Damian Knyba Outclasses Andy Ruiz Jr. in Major Upset, Prompting Retirement Calls

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 4: Andy Ruiz Jr. and Damian Knyba trade punches during their heavyweight bout at Prudential Center on September 4, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

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Earlier this week, I analyzed the matchup and suggested an upset was a distinct possibility. On Saturday night in New Jersey, that prediction materialized as Damian Knyba pulled off a stunning victory, dropping former unified champion Andy Ruiz Jr. and securing a unanimous decision.

At 6-foot-7, Knyba utilized his significant reach and a precise jab to control the distance and pepper Ruiz throughout the twelve rounds. Ruiz, lacking the foot speed, lateral movement, and output required to counter Knyba’s physical gifts and disciplined gameplan, struggled to mount a consistent offensive threat.

The breakthrough came in the seventh round when Knyba landed a devastating combination that put Ruiz down and nearly ended the bout.

Referee David Franciosi watched closely as Ruiz hit the canvas, appearing ready to wave off the contest. However, Ruiz managed to beat the count, and Franciosi allowed him an extended recovery period to gather himself before letting the action continue.

Ruiz displayed resilience, turning in spirited performances in the eighth and ninth rounds to apply pressure. However, Knyba quickly recalibrated, re-establishing control with his jab. The champion’s ability to regain his footing was crucial, as two of the three ringside judges scored the contest remarkably close at 114-113 in Knyba’s favor.

I scored the bout significantly wider in favor of Knyba.

Ruiz vs. Knyba Result

Knyba’s physical advantages were glaring: an 86-inch reach and youth at just 30 years old. In contrast, Ruiz stood at 6-foot-2, aged 36, and had competed only once in the previous four years. The physical mismatch was obvious, serving as the primary catalyst for why this bout generated such intrigue.

Knyba entered the ring following a third-round stoppage loss to Agit Kabayel in January, a bout in which he challenged for the interim WBC title. While that previous step-up did not yield the desired result, this crucial matchup served as a must-win scenario, which Knyba successfully navigated.

How They Got Here

This victory over a former unified champion represents the pinnacle of Knyba’s career to date, significantly repositioning him following his loss to Kabayel. Having now established a track record of fighting at the Prudential Center, Knyba has secured a solid United States base to build upon, particularly in cities with substantial Polish contingents.

Ruiz’s situation, on the other hand, is far more precarious. At 36 and turning 37 next week, having fought only once in four years and now suffering a loss in his debut under a new promotional banner, the narrative has shifted. The questions are no longer about his layoff, but rather whether he possesses the desire and physical capacity for another championship run.

The expert panel on DAZN, which included boxing legends Shawn Porter, Timothy Bradley, and Terence Crawford, largely agreed that Ruiz should consider calling it a career.

Here is a comprehensive look at the full card results from the evening.

Ruiz vs. Knyba Full Card Results

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