Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr has joined forces with Matchroom Boxing in his latest effort to reignite his start-and-stop career.
“I’m so happy and thankful for signing with Matchroom and taking other step forward to continue my mission and to become a two-time champion of the world for Mexico,” said Ruiz Jr. “I believe everything happens for a season and I’m so grateful God is giving me a second opportunity to do everything right. Sometime God breaks you to make you a better person
and a better fighter.
“I made history with Matchroom and the DAZN and best believe we are going to do it again in God almighty’s name, amen baby, let’s go!
“Thank you to all my coaches for still believing in me, we are going to make a big statement in the Heavyweight division.”
Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 KO) has fought just three times since falling to Anthony Joshua in their 2019 rematch, going unbeaten but struggling to recapture his earlier form. He hit the deck early against a faded Chris Arreola, settled for a tight decision over Luis Ortiz despite three knockdowns, then fought Jarrell Miller to a majority draw two years ago. Though he’s back with Manny Robles for this one, he’s also 36 and notoriously volatile, so there’s no telling whether he’ll be a factor in the post-Usyk heavyweight world.
Per Mike Coppinger, his return to action could pit him against Damian Knyba (17-1, 11 KO) on Matchroom’s September 4th Vito Mielnicki Jr vs “Ammo” Williams show in Newark. Knyba was last seen suffering a questionable third-round stoppage loss to Agit Kabayel in January. A reasonable-enough challenge considering the rust.
