him secure a victory by decision.
Ruiz Jr vs Knyba Preview Remaining Undercard
Elsewhere on the card, rising lightweight, Alan Chaves is likely to score a knockout win over Eridson Garcia, while Dennis Thompson can overcome Jose Casillas by decision.
Zaquin Moses can extend his undefeated record with a points win over Angel Antonio Contreras. The pair clash over eight rounds at super featherweight.
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New Jersey middleweight, Kahshad Elliott should halt Jean Pierre Valencia before the end of their six round contest.
Rounding off the Ruiz Jr vs Knyba preview, Brooke Mullen may need the full six rounds to see off Bria Miller, while debutant Jordan Simpson can do the same against Michael McDonald. The two clash over four rounds at middleweight.
