Andy Ruiz Jr. Seeks Resurgence on September's 'The Fight' Card

Andy Ruiz Jr.’s latest attempt to reconnect with the magic of seven summers ago will headline the third edition of the TNT-DAZN series, “The Fight” September 4 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, it was announced Tuesday.

Southern California’s Ruiz, 35-2-1 (22 KOs), will meet Damian Knyba, 17-1 (11 KOs), as the former heavyweight champion seeks a path back to the prominence he briefly enjoyed after upsetting Anthony Joshua in 2019 as a replacement opponent for Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden. That June stunner was followed by something of a reality check six months later when an out-of-shape Ruiz was dominated over 12 rounds in the immediate rematch.

This event will feature an interview with WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero, who sits down with Lance Pugmire to discuss his upcoming title defense against Teofimo Lopez on August 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Romero explains why he wanted to unify immediately, reflects on his lengthy layoff, shares his thoughts on Teofimo Lopez, discusses his faith heading into the biggest fight of his career, and explains why he believes his legacy will be appreciated long after he's gone. Timestamps are provided for the interview, covering topics such as why Teofimo Lopez is the perfect first title defense, reflecting on his long layoff and stating "These guys are scared," how he views the Teofimo Lopez matchup, staying ready during the wait for his return, whether his knockout power will decide the fight, and on finally receiving recognition and leaving a lasting legacy.

Additionally, Jesus Ramos discusses his expected September return and why a showdown with WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora is the fight he wants next. Ramos also explains how he stays sharp despite long periods of inactivity, why he'd love to make his return in his home state of Arizona, and reveals the classic fighter he and his father have been studying in the gym while waiting for his next opportunity. Timestamps are also provided for Ramos's discussion, detailing his September return and title defense, why he wants a homecoming fight in Arizona, dealing with inactivity and the business side of boxing, studying Shane Mosley to improve his game, calling for Sebastian Fundora, why Fundora is the fight he wants next, and why the fight hasn't happened yet.

Furthermore, WBC super featherweight champion O'Shaquie Foster discusses why he believes he's being overlooked in the pound-for-pound rankings, calls for a fight with Shakur Stevenson, addresses Ryan Garner, and opens up on life outside boxing, fame, money, and his long-term plans after retirement. There is also mention of the ProboxTV: Lester Martinez vs Luka Plantic Kick-Off Press Conference.

Poland’s unranked Knyba, 17-1 (11 KOs), is coming off a third-round TKO loss in January to newly elevated WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel. Knyba stands 6 feet 7 inches tall.

Now 36, Ruiz, 35-2-1 (22 KOs), recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and has been out of the ring since a lackluster showing during a 12-round draw with Jarrell Miller in August 2024.

Ruiz fought had a pair of lengthy absences before that, compiling victories by decision over veteran title challengers Chris Arreola in May 2021 and Luis Ortiz in September 2022 following the loss in Saudi Arabia to Anthony Joshua.

Ruiz, in a prepared statement, said a strong showing could position him for a shot at Kabayel and the other heavyweights who succeed Oleksandr Usyk as beltholders.

“We’re going to become a two-time champion next year. Let’s get it,” Ruiz said.

TNT’s “The Fight” debuted July 4 with WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason overcoming a stiff test from Albert Bell, stopping Bell in the 12th round. The series continues August 1 in Las Vegas with a pair of lightweight title fights: Lamont Roach Jr. versus William Zepeda for the vacant WBC belt and Raymond Muratalla defending his IBF title against former 130-pound champion Robson Conceicao.

On the Ruiz card, ranked middleweights Vito Mielnicki Jr., 23-1 (13 KOs), and Austin “Ammo” Williams, 20-2 (12 KOs), will fight. New Jersey’s Mielnicki made his pro debut in 2019.

Newark’s Zaquin Moses, 7-0 (3 KOs), Shakur Stevenson’s cousin, will also fight on the card.

Lance Pugmire has been a full-time boxing writer for nearly 20 years, serving now as BoxingScene’s U.S. Senior Writer and assistant producer for ProBoxTV’s “BoxingScene Today.” Pugmire capped a near 20-year career at the Los Angeles Times, where he covered sports investigations, the NHL/MLB beat, law enforcement/courts, and boxing/UFC, to join The Athletic, and then USA Today. Pugmire’s stint at The Times started with the first Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez fight and the Oscar De La Hoya-Floyd Mayweather Jr. then-record pay-per-view, leading through a slew of ringside assignments at major bouts, including Mayweather-Pacquiao, Mayweather-Canelo, and the Canelo-Golovkin trilogy.

Lance’s appreciation for boxing is rooted in his admiration and appreciation for the fighters, gladiators who have proven to be the most forthcoming and candid of all the athletes he has interviewed over a career dating to 1990. Lance was honored to be named the 2022 winner of the Boxing Writers Association of America Nat Fleischer Award for career excellence and he’s collected many BWAA writing awards in categories ranging from breaking news to deep-dive long features.

WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero sits down with Lance Pugmire to discuss his upcoming title defense against Teofimo Lopez on August 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Romero explains why he wanted to unify immediately, reflects on his lengthy layoff, shares his thoughts on Teofimo Lopez, discusses his faith heading into the biggest fight of his career, and explains why he believes his legacy will be appreciated long after he's gone. Timestamps are provided for the interview, covering topics such as why Teofimo Lopez is the perfect first title defense, reflecting on his long layoff and stating "These guys are scared," how he views the Teofimo Lopez matchup, staying ready during the wait for his return, whether his knockout power will decide the fight, and on finally receiving recognition and leaving a lasting legacy.

Jesus Ramos discusses his expected September return and why a showdown with WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora is the fight he wants next. Ramos also explains how he stays sharp despite long periods of inactivity, why he'd love to make his return in his home state of Arizona, and reveals the classic fighter he and his father have been studying in the gym while waiting for his next opportunity. Timestamps are also provided for Ramos's discussion, detailing his September return and title defense, why he wants a homecoming fight in Arizona, dealing with inactivity and the business side of boxing, studying Shane Mosley to improve his game, calling for Sebastian Fundora, why Fundora is the fight he wants next, and why the fight hasn't happened yet.

Furthermore, WBC super featherweight champion O'Shaquie Foster discusses why he believes he's being overlooked in the pound-for-pound rankings, calls for a fight with Shakur Stevenson, addresses Ryan Garner, and opens up on life outside boxing, fame, money, and his long-term plans after retirement. There is also mention of the ProboxTV: Lester Martinez vs Luka Plantic Kick-Off Press Conference.

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