Andy Ruiz Jr was beaten in his comeback bout in a shock victory for his opponent Damian Knyba.
Former heavyweight world champion Ruiz Jr, famous for stripping British boxer Anthony Joshua of his titles seven years ago, took on Poland’s Knyba in New Jersey overnight on Friday.
The Mexican fell to a unanimous decision defeat in his first fight in two years, with the judges at the Prudential Center scoring the fight 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113.
Ruiz Jr hit the canvas in the seventh with his legs giving way and had to be saved by the bell, and despite late attempts to knock down Knyba, couldn’t claw the fight back thanks to the Pole’s disciplined approach.
The 36-year-old sported a black eye after the bout but Ruiz Jr – who has struggled with injury issues since his rematch defeat to Joshua in 2019 – isn’t letting the bruising defeat stop his comeback plan.
Ruiz Jr, who recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, said: “It was just a long lay-off, and it was a great opponent.
“I didn’t want to take an easy fight, so that’s why I took Damian. He’s a big guy. But we’ve got to take risks. I’ve still got it in me, man.
“I’ve just got to stay active and I want to fight again.”
While Ruiz Jr continues to rebuild his career, Knyba will hope to bring himself into the world title mix, calling out German boxer and current WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel after his victory.
“I really want a rematch with Kabayel,” he said.
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