Andy Ruiz Jr Rejects Retirement Calls After Damian Knyba Upset

Posted : 05 September 2026

Andy Ruiz Jr has rejected calls to retire after suffering a damaging unanimous decision defeat to Damian Knyba in his heavyweight comeback fight at the Prudential Center in Newark. The former unified world champion returned after more than two years away but struggled against the Polish contender's size, movement and jab.

Knyba controlled much of the fight from range and repeatedly used his 6-foot-7 frame and 86-inch reach to keep Ruiz away. The 30-year-old Polish heavyweight eventually dropped Ruiz in the seventh round after landing a powerful combination.

Ruiz survived the knockdown and remained in the contest until the final bell. The judges scored the fight 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113 in Knyba's favor, although the two narrow scorecards drew heavy criticism because the fight appeared considerably more one-sided to many observers.

The defeat leaves Ruiz with a professional record of 35-3-1. It also represents a major setback for the 36-year-old's attempt to return to the heavyweight title picture after a long period of inactivity.

Ruiz admitted that Knyba's tactics made it difficult for him to work effectively. He said the Polish fighter held tightly whenever they got close, preventing him from letting his hands go freely.

Despite the loss, Ruiz immediately made it clear that retirement was not his plan. He called for a rematch and insisted that he still has enough ability to continue his career.

Knyba, meanwhile, secured the biggest victory of his professional career. The win improves his record to 18-1 and gives him fresh momentum after his third-round stoppage defeat to Agit Kabayel in January.

The Polish heavyweight now wants another opportunity against Kabayel. He also mentioned WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev as another potential opponent if a rematch with Kabayel cannot be arranged.

Knyba's victory was built on discipline rather than an all-out attack. He established his jab early, forced Ruiz to reach for punches and used his movement to maintain distance throughout the opening rounds.

Ruiz produced some moments of success and briefly pressured Knyba in the middle rounds. However, the seventh-round knockdown shifted the fight firmly toward Knyba, who survived Ruiz's late attempts to change the outcome.

The result leaves Ruiz facing serious questions about his future. His historic 2019 victory over Anthony Joshua remains the defining achievement of his career, but the loss to Knyba shows how difficult another heavyweight title run could be after such a lengthy absence.

Andy Ruiz Jr Rejects Retirement Calls After Damian Knyba Upset

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