Andres Ponce Ruiz vs Damian Knyba Prediction 5 September 2026
👊 Newark is set to host a major night of professional boxing, headlined by the long-awaited return of former world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. The American fighter of Mexican descent steps back into the ring after nearly two years away, squaring off against Polish heavyweight giant Damian Knyba. All eyes are on Ruiz as fans and pundits alike wonder what kind of shape the ex-champion will bring to his comeback bout. Meanwhile, Knyba is eager to bounce back from his interim WBC title defeat and make a statement by taking down a high-profile opponent.
Andres Ponce Ruiz Team Overview
Andy Ruiz Jr., known as "The Destroyer," boasts a professional record of 35-2-1 and remains one of the most recognizable heavyweights of his generation. In 2019, he stunned the boxing world by defeating Anthony Joshua to claim the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles. The Mexican fighter later lost those belts in a rematch with the Brit, but bounced back with wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz. Ruiz last stepped into the ring in August 2024, battling Jarrell Miller to a draw. As he prepares for his return, the key question is whether Andy can shake off the ring rust and rediscover the hand speed that made him a force in the division.
Damian Knyba Team Overview
Damian Knyba is a 29-year-old Polish heavyweight boasting a 17-1 record. In 2025, he put together an impressive run, stopping Andrzej Wawrzyk, Marcin Siwy, and Joey Dawejko. Knyba excels when pressing the action, consistently applying pressure with his size and heavy hands. However, in his most recent outing, the Pole suffered a third-round TKO loss to Agit Kabayel. Now, Damian has the opportunity to quickly regain his confidence and prove that his setback in the title bout was nothing more than a temporary stumble.
Match Results: Damian Knyba
⭐ Editor's Pick
Ruiz brings far more championship-level experience to the table and has already been through the toughest tests this division has to offer. His hand speed and explosive bursts in close quarters could pose significant problems for the much bigger Knyba. The Polish fighter tends to come forward in a straight line, something Andy can exploit with his sharp combinations on the inside. If the American is back in solid physical shape, he should have the edge in both accuracy and danger during exchanges. That’s the scenario we’re backing here. Our pick: Ruiz to win.