A Major Upset in Newark
In a pivotal heavyweight encounter at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Polish heavyweight Damian Knyba secured a unanimous decision victory over former unified world champion Andy Ruiz Jr. on Friday night. The judges scored the 12-round bout 117-110, 114-113, and 114-113 in favor of Knyba, handing Ruiz a significant loss in his return to the ring after a two-year hiatus.
For Ruiz (35-3-1, 22 KOs), the fight was intended to be a resurgence. Having not competed since his August 2024 draw against Jarrell Miller, the 36-year-old Californian sought to re-establish his standing among the heavyweight elite. Conversely, Knyba (18-1, 11 KOs) entered the ring aiming to rebound from a January loss to Agit Kabayel. The victory represents the most significant win of Knyba’s professional career, effectively shifting the momentum in the heavyweight division.
This report draws on information published by depor.com and boxingnews24.com.
The Tactical Landscape
The matchup pitted Ruiz’s experience and hand speed against the physical dimensions of the 6-foot-7 Knyba. Throughout the 12 rounds, the tactical struggle centered on range. Knyba successfully utilized his significant reach advantage to keep Ruiz at bay, working consistently behind his jab. While Ruiz attempted to close the distance and bring his trademark power into play, he struggled to sustain the pressure required to overcome the Polish fighter’s disciplined distance management.
Reports from BoxingNews24 and Boxing247 noted that while the 117-110 scorecard was decisive, the two 114-113 cards reflected a tighter contest than the wider spread suggested. Despite the narrow margins on two scorecards, Knyba’s ability to remain composed under Ruiz’s pressure proved to be the deciding factor in the judges’ final assessment.
Undercard Results and Context
The main event was supported by a robust undercard at the Prudential Center. In the co-feature, Vito Mielnicki Jr. (24-1, 13 KOs) successfully defended his WBO Global and WBC Continental Americas middleweight titles by defeating Austin “Ammo” Williams (20-3, 13 KOs) via unanimous decision. Despite being stiffened by a counter left in the eighth round, Mielnicki regained control to secure the victory with consistent scores of 98-91 across the board.
The lightweight division saw a major upset as Eridson Garcia (24-2, 14 KOs) dismantled the previously undefeated Alan “Veneno” Chaves (22-1, 19 KOs). Garcia dropped Chaves four times throughout the 10-round contest, winning the WBO Latino title with scores of 99-87, 99-88, and 98-88. Additionally, super featherweight prospect Zaquin Moses (8-0, 4 KOs) extended his undefeated streak, stopping Angel Antonio Contreras after the fifth round due to corner stoppage.
Looking Ahead
The loss for Ruiz raises questions regarding his future in a crowded heavyweight landscape. Having reunited with longtime trainer Manny Robles and signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, the veteran will now face a difficult period of evaluation. For Knyba, the win serves as a career-defining moment that positions him for higher-profile opportunities within the Matchroom Boxing stable.