Andy Ruiz to face Damian Knyba Sept. 4 at Prudential Center; Mielnicki-Williams set for co-feature
Former unified heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. will return from a two-year layoff to face Polish contender Damian Knyba on Friday, Sept. 4 at Prudential Center in Newark.
The co-feature will match Roseland native Vito Mielnicki Jr. against former middleweight title challenger Austin “Ammo” Williams. Newark prospect Zaquin Moses, a cousin of Shakur Stevenson, is also scheduled to appear on the undercard.
Ruiz, 36, will be making his first appearance since fighting Jarrell Miller to a majority draw in August 2024 in Los Angeles. The bout will also mark Ruiz’s first fight since signing a promotional agreement with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
Ruiz (35-2-1, 22 knockouts) became Mexico’s first heavyweight champion in June 2019, when he knocked down Anthony Joshua four times before stopping him in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden. Joshua regained the unified titles by unanimous decision in their rematch six months later in Saudi Arabia.
Ruiz has fought just four times since the first Joshua bout, earning decision wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz before drawing with Miller.
“I’m going to be fighting in Newark, New Jersey, on September 4 baby,” Ruiz said. “After we get this victory, I would love to fight all the guys that have the belts the Oleksandr Usyk vacated and we’re going to become a two-time champion next year, let’s get it.”
Knyba (17-1, 11 KOs), a 6-foot-7 heavyweight from Poland, will be fighting at Prudential Center for the fourth time. The 30-year-old is coming off his first professional defeat, a January stoppage loss to Agit Kabayel in Germany for the WBC interim heavyweight title.
Knyba, who trains in New Jersey, previously fought three times at Prudential Center, scoring victories over Michael Coffie, Richard Lartey and Curtis Harper.
“I can’t wait to be back at the Prudential Center, my second home,” Knyba said. “I’m excited to be back in the ring in front of the New Jersey and New York fans.”
Mielnicki takes step up against Williams
Mielnicki (23-1, 13 KOs) will take on the most experienced opponent of his career in Williams, who has twice challenged prominent middleweights at the world level.
The 24-year-old Mielnicki recently signed with Matchroom and Boxlab Promotions after previously competing under the Premier Boxing Champions and Top Rank banners.
Mielnicki made his professional debut at Prudential Center in June 2019 while still attending West Essex High School. He has since developed into one of New Jersey’s most prominent young professionals, winning 21 consecutive fights since his lone defeat to James Martin in 2021.
The Williams bout will be Mielnicki’s first major test since moving up from junior middleweight to the 160-pound division.
“I respect Ammo Williams because he has proven himself against top competition, but this is my time. I’ve dedicated my life to becoming a world champion, and every sacrifice I’ve made has prepared me for moments like this,” said Mielnicki.
“When that bell rings, fans are going to see a fighter who is hungry, confident, and ready to prove he belongs among the elite. I’m coming to make a statement and take another step towards a world title.”
Williams (20-2, 12 KOs) is seeking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames in March. The 30-year-old Houston native also challenged Hamzah Sheeraz in 2024, losing by stoppage in the 11th round.
Williams said he has relocated his training camp to Dallas to work with Derrick James, who has trained several world champions.
“After my previous world championship bout with Adames, I learned valuable lessons about what it takes to dominate at the highest level,” Williams said.
“I have taken my talents to Dallas to train with Derrick James. Every day I get to soak in new knowledge from a completely different perspective.”
Moses set for Newark homecoming
Moses (7-0, 3 KOs), one of New Jersey’s leading young prospects, will compete in his hometown for the first time as a professional.
The 21-year-old featherweight has already earned two six-round decision victories in 2026. His Sept. 4 appearance is expected to be his first scheduled eight-round bout.
Moses, the younger cousin of two-time Olympic gold medalist and former undisputed champion Shakur Stevenson, turned professional in 2024 after a successful amateur career.
“We ina bityyyyyy!” Moses said. “Make sure y’all come support, watch me beat on someone. Newark, we outside!”
The event will headline the third installment of “The Fight,” the monthly boxing series presented by TNT Sports and DAZN. The card will air in the United States on TNT, truTV and DAZN, with international coverage available on DAZN.
Tickets go on presale July 17 and will become available to the general public July 18 through Prudential Center.
The event will mark Matchroom Boxing’s first promotion at Prudential Center.
“We are excited to welcome Matchroom Boxing to Prudential Center for the first time,” said Dylan Wanagiel, the venue’s vice president of sports properties and special events.
“We are proud to provide a stage for elite competitors hailing from around the world and also those fighting in their own backyard here in New Jersey.”
Additional bouts for the Sept. 4 card will be announced at a later date.