Andy Ruiz Jr was crushed in his comeback bout in a shock victory for his opponent Damian Knyba.
Former heavyweight world champion Ruiz Jr, well-known for stripping British boxer Anthony Joshua of his titles seven years in the past, took on Poland’s Knyba in New Jersey in a single day on Friday.
The Mexican fell to a unanimous determination defeat in his first struggle in two years, with the judges on the Prudential Middle scoring the struggle 117-110, 114-113 and 114-113.
Ruiz Jr hit the canvas within the seventh together with his legs giving means and needed to be saved by the bell, and regardless of late makes an attempt to knock down Knyba, couldn’t claw the struggle again due to the Pole’s disciplined strategy.
The 36-year-old sported a black eye after the bout however Ruiz Jr – who has struggled with harm points since his rematch defeat to Joshua in 2019 – isn’t letting the bruising defeat cease his comeback plan.
Ruiz Jr, who lately signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, stated: “It was only a lengthy lay-off, and it was a terrific opponent.
“I did not need to take a straightforward struggle, in order that’s why I took Damian. He is an enormous man. However we have got to take dangers. I’ve nonetheless acquired it in me, man.
“I’ve simply acquired to remain lively and I need to struggle once more.”
Whereas Ruiz Jr continues to rebuild his profession, Knyba will hope to convey himself into the world title combine, calling out German boxer and present WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel after his victory.
“I actually need a rematch with Kabayel,” he stated.
Knyba was knocked out by Kabayel in Germany earlier this 12 months.
