Boxing
Keys to Victory: Where will Andy Ruiz Jr. and Damian Knyba land the major damage?
Ruiz vs. Knyba live on DAZN - TONIGHT
The last time Andy Ruiz Jr. fought in the tri-state area, Eddie Hearn looked on in horror as ‘The Destroyer’ shockingly stopped his charge Anthony Joshua in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
That was all the way back in June 2019 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Now, Hearn stands alongside Ruiz, promoting him. The former unified heavyweight world champion, fighting under Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, returns to the ring for the first time in over two years tonight when he clashes with 6-foot-7 Polish fighter Damian Knyba. It all takes place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and live on DAZN worldwide and TNT Sports in the United States.
"I'm back and I'm here to stay"
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Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KOs) hasn’t fought since battling Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller to a majority draw in August 2024. Back with longtime trainer Manny Robles, Ruiz, 36, hit the scale Thursday, registering a fit 254.3 pounds . He faces Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs) who fell short in his bid for the WBC interim heavyweight title in January via a third-round TKO loss at the hands of Agit Kabayel.
Will Ruiz make a splashy return to put the heavyweight division back on notice? Or will Knyba put himself back in line for world title opportunities? DAZN News unpacks the Keys to Victory for both heavyweights before tonight.
Andy Ruiz Jr.’s Keys to Victory
Get inside of Knyba’s reach
Damian Knyba owns a massive 12 inches of reach advantage over Andy Ruiz Jr., making it crucial for the former unified heavyweight world champion to manufacture inside movement. Ruiz can do this via his nimble footwork, which is underrated, and his vaunted quick hands. He would be aided by using subtle slips and rolls to press his way into the pocket in negating Knyba’s range.
Look to time Knyba for a counter
With 86 inches of reach, Knyba often telegraphs his right hand especially when tangled up within cramped quarters. That bodes extremely well for Ruiz who is quick on the draw with his hand speed. If he can time Knyba early, Ruiz can serve the him just the counterpunch to shock the Polish giant at the right time and make the big splash he’s looking for in his return to boxing. A slick, but powerful counter is Ruiz’ best bet to have his hand raised.
Stay composed
Ruiz might have to erode away at some ring rust as a result of not seeing action for over two years. That’s OK and to be expected, though ‘The Destroyer’ must stay composed as he works himself back.
Even if the former unified heavyweight world champion has to eat a jab or two to get inside to his spots, Ruiz must keep his cool, listen to his corner and react accordingly. He has the abilities, including the foot and hand speed, to defeat Knyba. Composure must be kept throughout this heavyweight tilt, especially to temper emotional highs.
Damian Knyba’s Keys to Victory
Keep Ruiz at the end of the jab
With one foot of reach advantage, Damian Knyba would be wise to keep Andy Ruiz Jr. at the end of his jab. Anthony Joshua precisely did this in his December 2019 rematch with ‘The Destroyer’ and it made him a two-time unified heavyweight world champ by the night’s end. Knyba must use this heavy edge to pepper and frustrate Ruiz, establishing a healthy distance with the ring’s real estate.
Target Ruiz for the uppercut
While Knyba’s jab gives him his best chance of keeping Ruiz on the outside, ‘The Destroyer’ has the skills and experience to get inside on the Polish giant. That’s OK as long as Knyba has the apt retort, which could very well be an uppercut toward an incoming Ruiz. The shot, like the jab, could demand respect from Ruiz or damage him in this comeback attempt.
Utilize the push-off
Knowing it behooves Ruiz to get inside and knot up the action, Knyba must be comfortable utilizing the push-off. Doing this effectively will thwart Ruiz’ inside pressure and his resorting to the clinch. More importantly, it will allow Knyba to get back to the jab in attempt to pluck away from the distance.
Who has the edge in Ruiz vs. Knyba?
Analysis: DAZN News’ Mark Lelinwalla
Damian Knyba has a disciplined jab that I see finding an early home against Andy Ruiz Jr. However, looking as fit as he has in years, back with Manny Robles in his corner and scrapping under a new multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing , Ruiz has the skills to get inside of the Polish fighter’s reach.
That is how he can muddy up this fight and spark static with his hand speed in the pocket. I expect him to do this well enough to have his hand raised via points, though he has a shot at the stoppage if he mashes the gas pedal at the right moment, especially with a stinging counterpunch.
The talent was never in question; Ruiz' restraint was. I think tonight can be the start of a final run during the twilight of his career.
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