Where does Ruiz go next after chastening Knyba defeat?

The former unified heavyweight world champion had signed a new multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and looked to be in his best shape in years, tipping the scale at just over 254 pounds.

However, whether it was more of ring rust as a result of a two-year hiatus or inability to surmount Damian Knyba’s massive reach advantage, Ruiz couldn’t resolve the Polish giant’s jab. Knyba successfully kept Ruiz behind the weapon, even lulling ‘The Destroyer’ into thinking he was going to use it in the seventh round, only to pounce with a devastating knockdown toward a unanimous decision.

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Hearn interviews Taylor ahead of Croke Park farewell

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It wasn’t the comeback Ruiz was targeting toward his ambition of eventually becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion. So, where does ‘The Destroyer’ go from here?

Frustrated, but giving Knyba kudos for a well-played gameplan, Ruiz first expressed a desire to run it back with the 6-foot-7 Polish heavyweight. He then doubled down on his goal to become a two-time heavyweight champ, saying activity is key.

“It was just a long layoff and it was a great opponent,” Ruiz told DAZN’s Chris Mannix on Friday night following the tough loss. “I didn’t want to take an easy fight. That’s why I took Damian. He’s a big guy, but we gotta take risks.

“Just because of this loss, I still got it in me,” Ruiz vowed. “I just need to stay active and I want to fight again.”

Prior to Friday night's loss, Ruiz hadn't fought since battling Jarrell 'Big Baby' Miller to a majority draw in August 2024.

Watch Taylor vs. Pili on DAZN

Katie Taylor looks to brings her glittering career to a glorious end at Croke Park against Flora Pili this Saturday, September 5.

Watch exclusively on DAZN with a subscription. For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.