Overview
- Knyba defeated Andy Ruiz Jr. by unanimous decision after a seventh‑round knockdown in the main event at the Prudential Center on Friday, with judges scoring the bout 117‑110, 114‑113 and 114‑113.
- Knyba controlled the fight with his 6‑ft‑7 frame and 86‑inch reach, using a stinging jab, movement and frequent clinches to keep Ruiz at distance and bank rounds.
- Ruiz returned after roughly a two‑year layoff at his lightest listed weight in years following a public training reset and a reunion with longtime trainer Manny Robles, but he showed ring rust and sustained significant trouble in the middle rounds.
- After the bout Ruiz said he wants a rematch and plans to keep fighting, while Knyba said he will pursue a rematch with Agit Kabayel or larger fights that could fast‑track his place in the division.
- The loss dents Ruiz’s immediate path back to heavyweight title contention and lifts Knyba’s profile on Matchroom/DAZN/TNT‑broadcast cards, creating the possibility of higher‑profile fights and ranking movement for both men.